Bleached Blemishes: Can Dental Implants Be Whitened?

If you’re feeling self-conscious about stained or discolored teeth, you’re not alone. Millions of people have received professional whitening treatments from their dentist to brighten their smiles. It’s the best way to get the results you’re hoping for without causing tooth sensitivity from harsh over-the-counter whiteners. If you have dental implants, however, abrasive ingredients aren’t all you have to worry about. Many patients wonder whether it’s possible to have their teeth whitened with their restoration in place. If you’re curious, keep reading to find out!

Can Dental Implants Be Lightened?

Dental implants are typically made of durable porcelain which is not as porous as the teeth you were born with. Usually, this works in your favor because it makes your prosthetic resistant to stains and breaks. If you’re hoping to lighten your grin, though, it can be a bit of a hindrance because your natural teeth will be impacted but your dental implant won’t. Many patients don’t want to defeat the purpose of having cosmetic work done if it means their false tooth stands out like a sore thumb.

That said, if your dental implant is situated further back in your mouth and replaced a molar or pre-molar, then it may not matter to you whether it exactly matches your whitened teeth because it’s less noticeable. The whitening ingredients don’t harm your restoration; they just won’t change its color.

How Can I Whiten My Teeth With a Dental Implant?

If you’re determined to proceed with teeth whitening despite your dental implant, chat with your dentist. They’ll be able to walk through the possible options to help you achieve your ideal outcome. There are a couple of things you could try including:

• Whitening before placing your dental implant. Your dental implant consists of a metal support rod that’s capped by a dental crown customized to match your teeth. If you know you want a whiter shade, ask your dentist to complete that procedure before creating your new false tooth. That way, it can be color-matched to the upgraded hue.
• Replacing your dental implant. If your dental implant is already established, you can ask your dentist to remove it to whiten your teeth. Then, they can replace it with one that’s updated to match the new color of your grin.

Remember, too, that over time your normal teeth will naturally darken while your restoration won’t. You may want to plan on periodic whitening treatments to maintain the shade that your dental implant was matched to.

Thankfully, your dental implant won’t necessarily keep you from lightening your grin, but you may need to take a few extra steps to achieve an ideal shade.

About the Practice

At Village Dental, patients of all ages benefit from two experts dedicated to improving their dental health. With nearly a decade of experience, they’re able to provide a full array of dental services under one roof, including teeth whitening. They’re happy to provide customizable take-home kits using professional-grade ingredients so you get the smile of your dreams from the comfort of your own home. You’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (775) 827-1113.