Dental implants are famed for their incredible durability. Many people are drawn to the treatment by the prospect of a beautiful restoration that could last a lifetime, one so realistic that they might honestly forget that they ever lost a tooth in the first place.
However, that durability doesn’t do you much good if your dental implant starts to become heavily discolored over time; for that reason, you might rightfully wonder whether you can expect your dental implant to become stained in the same way as your natural teeth. If you’re curious, here’s what you should know about that prospect.
Can I Stain My Dental Implants?
The answer is a little bit complicated. The reason why your enamel gradually collects stains is because of nearly microscopic pores on the surface of the teeth. Over time dark pigments from the food you eat will collect in these small pores, changing the color of your enamel.
The teeth used for dental implants are typically made from porcelain. This substance is non-porous, which makes it naturally resistant to stains. As a consequence, you can expect them to collect stains much more slowly than your actual teeth will.
However, your dental implants aren’t entirely stain-proof. If you have a bit of a coffee addiction, if you smoke, or if you have other habits that could change the shade of your teeth, you could still yellow your porcelain tooth over time.
Can I Whiten My Dental Implants?
You might think this is no big deal—if you ever notice your dental implant is a little yellow, you could always whiten them, right?
Unfortunately, this isn’t really possible. The fact that porcelain is non-porous makes them resistant to stains, but it also makes teeth whitening ineffective. If you’re unhappy with its color, you’ll have to replace it entirely.
For this reason, it’s critical that you be proactive about keeping your dental implant white. Avoid lifestyle choices that could cause your teeth to darken and be sure to keep up with your dental hygiene. You should also see your dentist often for checkups and cleanings—they’ll be able to help you keep your dental implant shining for a long time to come!
About Our Practice
At Hanover Road Dental Health, we make it a priority to always be there for our patients. We’ll have multiple providers at our dental office at any given time, which means that no matter when or why you need our help, you’ll find a friendly face here. We know that getting your dental implant can be stressful, but with our team by your side, your dream smile is always well within your reach.
If you have any questions about dental implants, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (603) 643-4362.