A bright white smile is attractive, but even more than that, it can convey the idea that you are confident, youthful, healthy, and energetic. If you would like to whiten your teeth, your dentist can explain your treatment options. But what if you have restorations in your mouth, such as dental implants? Is it still possible to achieve a brighter smile? This blog post discusses some important facts that you should keep in mind.
Does Whitening Work on Dental Implants?
Teeth whitening formulas work by using hydrogen peroxide or another bleaching agent to penetrate the tooth enamel. Then, the formula breaks up unwanted pigment molecules, leading to a brighter smile.
Dental implant crowns, bridges, and dentures are made of materials, such as porcelain, that are quite different from natural tooth enamel. Whitening formulas cannot penetrate them. Therefore, not even the most powerful professional treatment cannot significantly change their color. Attempting to whiten your natural teeth when you have implants could result in a mismatched smile.
Brightening Your Smile with Dental Implants
The above information might seem a little disheartening, but it does not necessarily mean there is no way for you to achieve your aesthetic goals. Here are a few ideas that you could discuss with your dentist:
- If your dental implants are in the back of your mouth, you may be a candidate for professional whitening services. After all, since no one usually sees those teeth, it may not matter if they are a different color from the front of your smile.
- If you do not have dental implants yet, you might ask if you can receive whitening before your restorations are placed. Then, your new teeth can be shade-matched to blend in with your brighter dentition.
- If you already have dental implants, your dentist may be able to whiten your natural teeth and then replace your restorations with ones that match your smile’s new color.
- If your dental implant restorations are discolored, your dental team may be able to polish them to remove surface stains. If the discoloration is severe, you may need to get them replaced. Do not use whitening toothpaste or other abrasive products in an attempt to lighten them; you could accidentally end up scratching them and worsening their appearance.
Even though dental implants do not respond to whitening products, you may still be able to gain a brighter smile! Talk to your care team about your treatment options.
Meet the Practice
The general dentists and specialists at Four Town Dental are proud to offer a full range of treatments for members of our community, including dental implants and multiple types of teeth whitening. If you would like to enhance the appearance of your smile, we would be pleased to consult with you. Contact our friendly staff in Enfield at 860-856-6928.