Can Dentures Be Whitened?

Can Dentures Be Whitened?

Loose and missing teeth can have a major impact on quality of life. Fortunately, dentures can restore your smile and let you indulge in all your favorite foods again. You’ll be able to speak and eat comfortably and smile with confidence.

Still, dentures require care and the occasional whitening. As with natural teeth, dentures can become discolored over time. Certain foods and drinks can leave stains on dentures, while habits like smoking tobacco can also lead to discoloration. But because dentures are made from different materials, you won’t be able to treat them as natural teeth when it comes to cleaning and whitening techniques. 

So, how can you whiten your dentures? Learn about the types of dentures and causes of discoloration before recommending the best whitening techniques. 

Types of Dentures

There are several types of dentures. Partial dentures are great if you still have some natural teeth, as they can fill the gaps left by missing teeth. We can customize the look and color of the artificial teeth to perfectly match your natural pearly whites.

Full dentures are a practical solution when you’ve lost most of your teeth in the upper or lower arch. These dentures consist of an acrylic base and realistic-looking artificial teeth. The artificial teeth are typically crafted from acrylic resin or porcelain. They can be held in place with dental adhesive, fixed with dental implants or clipped into implants while remaining removable. 

Whether you get partial or full dentures, there are many benefits. They help prevent sunken cheeks and let you chew properly again!

Common Causes of Denture Discoloration

Acrylic resin and porcelain dentures are durable and long-lasting. But they can pickup stains from the foods you eat and liquids you drink, as with natural teeth. Over time, dentures can turn yellow or start looking brown as the stains build up and take over. The primary food and drink culprits that cause discoloration include berries, tomato sauce, red wine and coffee. Avoiding these foods can help prevent discoloration.

Another leading cause of discolored dentures is smoking tobacco products. Cigarettes can cause yellowing and hard-to-remove stains on natural teeth, and studies show resin composite dentures may be even more prone to stains. As smoke particles mix with saliva, they stick to teeth or dentures and become more prominent over time. 

Poor oral hygiene can also lead to denture discoloration. Even if you have full dentures, you must still prioritize oral hygiene. Regularly rinse your mouth and clean your gums with a soft-bristle toothbrush or gauze. In addition, you must clean your dentures regularly. Remove them after meals and brush them with a non-abrasive denture cleaner and a soft-bristle brush. You should also soak your dentures in water or a denture soak solution overnight. 

How to Whiten Dentures

Over-the-counter whitening strips and even professional teeth whitening procedures are not suitable for dentures and may cause damage. Fortunately, there are several ways you can whiten your dentures at home. 

• Rinse often: Preventing stains is the best course of action to keep your dentures looking their best. Rinse your dentures after consuming anything that may cause stains. 
• Denture solution: Use a denture solution to soak your dentures at night. Then, brush them in the morning with a soft-bristle brush and rinse them with water before fitting them back into your mouth. Soaking your dentures can help loosen and lift stains.
• Hydrogen peroxide: Remove your dentures and apply a hydrogen peroxide solution to the surface before gently scrubbing away stains with a soft-bristle brush. Then, rinse thoroughly.
• White vinegar: Vinegar is a potent yet natural sanitizer. While vinegar can kill bacteria that may be lurking on your dentures, it can also remove stubborn stains. Soak your dentures in a cup of white vinegar. In the morning, scrub with a soft-bristle toothbrush and then rinse with water. 
• Baking soda: Mix a solution of baking soda and water. Coat your dentures with the solution and then brush gently to remove the stains. Remember to rinse with water before placing your dentures back in your mouth. 
• Lemon: Citric acid offers lightening properties that can help whiten your dentures. Soak your dentures in a mixture of fresh lemon juice and water for about half an hour, then rinse with water. 
• Salt: Soaking your dentures in a saltwater solution overnight may help lift stains. In the morning, sprinkle a generous amount of salt onto a wet toothbrush and gently scrub the dentures.

While these home remedies can help whiten your dentures, you can also consider professional denture whitening services when these efforts don’t suffice. 

Denture Whitening Services at Henson Family Dental

Henson Family Dental custom-crafts your dentures to ensure a comfortable fit and a natural look. We offer a variety of denture services to help you keep smiling confidently. Our Temple Terrace office is family-friendly, modern and equipped with relaxing patient amenities. Whether you’re considering dentures for the first time, want to replace your old dentures or need whitening denture teeth services, our expert dentists can restore your smile.

Contact us online or directly at (813) 981-7213 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our expert dental services. 

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