Have you ever lost one of your pearly whites? If so, you know that losing a tooth or several of them can make you feel less confident and uncomfortable around others. But dental implants offer a good solution. They have metal screws and look like real teeth. If you’re worried they might get stains like your natural teeth, you’re not the only one. Let’s find out if dental implants can change color.
How Teeth Stain
Teeth can get stained when things like coffee, tea, red wine, cola, grape juice, and other colored foods or drinks stick to the protein film on the enamel. Also, if the enamel gets thin, you might see the yellow dentin layer underneath. This can make your teeth look discolored.
3 Things That Can Cause Implant Discoloration
Dental implants are often made of titanium, and the restorations on them are usually made of dental-grade porcelain. This material is really good at resisting stains, so it’s not likely to change color. But some things can still make it get stained, like:
- Discolored cement: Implant restorations, like crowns, are usually held in place with dental cement. If this cement changes color over time, it can make the crowns look stained.
- Titanium visibility: If titanium dental implants are put too close to the front of the gums, the dark color of titanium might show through, making it look like they’re discolored.
- Scratched glaze: Implant restorations have a glaze on them to make them look real. But if this glaze gets scratched or damaged, it can make them look discolored.
How to Avoid Implant Staining
To avoid scratching your implant restorations, it’s best to use a soft toothbrush and gentle toothpaste. Make sure to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time to keep them clean. Also, try to avoid smoking or using tobacco products, as they can harm your implants.
It’s also a good idea to limit how much stain-causing foods and drinks you have. If you drink coffee or cola, using a straw can help keep them from touching your teeth too much.
If your implant restorations start to look discolored, don’t worry! Your dentist can help by reglazing them, replacing any discolored cement, or even making new ones if needed. This will keep your implants looking great and your smile shining for a long time to come!
About the Practice
The friendly team at Avant Dentistry in Chevy Chase cares a lot about keeping your smile healthy. They work hard to give you great care that’s also quick and easy. If you’re missing teeth, they can help by giving you dental implants to fill in those gaps. They’ll also give you tips on how to make your implants last a long time so you can keep enjoying your beautiful smile. If you want to learn more about dental implants or make an appointment, just give Avant Dentistry a call at (240) 743-4421 or visit their website.