Can Dental Implants Be Whitened?

Many people want a whiter smile, and teeth whitening is a popular method to achieve it. However, if you have dental implants and are thinking about whitening, you might wonder if it will work. Unfortunately, traditional whitening treatments don’t affect implants, as they only work on natural teeth. This means your implants won’t change color along with your natural teeth. But don’t worry, there are other options. Read on to learn more about these alternatives.

Can Dental Implants Be Whitened?

The crown of a dental implant, typically made of porcelain, is less porous than natural enamel, making it more stain-resistant. However, this also means that traditional whitening treatments are ineffective on porcelain.

Unlike natural teeth, stains don’t penetrate the porcelain surface of dental implants. Because of this, professional whitening treatments won’t work on porcelain crowns. Luckily, there are other ways that your dentist can help brighten your smile.

What If I Want to Brighten My Smile?

Achieving a uniformly white smile can be challenging with dental implants since the dental-grade porcelain used to make them doesn’t respond to bleaching solutions the same way as natural teeth. This can create a noticeable color difference between the implant crown and natural teeth, leading to an uneven and potentially unnatural look.

If you want a brighter smile, you have two options. If you haven’t had implant treatment yet, it’s best to whiten your natural teeth first and then match the implant crown to your new tooth color. For those with existing implants, even though porcelain resists stains, it can still discolor over time. In such cases, alternative methods are needed to keep your smile looking consistent.

If your dental implant shows discoloration, consult your dentist to explore treatment options for restoring your smile. Your dentist may recommend replacing the porcelain crown on your implant. Afterward, you can use teeth whitening treatments to enhance the natural brightness of your smile.

About Our Practice

Dr. Joe Kern and his compassionate team at Kern Family Dentistry provide exceptional care for their Grafton patients. They work together to create personalized treatment plans that meet your unique needs and preferences. With a passion for dentistry, the team strives to maintain a welcoming and positive environment while delivering high-quality dental services. For those seeking a brighter smile, they offer teeth whitening options. To learn more about teeth whitening with dental implants or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call them at (701) 352-2013.