Will Bleaching Affect my Implant Crowns?
Dental implants are a great way to restore the loss of a natural tooth. They serve as the permanent root replacement for the crown that sits atop them. Whether you’ve lost one tooth or a few more teeth, you’ll find that an implant will restore both functionality and aesthetics. The crown itself can be made to fit perfectly in with your natural teeth and can even be color matched so that no one can tell you’ve had dental work done.
But what if your natural teeth just aren’t as pearly white as you’d like for them to be? When done safely, there are bleaching treatments and procedures that can whiten your teeth by several shades. For dental patients who have implant crowns, there may be a few concerns to address when it comes to a bleaching treatment.
Do you know how bleaching or whitening your natural teeth could impact your implant crowns?
Just what is teeth bleaching or whitening?
There are several methods and options when it comes to whitening your teeth. Some can be completed at home, either with a dentist-prescribed or an over-the-counter option. While others are done in the comfort of your dentist’s office. It’s important to note that over-the-counter options don’t always ensure consistency with the bleaching agent used. You may be using a product that isn’t as strong as it needs to be, or you may use one that has too much of the bleaching agent. This can potentially lead to damage to your teeth.
Getting a treatment or whitening products from your dentist can be the better, healthier, and safer option to consider. That said, it’s also worth noting that these bleaching or whitening agents only work on natural teeth. They cannot effectively alter the color of your fillings, crowns, and other dental work.
Crown color selection
When you go through the process of getting an implant, you will be given the opportunity to match the color of your new crown with the color of your natural teeth. There are several material options for implants, but there is one thing about them all that doesn’t change. They cannot change color on their own unless they are damaged and stained.
The color of your crowns is selected based on the color of your natural teeth on the day that you undergo the procedure. If the color of your natural teeth changes, whether through staining, damage, or a whitening treatment, the color of your crown will not change.
If you’d like to change the color of your natural teeth, it’s a good idea to do so before getting your permanent crown color picked.
Can whitening products cause damage?
When safety-approved products are used correctly and safely, they will generally not damage your healthy teeth, gums, and dental work. With that said, there are some situations where dental patients may find their gums to be more sensitive after safe whitening procedures. Even whitening procedures that are completed by your dental professional.
In studies that were published in 2013, in the Journal of Dentistry, four types of dental restorative materials were tested with 40% hydrogen peroxide to see how they reacted. The studies demonstrated that each of the materials had some surface softening. The concern is that once materials are in a softened state, brushing and other pressure on the dental work can result in damage and the potential loss of material.
Your dental professional would be aware of any potential risks to your dental work and natural teeth and would ensure you are well informed before you leave the office. The concerns arise when people do their own treatments at home and don’t always read the safety information that accompanies the treatment products. As mentioned, the levels of the whitening agent are not always consistent. Stronger products could potentially get you faster and whiter results. But at the potential risk to your teeth, gums, and dental work.
Does your crown look a lighter shade than your natural teeth?
During the implant and crown process, your dentist will take care to ensure the crown matches the color of your natural teeth. Life, circumstances, and foods or drinks that can stain will happen over the years. Your natural teeth may yellow or stain. Your crown will not. It may start to look much whiter than the natural teeth surrounding it.
What should you do if you want whiter teeth?
It’s understandable to want to lighten your teeth and brighten your smile if you’ve noticed it just isn’t the shade of white it once was. Instead of getting an over-the-counter kit from your grocery store or ordering toothpaste that claims to whiten and brighten, schedule an appointment with your dentist.
A talk with your dentist prior to whitening your teeth can help to reduce any potential damage to your implant crowns. At your appointment, your dentist can examine your teeth for any signs of decay that may result in sensitivity during bleaching treatments. You could also get your routine dental cleaning done. Removing plaque and tartar from your teeth can help the whitening process.
Your dentist may be able to schedule a whitening treatment that addresses your want for a brighter smile. And can also help you to decide the next steps in ensuring that your new bright smile is matched by the color of your crowns. You may need to have the crown replaced. This should only be done once you have achieved your preferred shade of white for your natural teeth.
There are a few steps that you can take to help keep your natural teeth looking their whitest and brightest. Don’t smoke or use tobacco products. Minimize dark wines, juices, teas, and coffees.
As tempting as it is to fall for marketing that tries to convince you a paste, gel, or toothpaste is the right way to whiten your teeth, your dental professional should be your first stop on your journey to a brighter smile. Your dentist and other dental professionals understand the best methods of whitening smiles, protecting your teeth and gums, and of course ensuring that your crowns don’t get damaged during the process. Contact us today and schedule your appointment!
