Everyone wants to show off a bright, white smile. Even If you no longer have any natural teeth, a custom set of dentures can give you the complete set of teeth that you have been hoping for. However, even the whitest set of dentures can become discolored over time if you aren’t careful. Continue reading to learn more about caring for your dentures and keeping them in good condition.
How Can You Whiten Your Dentures?
There are two main ways that you can make your dentures look as good as new. Here are your options.
Professional Denture Cleaning
The best option is to ask your dentist about having your dentures professionally cleaning. This way, they can remove surface stains and polish them. Your prosthetic will look brand new, and it doesn’t take very long. Many people who have dentures have this completed about twice a year to keep their dentures in good condition.
At-Home Dentures Cleaning
If you aren’t ready to have your dentures professionally cleaned, you could purchase a non-abrasive denture cleaner. This may be all you need to restore your smile to its original color. By leaving them to soak overnight, a denture cleaner helps to loosen and remove both stains and deposit buildup. If you aren’t sure about a particular product or solution, ask your dentist for some advice.
What to Avoid When Cleaning Your Dentures
You should stay away from the following methods when you clean your dentures.
- Abrasive Products: If you don’t use the right products, they can cause damage to your dentures. Be sure to avoid using hard and medium-bristled toothbrushes, harsh toothpaste, and abrasive cleaners meant for whitening. You don’t want to ruin the brightness of your dentures.
- At-Home Whitening: These solutions, like whitening toothpaste and bleaching products are not intended or safe for dentures.
- Hot Water: Hot water is great at disinfecting certain items, but it shouldn’t be used for dentures. High temperatures can warp the prosthetic, causing it to become permanently damaged.
How to Prevent Your Dentures From Staining
- Rinse and brush your dentures with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive cleaner after meals.
- At night, leave your dentures in a denture-soaking solution.
- Cut back on dark-colored foods and beverages, like coffee, red wine, tomato sauce, and dark-colored betties. If you enjoy one of these items, rinse your dentures afterward.
Over time, dentures become dull and discolored. By using the methods listed above, you can restore some of their brightness and keep them bright, white, and beautiful.
About the Practice
At Main Line Dental Group, we have a team of skilled dentures to serve patients in the Wayne community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. To learn more about dentures or to schedule a consultation, visit our website or call (610) 971-0717.