Dentures are the tried-and-true solution for rebuilding smiles after tooth loss because they can improve your mouth’s functionality while simultaneously enhancing your appearance. Your dentist can provide a lifelike restoration to rebuild your arches regardless of how many teeth have gone missing.
But you must care for your new teeth properly to avoid potential concerns, such as discoloration, from developing. Continue reading to learn more about how to keep your dentures looking bright and clean!
What Are Dentures Made From?
Dentures generally consist of two main parts: the base and the pontics, or artificial teeth. The foundational structure is usually made from an acrylic base that can be carved and color-matched to resemble your own connective tissues. Partial sets often also contain metal clips that anchor to healthy teeth in your mouth.
The base houses the necessary number of pontics, which are usually made from resilient ceramic, to close the gaps in your grin. This durable material reflects light like enamel and can be made to match the size, hue, and shape of your natural teeth for beautiful results that boost your confidence.
Can Dentures be Whitened?
Although your new teeth are intended to last for years, they’re not invincible. They likely won’t stain as quickly as natural enamel because the material is less porous, but prolonged or repeated exposure to darkly tinted foods and drinks can eventually leave it looking worse for wear.
Unfortunately, ceramic doesn’t respond to topical teeth whitening, so you can’t bleach your restoration to lighten its tone. Your dentist can sometimes remove surface stains with a professional cleaning, but the best way to keep it looking clean and bright is to prevent discoloration from occurring in the first place.
How Can I Preserve the Shade of My Dentures?
Thankfully, there are several things you can do to avoid staining your dentures. For instance, reducing your consumption of common culprits known to cause blemishes, such as tomatoes, berries, coffee, tea, and wine, can help preserve the tone of your new teeth.
Also, keeping them clean can help preserve their current condition and avoid potential problems. For example, removing them after meals to rinse them under gently running water helps clear away leftover food, plaque, and bacteria that give pigmented particles a surface to cling to.
You should also take them out both in the morning and at night to thoroughly scrub all surfaces with a soft-bristled toothbrush and clear dish soap, which removes germs and residue without harming the acrylic or porcelain. You can also leave them to soak in water or a special denture solution overnight to kill off germs and preserve their current condition while you sleep.
If you still have questions about brightening your smile with dentures, you can learn more by scheduling an appointment with your dentist!
About the Practice
At Northbrook Dental Group, you and your family benefit from a father-and-son dental team eager to help you build happy, healthy smiles. Dr. Janes Woodruff and his son, Dr. Justin Woodruff, collaborate to offer a comprehensive menu of services, including fitting you with lifelike dentures, to meet all your needs under one roof. Their caring approach is combined with advanced technology to improve patient comfort while delivering accurate results intended to last. You can request an appointment on the website or call (847) 272-0049.