Dentists consider dental implants to be the best way to replace lost teeth. They look and function just like real teeth because they are made out of durable and beautiful materials of high quality that allow them to thoroughly fuse with the jawbone. Since dental implants don’t have enamel like natural teeth, you might be wondering whether they are vulnerable to stains and discoloration. Here’s what you should know about what can discolor your implants and how to keep them looking great for life.
Can My Dental Implants Develop Stains?
The artificial teeth attached to dental implants are made out of stain-resistant porcelain or ceramic materials, meaning that they cannot develop stains as long as the glaze on their surface remains intact. This glaze can be damaged due to improper care, such as using an abrasive toothpaste or a toothbrush with bristles that are too stiff. This will roughen up the surface of the dental implants, giving the pigments and dyes that cause stains more surface area to bind to and making the artificial teeth more vulnerable to discoloration.
It’s also worth noting that tobacco use, in addition to being a notorious culprit behind the failure of dental implants, can leave nasty residues and stains on your dental implants, leaving them with an unsightly yellow or brownish appearance.
How Can I Keep My Dental Implants Shiny and Bright?
Luckily, there are effective ways for you to keep your dental implants looking great and working properly for decades to come. Gel toothpastes are much less abrasive than conventional varieties, making them great for polishing your implants without scratching the glaze on their surface. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush can also help you give your restorations a thorough yet gentle clean. It’s ideal to brush and rinse at least thirty minutes after every meal.
You should also take care to consume foods and beverages that are heavy in pigments and dyes in moderation. A few of these include coffee, tea, red wine, berries, colorful candies, colas, and sports drinks.
Perhaps most importantly, you should kick the smoking habit or take care not to start one. While this will do a lot to keep your implants looking great, it will also keep the gums they depend on healthy and strong. This will help them stay healthy in the long run and can prevent you from needing costly replacements.
Dental implants are intended to be a long-term investment, and it only makes sense to take care of your smile’s appearance after investing so much time and effort into restoring it. With proper care, your dental implants can last for decades or even a lifetime.
About the Author
Dr. Tommy Murph earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina and has completed over 600 hours of continuing education courses. He is a member of the American Dental Association and the South Carolina Dental Association. His office in Conway, SC offers general, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry as well as dental implant services. For more information on caring for your dental implants, contact his office online or dial (843) 488-4357.