How to Keep Your Dentures Bright and White!

Everyone wants to have a bright, white smile, even if you have dentures. However, even the brightest set of dentures can become discolored over time. Fortunately, there are several ways you can whiten your restoration and avoid future discoloration. Continue reading to learn more about the dos and don’ts of whitening your dentures as well as how you can keep them white going forward.

How to Whiten Your Dentures

There are two main ways you can clean up and brighten your dentures so that they look new again:

Professional Denture Cleaning

Ask your dentist about having your dentures professionally cleaned. This way, they can remove surface stains and polish them. Your restoration will look brand new, and it doesn’t take very long. Many people who have dentures get this done twice a year to keep their smile fresh.

At-Home Denture Cleaning

If you aren’t quite ready to have your dentures professionally cleaned, you could purchase a non-abrasive denture cleaner. This may be all you need to restore your dentures to their original shade. By leaving them soaking overnight, a denture cleaner helps to loosen and remove both stains and deposit buildup. If you are unsure about a particular product or solution, ask your dentist. This way, they can give you proper guidance on the best way to maintain your restoration.

What to Avoid When Cleaning Your Dentures

Here are some methods you should avoid when it comes to restoring your dentures:

• Abrasive Products: If you’re using the wrong products, they can damage your dentures. Be sure to avoid using hard-bristled toothbrushes, harsh toothpaste, and abrasive cleaners. You don’t want to ruin the brightness of your dentures.
• At-Home Teeth Whitening Solutions: These types of solutions, like whitening toothpaste and bleaching products, are not made for and aren’t usually safe for dentures.
• Hot Water: This is a great method for cleaning certain objects, but dentures are not included. If you place dentures in water that’s too hot, they can become warped and permanently damaged.

How to Prevent Your Dentures from Staining

• Rinse and brush your dentures with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive cleaner when you remove them at night.
• Cut back on highly pigmented foods and beverages, like coffee, red wine, tomato sauce, and dark-colored berries.
• Brush or rinse your dentures on the occasion when you do have a pigmented food or drink.

Dentures can become dull and discolored over time, but by using the tips listed above, you can restore their brightness and feel confident to show off a whiter smile!

About the Practice

At New Image Dentistry, we have a team of 4 skilled dentists serving San Antonio. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need conveniently under one roof! To learn more about dentures or to schedule an appointment at our office, visit our website or call (210) 804-1558.