We all know the powerful feeling of confidence that a bright smile can provide, but eventually, that glowing luster of a brand-new denture can stain and fade, leaving you self-conscious about your smile all over again.
Coffee, tobacco, and poor brushing habits are all contributing factors to dentures that become yellow or discolored over time. Tiny scratches and damage to the denture will also trap bacteria and cause stubborn stains that feel impossible to get out.
Luckily, there are several, safe solutions to stained dentures that are simple and easy to follow. We have gathered 5 easy ways for you to restore your pearly whites, so you’ll be on your way to a renewed smile in no time.
How-To Whiten Dentures
Follow these dentist approved, step-by-step solutions for brighten dentures in as little as 30 minutes.
1. Whiten Dentures FAST With Denture Cleansers
If you’re looking for the fastest way to brighten dentures at home, we strongly recommend soaking your teeth in a reputable denture cleaning solution.
Sometimes called “Denture Cleansers”, these solutions are effervescent and will work to quickly remove surface stains and offer whitening power that goes beyond traditional toothpaste. Make sure to purchase a product that is optimized for brightening and plan to soak your dentures for 15-30 minutes. We also recommend getting a product that is professionally rated for the best results.
Keep in mind that these solutions may not correct deep stains in dentures, but work great for surface stains and most discoloration. If your dentures are damaged and in need of repair, you will need to speak with your dentist to ensure that all cracks, chips, and broken pieces are fixed as soon as possible.
2. Use Hydrogen Peroxide
Used carefully and in small amounts, hydrogen peroxide is a fantastic at-home remedy for stained dentures.
Place your dentures in a solution of ½ cup of warm water with ½ cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide, and let them soak for 30 minutes. The water should be at least room temperature, but not too hot.
When the dentures are done soaking, remove them and gently brush them with a soft bristled brush and your denture specific toothpaste to clean off any excess peroxide and debris.
If you have flexible dentures, DO NOT use hydrogen peroxide and hot water since it can damage and warp the softer material they are made of.
3. Brush with Baking Soda
Baking soda is a common household item that can be turned into an effective brightening paste for dentures as well as regular teeth.
Using a very soft bristled brush, dampen the bristles with warm water and dip the brush into a small amount of baking soda. Baking soda can be abrasive to dentures and cause minor scratches if used too aggressively, so make sure to use the powder sparingly.
Gently brush the mixture across your entire denture, making sure to brush every part of the denture.
Once you’re finished brushing, rinse your dentures with warm water until you get rid of all the baking soda particles.
4. Daily Brushing Habits are the Best Medicine
Prevention is key when maintaining the quality and brightness of your dentures. When you take daily care of your dentures and use safe eating practices, you can reduce damage, staining, and discoloration to keep your dentures looking newer, for longer.
Make sure to brush your dentures with soft bristled brushes twice a day, and soak them overnight when necessary. Not all types of dentures need to be soaked every night, so make sure that you’re following the specific care instructions given to you by your dentist.
5. Schedule a Professional Cleaning
If you feel that the at-home remedies or preventatives just aren’t cutting it, you can always schedule a denture cleaning with your dentist’s office.
The advantage of having a professional cleaning is to have a professional set of eyes to examine your dentures for any small damages or imperfections that you may have missed. You can also use this as an opportunity to address any other issues like soreness or an ill-fitting denture that may be contributing factors to any damage you’re experiencing.
If your dentures are old or beyond the point of professional cleaning, you may need to get new dentures or replacement teeth for your current dentures.
Do NOT Whiten Dentures With Bleach
Soaking, treating, or brushing your dentures in hot water or any type of bleach or bleach product WILL damage them.
Bleach is an extremely corrosive and toxic chemical that can severely damage and eat away at your denture, especially if left to soak. Bleaching your dentures may also have the opposite desired effect and can permanently discolor the teeth on your denture, in addition to ruining the acrylic gums.
Finally, bleach is very toxic to the human body and can cause painful burns in the mouth and more serious health problems if ingested. Please utilize safe, at-home remedies to brighten your dentures, and if you’re still not happy with the results, call your dental office to schedule a professional cleaning.
You Deserve to Love Your Smile
At Affordable Dentures & Implants, we understand the value of a vibrant, white smile. If you’re in need of a professional cleaning, repair, or reline, please contact your local Affordable Dentures & Implants office to speak to a qualified dental professional today. We provide the best services, for the lowest price, and we can often perform your service in as little as one day! Call today to schedule an appointment at an office near you.
Please note that these solutions will not change the original base color of your dentures, so if you are unhappy with the original color of your dentures, we recommend reaching out to your local office to secure a whiter set.