Will My Dental Implants Discolor? What Factors You Should Consider Today

Everyone wants a healthy smile with white and straight teeth. After all, a great smile can leave a good impression on everyone you come across. This means losing a tooth can have deteriorating effects on your cosmetic health and self-confidence. However, dental implants have made it possible to regain that great smile when you lose a tooth.

That being said, you still need to take care of dental implants in order to maintain a natural look. Despite the fact that they won’t suffer decay or cavities like real teeth, they may become stained or cracked if they are not well cared for. According to research, about half the population (48%) are unhappy with their teeth with discolored teeth as the main reason for being unhappy. Here’s what you should know about dental implants and how they become discolored in the first place.

Do dental implants discolor?

Dental implants are usually made from ceramic porcelain materials that are resistant to stains. This means that the dental implants will not stain as long as you maintain the glaze on the surface of the implant. However, if you polish them with abrasive materials or treat them with acid fluoride treatments, the surface will grow rough. This puts them at a greater risk of becoming discolored. If you have dental implants, use a soft toothbrush and a gentle toothpaste for daily use to prevent damage.

Dental implant bonding discoloration

Despite the fact that dental implants may not discolor, the dental bonding material that holds them in place is susceptible to discoloration. It is not uncommon for people to experience staining around the edges of their implants. When this happens, a professional polish by a professional dentist is necessary to remove the stains and restore the tooth’s natural beauty.

How do you take care of your dental implants at home?

Dental implants are designed to act like natural teeth. As such, they need to be treated with the same care. You should brush and floss at least twice a day and use a gentle mouthwash when you can. To minimize any chances of discoloration, there are certain things you should avoid, includingL

Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco

If you were smoking before receiving dental implants, this is the right time for you to kick the habit. Tobacco products contain tar and nicotine, both of which discolor teeth with a yellow or brownish look. Additionally, smoking and chewing tobacco could cause your implant to fail, making it necessary to get new dental implants sooner than necessary.

Avoid foods and drinks that contain tannins

Certain foods and drinks such as coffee, berries, red wine, and tea may contain a naturally occurring substance known as tannins. This substance works together with chromogens and acid to corrode teeth and leave behind dark stains that can only be removed by a dental professional.

Avoid using highly abrasive toothpastes

One of the most common causes of dental implant damage is the use of abrasive toothpaste and toothbrushes. The regular toothpaste most people use can be highly abrasive to ceramic or porcelain dental implants. Even though it will clean your teeth, it may cause damages that will lead to stains. Your general dentist will recommend non-abrasive kinds of toothpaste or gels that will only gently clean the surface of the teeth. It is highly important that you follow your dentist’s suggestions in order to keep your teeth healthy for a long time.

Ensure you brush and rinse after each meal

Foods can leave acids or other chemicals behind, many of which will damage and discolor your teeth. These chemicals may also erode your implants or veneers. If you decide to brush after meals, then it should be at least half an hour after you complete your meal. Brushing immediately after consuming foods with acid will cause more damage to sensitive teeth.

The beauty of dental implants

Dental implants restore your confidence and the functionality of your teeth. As long as they are well-maintained, it is easy to avoid discoloration from occurring. Rely on Loudoun Dental Associates for more information about dental implants and veneers today.