Do Dental Implants Become Stained Like Natural Teeth?

About half the population are unhappy with their teeth, and the biggest reason why usually has to do with the color. Natural teeth are prone to becoming stained if they are exposed to dark-colored foods and beverages too often, or they might start to become discolored simply due to the passage of time. But what about dental implants? This treatment is often hailed as the most lifelike option for tooth replacement, but does it also mimic the natural tooth’s vulnerability to becoming discolored? Here’s what you should know when it comes to dental implant stains.

Can Dental Implants Become Discolored?

The simple answer to the question “Do dental implants stain?” is: yes, but not very easily. Dental implant restorations (which can include crowns, bridges, and dentures) are often made out of porcelain. Unlike your natural teeth, porcelain is actually highly stain-resistant. This is because your enamel is porous, meaning there are lots of little spaces and holds that stain-causing particles can pass through; meanwhile, porcelain is not porous, meaning the particles in question have a harder time getting past the surface. As such, dental implants are actually much less likely to become stained than natural teeth.

However, the risk of staining dental implants is not zero. With enough wear and tear or improper maintenance, the surface of your implant restorations could grow rough, putting it at greater risk for discoloration. For this reason, it’s highly recommended that you always use a soft toothbrush and nonabrasive toothpaste so that the surface of your dental implant restoration(s) remains as smooth as possible. Even with the best care, though, dental implants can eventually become discolored if they’re exposed to staining risk factors often enough.

How Can You Lower the Risk of Dental Implant Stains?

Just like your natural teeth, the kind of care you give your dental implants can help minimize the risk of discoloration. Here are some basic steps you can take:

• Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco. The tar and nicotine in tobacco products can cause staining, and they also increase the risk of dental implant failure.
• Be aware of dark-colored foods and beverages (such as coffee and berries) that contain tannins. This substance is notorious for leaving dark stains, and the risk of doing so only increases with repeated exposure.
• Brush and floss after every meal. Many foods contain acids of chemicals that can damage and discolor implant restorations (as well as your natural teeth), and they should be removed as quickly as possible before they have a chance to do any lasting damage.

Dental implants don’t just restore the functionality of your teeth; they also restore the beauty of your smile. As long as you’re consistently taking good care of your restorations and are aware of what can potentially cause stains, you can look forward to getting many years out of your bright new grin!

About the Practice

At Bethel Dental Clinic, part of our formula for dental care is staying on the cutting edge of dental technology and techniques. We offer all-inclusive dental implant care, meaning we handle both the placement and restoration of the dental implant post in one location. We also offer tips for taking care of your dental implants so that you can enjoy the benefits from your dazzling, stable new smile for many years to come. To schedule a dental implant consultation, visit our website.