Over time, dentures react to food and drinks just as natural teeth do – they stain. This is especially true for smokers, heavy coffee or tea drinks, and even those who love red wine. There are a wide variety of reasons people opt for dentures, whether it’s because they don’t have many natural teeth remaining or there’s an underlying health issue causing oral issues. They also have the added benefit of teeth that look new, depending on your chosen shade.
Can You Whiten Dentures?
The short answer to this question is no. You cannot whiten dentures. However, they can be finished with a superficial surface stain that allows for a standard clean and polish.
Dentures are not the same as natural teeth. They will not respond to a whitening kit, solution, or even toothpaste the way your natural teeth do. They are made from acrylic, and when you choose your dentures, you choose the shade of white those dentures will be. It cannot be changed or altered after the fact.
What Can Happen If You Try To Whiten Dentures?
If you do try to whiten your dentures, it can weaken or damage them. As a result, you will need emergency denture repairs.
The cost of dentures runs into several thousand dollars so, you don’t want to risk your investment. While it’s possible to make denture repairs, it is just as likely an attempt at whitening will damage your dentures beyond repair. So, rather than eat the denture cost and pay for a new set, you should visit the denture clinic.
What Can You Do If You Are Not Happy With The Colour Of Your Dentures?
High-quality dentures are less likely to stain or discolour, whereas low-quality dentures are more porous. Therefore, they are at a higher risk of discolouration. The staining you see is likely superficial. It’s generally a build-up of plaque or film and that build-up gives the appearance of staining due to discolouration.
Proper teeth cleaning should prevent this issue. If your daily brushing regimen isn’t doing the job, then visit your denture clinic for a professional polish. A polish will make your dentures sparkle like new, and there is no need for whitening chemicals.
Partial dentures present a unique issue, especially if it’s the upper denture. What do you do if you are all set for new partial dentures but there is staining on your natural teeth? The first step is to have your natural teeth whitened. Once this is done, you can match your new denture set to this colour so the two match. Always whiten your natural teeth first because there is no guarantee they will whiten to the particular denture shade you want. There might be a slight difference in shades, but you don’t want it to be too obvious. Of course, if you are getting a full set of dentures, you can choose whichever shade you prefer.
You can:
- Brush at least twice daily
- Soak your dentures in denture cleaner (be sure to brush before you soak)
- Have a professional clean and polish
You shouldn’t:
- Scrub dentures using a whitening toothpaste
- Attempt to clean your dentures with any whitening product
- Use bleach as a cleaning or soaking solution. You may find advice suggesting you can dilute bleach and use it, but it will damage your dentures. It could also potentially damage your gums.
Regular dental visits are important, whether you have dentures or natural teeth. Remember, the dentist will check your cheeks, tongue, and soft areas of your mouth. They can detect infections, oral conditions, and even mouth cancer in its earliest stages.
If you are thinking about partial dentures, full dentures, or immediate dentures, contact us to take the next step. At Aesthetic Dental & Denture Clinic, we offer free consultations and many AfterPay dental treatments.
