If you’re someone who cares a lot about how your teeth look and feel, you probably know that dental implants are one of the most powerful methods of tooth replacement. Their realism and stability have made them one of the most popular ways to replace a tooth among both dentists and patients.
You may also know that teeth whitening is an excellent way to brighten your teeth incredibly quickly, producing a smile up to eight shades whiter than it was before. However, if you’re interested in getting both dental implants and teeth whitening, there are some factors that can make that complicated. Here’s what you should know.
Can You Whiten Dental Implants?
For the most part, dental implant restorations are constructed from porcelain. Your natural enamel is incredibly porous, which is the key to the success of whitening treatments. Porcelain, however, is much more impermeable. Bleaching solution will not be able to penetrate very far into your dental implant’s restoration, which makes professional whitening largely ineffective on them.
Porcelain and Surface Stains
It’s also worth noting, however, that the same traits that make porcelain unresponsive to teeth whitening also make them resistant to food and drink stains. While it’s common to start to see your natural smile darken as a result of your diet, this happens much more slowly with dental implants.
That’s not to say that your restoration can’t yellow over time (porcelain is “stain-resistant,” not “stain-proof”) but that isn’t nearly as much of a concern as it is for your enamel.
Can I Still Whiten My Other Teeth?
In the case of some porcelain dental work, like veneers or dental crowns, dentists usually recommend against whitening treatment. This is because the bleaching gel may weaken the bond between your them and your teeth.
However, that isn’t quite as much of a concern for your dental implants. Because dental implants are resistant to stains, it’s common for them to eventually become brighter than your other teeth. Getting teeth whitening periodically is a good way to make sure that your teeth are the same color as your restoration.
About Our Practice
At Vista Dental Care, we want to be your family’s one-stop shop for every one of your oral health needs. Whether you need preventive care, simple restorations, cosmetic care, or even dental implants, we have both the technology and the expertise to give you the oral healthcare you deserve. We do all of this in an environment that’s sure to put even the most anxious patient at ease.
If you have any questions about teeth whitening or dental implants, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (775) 626-3535.