When you’re missing one or more of your teeth, this can make it hard to feel confident in your beam and comfortable in social situations. There is fortunately a range of replacement options available, including dental implants. These titanium screws feature a restoration on top of them that looks like a natural tooth, but can it stain the same way as the rest of your smile? Keep reading to learn if they can become discolored.
How Teeth Stain
Teeth stain when things like coffee, tea, red wine, cola, grape juice, and other foods or drinks that contain pigmented residue build up in the protein film that covers the enamel. Thinning tooth enamel can also allow the dentin to show through, since this layer of the tooth is naturally yellow, this makes your teeth appear discolored.
3 Things That Can Cause Implant Discoloration
Dental implants are usually made from titanium, and the restorations that top them are often made from dental-grade porcelain. This material is highly stain resistant, which means that it’s unlikely to become discolored. Even so, there are a few things that may lead to discoloration, such as:
- Discolored cement – Implant restorations like crowns are often held in place by dental cement. If this cement becomes discolored over time, this can make the crowns look stained.
- Titanium showing through – If titanium dental implants are placed too close to the front of the gums, the dark color may show through, which can make them look discolored.
- Scratched glaze – Implant restorations have glaze on them to give them a more realistic look.If this glaze becomes damaged, this can make them look discolored.
How to Avoid Implant Staining
Using a non-abrasive toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste when performing your oral hygiene routine will lessen your risk of scratching your implant restorations. You should also be sure to brush your teeth twice per day for two minutes each time.
The same goes for avoiding smoking cigarettes and using other tobacco products as well as limiting stain-causing foods and drinks. You can also sip coffee, cola, and other dark beverages through a straw to lessen how much contact they have with your smile. If your implant restorations become discolored, your dentist can reglaze them, replace discolored cement, or have new ones made.
About the Practice
Skyline Dental gives patients the quality care they need to keep their smiles looking their best. They offer a variety of restorative treatments, including dental implants to fill in gaps. They can give you advice on how to make your implants last as long as possible and continue giving you a gorgeous, healthy grin. Call Skyline Dental at (973) 949-0925 or visit their website to learn more about dental implants or to set up an appointment with Dr. Aliana Henkin.