From Polished to Tarnished: Do Dental Implants Stain?

Dental implants are an excellent replacement option for patients with one or more gaps in their smile. Besides having numerous oral health benefits thanks to their ingenious design, they also look fantastic! Many consider them to be the closest science can get to natural teeth in both form and appearance.

“But, wait,” you might be thinking, “does that mean they can stain like natural teeth?”

The answer to that is a bit more complicated than you might think. Keep reading to find out if you have to worry about your dental implants going from perfectly polished to worn and tarnished!

The Science of Staining

A huge determining factor in how stained something can get is what it’s made out of. Porous materials like white marble, for example, are often not compact enough to prevent strong pigments from soaking past the surface. Nonporous materials, on the other hand, don’t absorb color residue as easily, making them easier to wipe clean. All you have to do, after all, is lift the discoloration from the surface with water or cleaner.

What Are Dental Implants Made Out Of?

Fortunately, dental implants are made from porcelain and topped with a glaze. Porcelain is already a nonporous material that is known for resisting stains and being easy to maintain. Adding a glaze to the surface effectively seals off open pours, making dental implants extra durable.

While this will make your replacement teeth far easier to clean and keep clean, it’s important not to put the cart before the horse. Your implants can still be stained!

How Do Dental Implants Stain?

Dental implants are more likely to absorb strong pigments when the porcelain glaze is compromised. Rough textures like those in teeth whitening products, fluoride treatments, and even hard-bristled toothbrushes can wear down this all-important sealant. That’s why it’s crucial to double-check your oral hygiene tools with your dentist before using them on your implants!

The Dental Illusion You Might Not Have Thought Of

Your replacements will stain far slower than your naturals, if at all. Which means if you’re not keeping up with your oral hygiene, you could have yellowy teeth sitting right next to your radiant dental implants. This will make your implants more obvious in a way you might not like and will make dental discoloration look unsightly by comparison.

You And Your Dentist Can Help Your Implants Stay Pristine

By brushing your teeth (and implants!) twice daily and flossing once per day, you can prevent most stains from settling deep beneath the surface layer of your pearly whites. In other words, simple daily maintenance goes a long way towards preventing discoloration!

Your dentist can help, too. Visit them biannually for a professional dental cleaning and ask them for implant-friendly product recommendations. With their tips and tricks, your smile can look bright for years to come!

About the Author

Dr. Jonathan Aguilar earned his dental degree from the Texas A&M Health Science Center Baylor College of Dentistry (now the Texas A&M College of Dentistry). He knows that accurate education is important and will make sure you’re well-informed about your dental implants and how best to take care of them! To contact Dr. Aguilar’s office, call 940-566-5332.