Why Teeth Whitening Doesn’t Work on Dental Implants

young woman with great smileLosing one or more teeth has a dramatic impact on a smile’s appearance, as well as its health and integrity. By replacing lost teeth with implant-supported dental prostheses, Drs. Maria and Thanasi Loukas have helped many patients regain their confidence and quality of life after suffering tooth loss. Yet, once implants are secured and replacement teeth are fully functional, how do you protect your new smile’s lifelike appearance and keep your replacement teeth beautiful? When healthy teeth become stained or discolored, professional teeth whitening or cosmetic teeth bonding can erase the blemishes and restore their brilliance. However, the same procedure may not work as well on fabricated teeth replacements. With a few instructions from your Park Ridge implant dentists, you won’t need teeth whitening or bonding to preserve your replacement teeth’s new brilliance for longer.

How Teeth whitening Works

Most surface tooth stains, known as extrinsic stains, occur on or just underneath tooth enamel—the strong, protective layer of mineral crystals that surrounds and protects teeth. To restore a tooth’s natural color, professional teeth whitening utilizes prescription-strength chemicals that penetrate tooth enamel to erase unsightly stains. Most replacement teeth are fabricated from lifelike dental porcelain, which may mimic tooth enamel’s light reflecting properties, but can become damaged from the chemicals used in professional teeth-whitening procedures.

How to Keep Replacement Teeth Spotless

The key to caring for your replacement teeth’s image is the same as caring for their health—prevention. Dental implants are the most lifelike tooth replacements, and are the only option that can replace lost teeth roots. Keeping implants clean and healthy is similar to maintaining healthy natural teeth, which involves brushing and flossing at least twice every day (especially along the gum line) and attending regular dental checkups and cleanings. If your dental crown, partial denture, or full denture becomes discolored or worn down from years of use, then the prosthesis may need replacement. The implants that support them, however, should last a lifetime with adequate care and maintenance.

About Dr. Maria and Dr. Thanasi Loukas:

Whether you with to improve the appearance of otherwise healthy teeth, or restore your oral health after suffering tooth loss, we can help you regain your confidence through a new and improved smile. Dr. Maria and Dr. Thanasi Loukas are highly-skilled restorative and cosmetic dentists serving the Park Ridge and surrounding Chicago communities. To schedule an appointment, call Loukas General Dentistry today at (847) 696-1919.

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