Is teeth whitening on the table if you have a dental implant? You’re in luck! Having a dental implant doesn’t automatically prevent you from brightening your natural teeth. However, there is an important difference between whitening natural teeth and changing the color of an implant restoration. Keep reading to understand how whitening works to learn realistic expectations and achieve a smile that looks balanced and natural.
Teeth Whitening Doesn’t Change Implant Color
Professional teeth whitening treatments are designed to lighten natural tooth enamel. The bleaching agents used during whitening don’t work the same way on dental materials such as porcelain or ceramic.
This means your dental implant crown, bridge, or other restoration generally won’t become whiter when your natural teeth are professionally bleached.
If your implant restoration already matches your smile, this may not be a concern. However, if your natural teeth become noticeably lighter than the implant crown, the difference in shade may become more visible.
Consider Whitening Before Replacing Your Restoration
If your implant restoration is visible when you smile and you’re unhappy with its color, your dentist may recommend whitening your natural teeth before replacing the restoration.
Why? Because your dentist can use your newly whitened natural teeth as a guide when selecting the shade for a new implant crown or other restoration, creating a more seamless appearance.
If your implant crown is already in place and matches your current smile, professional whitening may still be possible. Your dentist can evaluate your teeth and restoration and help you determine whether whitening is likely to produce the result you’re hoping for.
Your Dentist Should Evaluate Your Smile First
Before professional whitening, your dentist should examine your teeth and gums to make sure they’re healthy enough for treatment. Active cavities, gum disease, or other oral health concerns may need to be addressed first.
Your dentist can also examine your implant restoration to make sure it is functioning properly and doesn’t have signs of damage or wear. This consultation is especially important if you have multiple crowns, veneers, bridges, or other restorations in addition to your dental implant.
Professional Whitening Can Still Be an Option
Having a dental implant doesn’t mean you have to give up on achieving a brighter smile! Professional whitening can safely improve the color of your natural teeth when performed under the guidance of a dental professional.
Just remember that your implant restoration won’t whiten along with your natural teeth. If you’re planning a smile makeover or considering replacing an older implant crown, whitening beforehand can help your dentist choose a restoration shade that complements your newly brightened smile.
If you have a dental implant and want a whiter smile, don’t try to guess which whitening treatment is right for you. Schedule a consultation with your dentist. They can evaluate your natural teeth, implant restoration, and overall oral health and recommend an approach designed to give you a healthy, balanced, and confident smile.
About the Practice
Have you lost some confidence because the brightness of your teeth has dulled over time? With teeth whitening treatment at Skyline Dental, get ready to smile proudly in photos again! We’re efficient and convenient, with whitening done in a single hour-long visit and late afternoon and Saturdays hours open for appointments. Book yours now online or feel free to speak with a friendly team member by phone at our Springfield office at (973) 963-8181.