Can You Get Your Teeth Whitened if You Have Dentures?

Many people wonder if it's possible to whiten their teeth when they have dentures. While the question might seem straightforward, the answer involves several factors such as the material of your dentures, your oral health, and the available options. This article will explore the methods to whiten dentures and understand the limitations involved.

Methods to Whiten Your Dentures

There are a few steps you can take to make your dentures appear whiter. Here are some methods that might help:

1. Soaking and Brushing

One of the simplest ways to clean your dentures is to soak them in a denture cleaning solution. Regular brushing with a specialized denture brush can also help remove stains. Additionally, there are denture whitening kits available that can be used at home.

2. Using Whitening Agents

There are certain products specifically designed to whiten dentures. Here are some options:

Hydrogen Peroxide: This powerful whitening agent can be used to remove stains from dentures. Follow the instructions carefully to avoid any damage. Denture Bleach: Denture bleach is a bleaching agent specifically designed for dentures, which can be applied to help whiten them. Baking Soda: Baking soda is a natural substance that can also help whiten dentures and even natural teeth. Be gentle when using it to avoid scratches. White Vinegar: Using white vinegar can also aid in whitening dentures, although it is less commonly used and should be used cautiously. Salt Floss or Mouthwash: These can also be effective in cleaning and maintaining the appearance of your dentures.

3. Cleaning with Basic Denture Soaking Agents

A basic denture soaking agent is usually sufficient for removing stains, followed by a gentle brushing. However, it's important to note that changing the complete shade of your dentures is generally not possible once they are made. The specific shade chosen during the construction of your dentures is what will remain.

Limitations and Considerations

It's crucial to understand that whitening dentures is not the same as whitening natural teeth. Dentures are made of acrylic, which is a hard, durable material that doesn't change color. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Inability to Change Denture Shade

The shade of your dentures is determined at the time of fabrication and cannot be changed. If you want whiter dentures, the only option is to have new ones manufactured in a lighter shade.

2. Natural Teeth Frailty

If you have an upper denture and still have some lower natural teeth, these teeth might not be healthy enough to withstand bleaching treatments. In such cases, it would be necessary to either extract the remaining natural teeth or get a new set of dentures to match.

Conclusion

While there are some methods to make your dentures appear whiter, it's important to be aware of the limitations. If you are specifically interested in a whiter smile, you may need to revisit your dentist to discuss the possibility of getting lighter shade dentures. Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to keep your dentures looking their best.