Replacing missing teeth with dental implants will restore the look, structure, and health of your smile. Though the advantages of this tooth replacement solution seem evident, you might worry that these fixtures can interfere with your ability to undergo dental procedures.
Dental implants can last in your smile for up to twenty years or longer. During this time, you can still receive other types of dental work without issue. However, you might require a unique approach to oral health care with these additions in your mouth. Read on to learn more about how implant dentistry could impact other dental care you may need.
Can I Whiten a Dental Implant?
The color of your teeth may change over time and could cause you to feel unhappy or insecure if your smile appears yellow or stained. Teeth bleaching treatments from your dentist can lift stains and give you a brighter smile. However, if you have dental implants, or any other ceramic restorations, the material of prosthetic teeth will not respond to this whitening treatment.
Although you cannot whiten implant crowns, these fixtures are designed to resist staining. But if you want to brighten the appearance of your implants, you should talk to your dentist about replacing the implant crown.
While dentists can whiten the natural teeth around an implant, the only way to get a whiter look for an implant is to replace the prosthetic teeth. Preserve the color of your smile and your dental work with good oral hygiene.
What If I Get a Cavity Near an Implant?
Dental implants will not be in danger of decay like your natural teeth. However, the surrounding teeth could form cavities if you do not take proper care of your smile.
Your dentist can treat these cavities as they normally would unless they develop too close to your implant. In some cases, your dentist might need to remove the dental prosthetic to access the decay and restore it properly. They can then replace the implant crown.
To prevent cavities, practice proper oral hygiene, including attending routine teeth cleanings at your dentist’s office. Maintaining good oral health will allow your implant to perform at its greatest function as well as it can as well as keep your natural teeth free of decay and other problems.
Can I Straighten My Teeth with Dental Implants?
If you want to straighten crooked teeth, you might worry that fixed dental implants can stop you from amending your dental alignment concerns. Implants feature an anchor within the jaw that fuses with the bone to support prosthetic teeth above the gumline. Because of this secure fusion, teeth-straightening treatment cannot move your implant.
Many people seek to align their smiles before they receive an implant for this reason. But if you already have an implant, talk to your dentist about your smile aesthetic goals. They may refer you to an orthodontist who can target the teeth around your implant and shift them into a straighter position.