You’re not alone if you’re feeling self-conscious about gaps in your grin left behind by missing teeth. Fortunately, your dentist can rebuild your smile’s appearance and functionality with dental implants. Unlike bridges and dentures, this treatment involves surgically embedding a support rod into your jawbone to function like the root of a tooth.
This is capped with a dental crown or other appropriate restoration made to look as lifelike as possible. However, many patients have questions about this service, like whether dental implants stain like natural enamel. Continue reading to learn more about it!
What Are Dental Implants Made From?
If you’re worried that your dental implants might stain just as easily as the teeth you were born with, you can set your concerns aside. These restorations typically have a titanium pole that’s inserted directly into your jaw which eventually fuses with the bone material to become a permanent part of your mouth.
Then, depending on how many teeth you’ve lost, your dentist can provide a lifelike dental crown, dentures, or bridge to anchor to your implants. These teeth are usually made from durable porcelain that reflects light like enamel. It can also be customized to be the correct color, shape, and size of your natural grin for seamless results.
Do Dental Implants Stain?
These restorations tend to be stronger and longer lasting than alternative treatments, but it’s natural to wonder whether they’ll eventually become discolored and need to be repaired or replaced.
The porcelain material of your implants is less porous than enamel and doesn’t absorb pigments as easily. However, if you consume copious amounts of darkly tinted foods and beverages, the ceramic surface can eventually start to look worse for wear and become stained.
Furthermore, the bonding cement that anchors your dental crown to the abutment of your implant is susceptible to discoloration. This can cause a dark line at the edges of your new tooth that may require a professional polishing to address.
How Can I Brighten My Dental Implants?
You might think that if your prosthetic becomes stained that you can whiten it like natural teeth, but that’s typically not the case. The ceramic doesn’t respond to topical treatments the same way, so if you’re unhappy with the shade, you’ll likely need your dentist’s help. Your provider can can clean or re-glaze your implant so that it looks brighter, or replace your restoration if needed.
If you have additional questions about maintaining your dental implants, the best way to get accurate answers is to discuss any concerns with your provider during your initial consultation!
Meet the Author
Dr. April Korte has nearly a decade of experience helping improve people’s lives by enhancing their oral health. She earned her dental degree from Midwestern University, where she graduated at the top of her class, and remains committed to continuing education to provide the most current treatment options. She provides a comprehensive menu of services to meet all your needs at one location, including placing and restoring dental implants. You can request an appointment on the website or call (952) 448-2868.