Can Dental Implants Be Lightened?

After getting dental implants, many people want to take another step towards their ideal smile and have their teeth lightened. Be warned, though, after dental implants are placed, they cannot be lightened.

Real teeth are porous. Because of this, they can change color or get stains, but it also means they can be whitened. Artificial teeth used for restorations are made of porcelain or other materials that are not porous, which means they cannot change color or be whitened, even by professional methods. If you want a white smile with dental implants, talk to your dentist and consider the following.

Before Getting Dental Implants

If you have not yet had implants placed, you can have your real teeth lightened to your desired shade. Then you will start the process for dental implants and the artificial teeth will be designed to perfectly match your newly whitened teeth.

Dental implants will never change color, but, as we all know, real teeth will gradually change color and stain. For best results, you can have your real teeth whitened periodically to ensure they continue to match your dental implants.

After Getting Dental Implants

If you already have dental implants, making them whiter is not possible. Another option is to remove part of the implant known as the crown, whiten all of the natural teeth to the desired shade, then place a new crown that matches their new shade.

Do you have more questions about dental implants or lightening them? Please feel free to visit our office or call Ridge View Dental! We are happy to answer all your questions.