If you have one or more dental implants but want a whiter, brighter smile, you may be wondering if professional teeth whitening can help. The good news is that if you still have any remaining natural teeth, you may be an excellent candidate for this treatment. However, if your dental implants look a little dingy, here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to do to restore your smile.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
In order to understand why professional teeth whitening is so effective on real teeth, you’ll need to know how it works. You see, this treatment applies powerful bleaching agents directly to the teeth. These chemicals enter via tiny holes in your enamel, breaking up stains from the inside. Professional whitening can typically remove up to eight shades of stains and discoloration in about one hour for in-office treatment.
Unfortunately, however, because your dental implant crowns are usually made of porcelain or ceramic, they do not have these pores, and thus professional whitening does not work on them.
How Can I Get My Dental Implants Whiter?
If your dental implant crowns are looking a little lackluster, you may be wondering how you can change their shade if regular teeth whitening won’t work. Unfortunately, the only way to do this is to replace the crowns entirely. The good news is that unless they’re damaged, this is the only portion of the three-piece prosthetic that you’ll need to replace. Thus, it should cost less and be a much less intensive process than getting a new dental implant. In fact, your entire treatment can likely be done in just two visits – one to take impressions and order the replacements, and one to swap them out.
How to Match Your Teeth
If you’re about to get a dental implant and aren’t thrilled with the current shade of your smile, speak to your dentist about getting a professional whitening treatment before you select your replacement teeth. This will ensure that they’re matched to your ideal white and lessen the need for replacing your implant crown due to shade discrepancies later.
Remember, while you cannot whiten a dental implant, you can whiten your natural teeth and replace your restoration crown to match them. If you’d like to learn more about professional whitening, or if it’s time to upgrade your prosthetic, speak to your dentist about your options today!
About Dr. Stampe
Dr. Melody Stampe earned her undergraduate degree at the University of North Texas, and her dental degree at Baylor College of Dentistry. She has since earned her certification with the American Board of Craniofacial Dental Sleep Medicine, among many other incredible accomplishments. Dr. Stampe is a proud, active member of the American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, American Academy of Craniofacial Pain, American Academy of Orofacial Pain, American Academy of Facial Esthetics, and the Dallas County Dental Society. To schedule an appointment for dental implants, professional whitening, or any other treatment at CityLine Dental Center, visit our website or call 972-231-9499.