Dental implants are a common procedure used to restore both the look and function of your teeth. But if you already have dental implants, and are now considering whitening your teeth, you might be wondering if this procedure isn't possible for you.
The short answer is that yes, having dental implants does not prevent you from whitening your teeth. However, the implants themselves will not be affected by the treatment.
Teeth whitening solutions use bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide in order to change the color of the natural tooth. Dental implants are most often made of some combination of metal and porcelain on top to offer the implant a natural look. Hydrogen peroxide does not affect the dental crown.
As a result, if you whiten your teeth after getting the dental implants, your natural teeth will improve their color, while the implants will remain the same. This might not be an issue if your dental implants are placed in the back of the mouth (meaning they are not visible), but if the implants are placed in the front, there could be a noticeable difference.
If you haven’t gotten the implants yet, you could discuss your wishes to whiten your teeth with your dental surgeon. The crown can be made a few shades whiter so that it will match the whitened teeth perfectly.
If you already have dental implants, the only way to make sure all your teeth match is to get the crowns replaced. Dental implants are made of three components: the metal implant inserted in the jaw, the abutment, and the porcelain crown. When you change the crown, you do not have to replace the metal implant as well.
The same can be said if you have a cemented dental crown and not a traditional implant. While the cemented crown can be a bit more difficult to remove than in the case of the dental implant, it’s still a viable option.
People generally have two options to professionally whiten their teeth:
In each case, the process is monitored by the dentist, to ensure you get the results you want. There are also several at-home kits on the market that do not require a dentist’s supervision, however, the results can be mixed, so it’s important to research the brand before using the product.
If you’re looking to enhance your smile, be it whitening your teeth, getting implants, or accessing other cosmetic dental procedures, the team at Mandeville Center for Dental Excellence is at your service.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Charles Schof or call us at (985) 626-4401 now.
