Dentures are the tried-and-true method for replacing missing teeth because they’re a versatile solution that can restore your smile’s functionality and appearance. With them in place, you can chew food sufficiently and enunciate different sounds to communicate clearly.
Plus, your prosthetics are made from lifelike, tooth-colored materials to boost your confidence. However, like your natural teeth, they can eventually become stained and start to look worse for wear. Continue reading to learn more about how you can keep your dentures looking bright white!
Can I Brighten Dentures with Teeth Whitening?
Although your restoration is customized to match the shade of your natural teeth, they can be discolored by prolonged or repeated exposure to darkly pigmented foods like coffee, tea, wine, or berries.
You might think that you can start brushing them with a special whitening paste, like you would do with your natural teeth, to remove surface stains. Unfortunately, your new grin isn’t made up of the same organic materials. Instead, they’re made from resilient porcelain or resin that won’t respond to topical treatments the same way.
Can My Dentist Whiten My Dentures?
Thankfully, your dentist has the training and state-of-the-art equipment necessary to polish your dentures and remove blemishes. You should visit them twice annually for a basic checkup and cleaning so they can monitor your oral health to identify and address any areas of concern before they progress, like gum disease. Seeing you consistently also allows them to professionally clean your prosthetics, which typically only takes a few minutes but can leave them looking brand new.
However, if you have had yours for several years and they’re more severely stained, it may be worth investing in a new restoration to enhance your appearance.
How Can I Keep My Dentures Clean?
It can be difficult to whiten dentures if they’ve already taken on a yellow or brownish hue. Fortunately, there’s plenty you can do to take care of them properly so they’re less likely to stain, such as:
- Watch what you eat. Avoid common culprits known to tint teeth and eat more wholesome snacks that support your dental health.
- Implement a routine. Remove your prosthetics twice daily and brush all surfaces gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and unscented dish soap that won’t damage them. This removes plaque that gives darkly pigmented particles something to cling to.
- Soak them at night. Placing your teeth in a glass of water or a special soaking solution overnight can kill up to 99% of germs and other particles that otherwise hide in the microscopic pores covering its surface.
If the condition of your dentures prevents you from smiling confidently, you can call your dentist to have them cleaned or replaced!
About the Practice
At DD Family Dentistry of Carrollton, you and your family benefit from two dentists who share 15+ years of combined experience helping people of all ages build happy, healthy smiles. Dr. Devarakonda and Dr. Morrison prioritize patient care and take the time to get to know you to customize treatment plans to meet your unique needs. Then, they utilize state-of-the-art equipment to deliver accurate results intended to last. If your dentures look dark, they will provide a professional cleaning. You can request an appointment on the website or call (972) 236-7906.