Do Dental Implants Stain Like Natural Teeth?
Are you struggling to chew food due to the spaces in your mouth or embarrassed of your toothless smile? Getting high-quality porcelain dental implants is an effective solution. They are natural looking. All thanks to innovations in dental technology and state-of-the-art methods.
Similar to real teeth, implants have a protective outer layer that keeps them in a tip-top state. It means the glazed finish on them has stain-resistant properties. But that finish can get damaged and make the implant discolored. So although an implant restores your ability to chew and smile, it is essential to be aware of habits that can make them stained.
Do Dental Implants Resist Stains? Do They Stain Like Original Teeth?
Implants are manufactured typically using ceramic porcelain material. It makes them resistant to stains. But if you maintain the glaze on the implant surface, your restoration will not stain. Also, if you polish the implant using abrasive material or acid fluoride treatment, the implant surface becomes rough. It makes them highly prone to discoloration. Stains can also develop along gum lining under the restoration.
When it comes to natural teeth, they could become discolored due to many reasons. Firstly, tooth decay, trauma, or taking some medicines can cause internal stains on the teeth. Secondly, the dentin within the natural teeth becomes yellow with time.
When combined with enamel erosion, the teeth completely turn yellow. But when you have dental implants, you will never face these problems. However, certain habits and behavior could affect your restoration similarly to your original teeth. In the end, we can say that implants do not stain like real teeth because these restorations do not have enamel or dentin.
How Can Implant Become Discolored?
Dental implants can lose their beauty due to the following factors:
Discolored Dental Cement
The dentist near you secures a few restorations into its position using a special dental cement. With time, it loses its color. It significantly affects the look of fake teeth.
Scratches and Damage
The glaze on the dental implant gets scratched with time. It results in a discolored and dull appearance. Sometimes, pigments can also collect in those scratches.
Visible Implant
In a few cases, the dentist uses implants made using titanium alloy. Sometimes, its dark shade might show through the thin gum tissue. This adds to the discoloration of restoration.
Preventing Dental Implant Discoloration
Consider the following tips to prevent unsightly staining on the implant:
Practice Good Dental Hygiene
After getting implants, it is essential to take care of them like your original teeth. Therefore, floss and brush two times a day, besides washing your mouth using mouthwash. But be gentle. Strictly say no to abrasive and harsh toothpaste. It’s because toothpaste containing high levels of silica and baking soda can wear away the surface and cause scratches on your restoration.
Refrain from Chewing Tobacco and Smoking
The nicotine and tar in tobacco and smoking products can make your dental implant turn brown or yellow. Therefore, it is essential to cut off their use.
Regularly Schedule a Visit to the Dental Clinic
Fixing an appointment with the dentist at Tri-Cities Dental Specialist
can do a lot to minimize the risk of stains on your replacement and original teeth.
Avoid Bad Oral Habits
If you have a habit of opening bottles with your teeth or chewing on pen caps, stop it immediately. These habits not only cause damage but also stains on the implant.
Refrain from Beverages and Foods Containing Tannins
Restrict the intake of certain drinks and foods that are rich in tannins. These include berries of all types, tea, coffee, red wine, etc. Tannins are a naturally-occurring substance that functions together with acid and chromogens to cause corrosion on teeth. It results in the formation of dark stains on the implant. The best advice is to take dark drinks via a straw. It will help you cut off their contact with the implant and teeth.
Wash Your Mouth After Every Meal
Certain foods and drinks lead to acids or other chemicals. These chemicals may erode your dental implant and may discolor your teeth. Therefore, one great way to minimize discoloration is to wash your mouth and brush after meals. But make sure it should be at least 30 minutes after you finish your meal.