Now that you have dentures, you can enjoy a fully restored smile again! While you’ll be able to eat comfortably and feel more confident about your teeth, they’ll still need to be cleaned often as well as taken to your dentist for occasional checkups. But what if you wanted to maintain their initial shine? Read on to learn how to whiten dentures safely and the methods you should avoid.
Professional Denture Whitening
If you want the safest and most effective option for brightening your teeth, then you should always consider visiting your dentist first. This especially goes for dentures, as they’ll have the tools and medical-grade solutions to professionally clean your smile. During your appointment, your dentist will remove stubborn stains and polish your restorations in only a few minutes. Along with a dental checkup, you’ll leave the office knowing your teeth are as good as new!
At-Home Denture Brightening
You can also whiten your dentures in the convenience of your home with certain dental cleaners. By soaking them in a non-abrasive solution overnight, you’ll be able to loosen and remove deposit buildup while you sleep. Talk to your dentist before changing your dental cleaners, that way they can ensure you’re using the best material for your smile.
Whitening Methods to Avoid
While it might seem obvious to try regular teeth whitening methods, there are some that can actually harm your dentures in the long run. Here are a few you should avoid:
- Hot water: Though some people use hot water to thoroughly rinse and clean objects, the extreme temperature can permanently damage and warp dentures.
- At-Home teeth whitening products: It may be tempting to try brightening your restorations with solutions like whitening toothpastes and bleach-containing products. However, they can weaken and negatively change the color of your dentures.
- Abrasive cleaning items: Just like with natural teeth, stiff-bristled toothbrushes and abrasive toothpastes/cleaners can ruin your shiny dentures by scratching their surface.
Over time, your restorations can lose their brightness, but there are several ways you can bring it back! Consult your dentist when considering professional and at-home whitening methods, and they’ll help find what’s best for you.
About the Author
Dr. Sherif Albert earned his dental doctorate from the Ohio State University College of Dentistry. He provides outstanding and comprehensive dental care by staying up-to-date through continuing education. With his expert team, he offers multiple advanced treatments including dentures and professional cleanings to keep them nice and shiny! If you want to know more on how to whiten dentures, visit his website or call 815-462-9990.