Having a white smile is something almost everyone wants. It helps them feel confident, and that may be true for you, even if you don’t have your natural teeth anymore. While your customized dentures might’ve looked lifelike and aesthetic when you first got them, you might’ve noticed that they are a bit discolored now. To help give you back a grin you love, here are tips to brighten your prosthetic and how to avoid stains in the future.
What Can I Do to Whiten My Dentures?
Starting off with whitening your dentures, there are two main ways that you can do it. You can go to your dentist for a professional cleaning. They will take time to remove surface stains and polish them, allowing your prosthetic to look like new once again! Better yet, this visit doesn’t take too long. It’s usually recommended that you get this twice a year to keep your full smile in great shape.
If you want something just a bit more convenient, then you can consider doing it at home. Find a non-abrasive denture cleaning product and let your dentures soak in it overnight. This can help loosen and remove stains and any deposit buildup. You can also talk to your dentist about what products or solutions they recommend as well.
Should I Avoid Using Anything at Home?
That being said, when you choose to whiten your dentures at home, there are certain things you should avoid as they can cause damage. Here are things to steer clear of:
- Hot water can seem like a great way to remove buildup, but the heat can warp your prosthetic. This can permanently damage them.
- At-home whitening solutions like certain toothpastes or products with bleach may be used on natural teeth, but they aren’t intended or safe for this restoration.
- Abrasive products, such as a medium- or hard-bristle toothbrush or a harsh cleaner, can lead to scratches. This can make your dentures look dull.
How Can I Prevent Stains in the Future?
Once you get your dentures bright, then you should try your best to keep them that way! Thankfully, it can be as easy as cleaning them properly. Be sure you rinse and brush them twice a day with the proper tools, like a prosthetic-specific brush and gentle, clear soap. Soak them while you sleep, and you can effectively remove any bacteria or plaque that holds onto stains.
Not only that, but avoid dark-colored items as well. Berries, tomato sauce, red wine, and coffee have particles that can linger in your prosthetic. In the end, follow the tips above and get back to a confident, full smile you feel your best in.
About the Author
Dr. Jennifer Pham earned her dental degree from the Temple University School of Dentistry. She has a decade of experience, which she uses to give the Leesburg community the high-quality care they deserve. Dr. Pham is proud to offer dentures as a reliable solution to missing teeth, ensuring each one is custom-made and lets you look your best. If you want to whiten your prosthetic, schedule an appointment or call her office at (703) 666-3867.