Losing teeth no longer means that you need to settle for dentures. The great thing about dental implants is that they replace the roots and crowns of the teeth, allowing the patient to regain full function of their mouth. Dental implants look and feel just like your natural teeth, but will they become stained like real teeth too? Continue reading to learn more about dental implants and how you can keep them looking pristine!
Do Dental Implants Become Stained?
Most of the time, dental implants are made from titanium. This is a biocompatible material, so it fuses to the jawbone in a process called “osseointegration.” However, the crown, bridge, or denture that is placed on the end of the dental implant(s) is usually made from ceramic or porcelain materials that are stain-resistant. This means that your replacement tooth is unlikely to become stained once you take all of the proper steps to care for it.
How Can You Keep Your Dental Implants Bright and White?
Dental implants should be cared for in the same way as your natural teeth. To reduce your likelihood of staining, here are some steps you can implement:
- Avoid Highly Pigmented Foods and Drinks: Some foods and beverages, like coffee, red wine, tea, and berries, contain an ingredient called “tannins.” This substance can leave behind dark stains that are very challenging to remove.
- Brush After Meals: When food debris gets left behind in your mouth, bacteria feed on it and release a weak acid as a byproduct. Ultimately, this can result in tooth decay and discoloration throughout your smile. By brushing your teeth about 30 minutes after meals, you can limit these negative effects.
- Don’t Smoke: Smoking or otherwise using tobacco products results in discoloration. This is because they contain tar, nicotine, and other chemicals. Additionally, using these products increases your risk of dental implant failure. If you’re getting dental implants, this is a great time to consider giving up the habit for good.
- Stay Away from Whitening Toothpaste: Toothpaste that is typically used for teeth whitening is often too abrasive for dental implants. These are best to avoid. You should always stay away from other abrasive materials, like baking soda or stain-removing agents.
Dental implants have a wide range of benefits, including the fact that they are stain-resistant. By taking a few simple precautions, you can keep them looking as great as they feel!
About the Practice
At Heim & Carroll DMD, LLC, Dr. John P. Carroll and Dr. Veronica Yu work together to serve patients in the Glastonbury community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. They even provide the entire dental implant process – start to finish! To learn more about dental implants or to schedule a consultation, visit our website or call (860) 633-2031.
