Cosmetic Dentistry: Subtle Changes for Big DifferencesCosmetic Dentistry: Subtle Changes for Big Differences

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Cosmetic Dentistry: Subtle Changes for Big Differences

Cosmetic dentistry involves large scale procedures such as braces for adults, but this field also offers simple procedures that can make a huge difference to your smile. Hi! My name is Corky, and I have been committed to having the best smile possible for years. However, like many people, I also have to live within a budget. Because of that, I have found the best ways to make my smile look amazing without spending a lot of time or money at the dentists. If you are looking for a place to learn about the procedures that give you the best value for your money, you have come to the right place. In this blog, I am going to discuss procedures ranging from teeth whitening to veneers, and I am going to tell you how to make your smile beautiful!

Your Dentures: How to Prevent Staining and Discolouration

14 August 2020
 Categories: Dentist, Blog

Your teeth will become discoloured throughout your lifetime, and this is a fact of life. The speed and intensity of that discolouration will be largely dependent on what you consume, and there are some items (coffee, red wine, nicotine) that are known to accelerate the discolouration process. It doesn't matter whether your teeth are your own or prosthetic teeth attached to a denture base. There are also other forms of discolouration and staining that are specific to dentures. What can you do to keep this discolouration and staining from affecting your smile?

A Quick Rinse

Dentures actually have an advantage over natural teeth when it comes to minimising the impact of stain-causing substances. If you could take natural teeth out and rinse them after consuming something with the potential to cause discolouration, this would be beneficial. But you can in fact do this with your dentures, and you should, when it's convenient. Of course, this is in addition to the actual cleaning and overnight soaking of your dentures.

Denture Bleach

Rinsing your dentures will minimise the effect of these stain-causing substances, but it won't entirely prevent discolouration. Your dentures can be regularly bleached, using a product specifically designed for dentures, which you can find at most pharmacies, or you can ask your dentist for recommendations. This is different from household bleach, which can be too caustic and corrosive on your dentures. Just follow the instructions on the denture bleach packaging, and repeat the process when needed.

Darker Stains

Darker stains that appear to be almost black can occasionally be an issue with dentures. These stains can develop at the gum line and are difficult to shift with cleaning or even a denture bleach. When there was a minor error with the production of your dentures, the individual prosthetic teeth might not have been properly sealed. This creates a small pocket at the base of the teeth, and this pocket can gradually achieve a particularly dark form of staining. Although your dentures are still perfectly functional, this dark staining doesn't look pleasant and can also be unhygienic. In this instance, take your dentures for servicing so that the sealant can be inspected.

So whether your teeth are natural, dentures, or a combination of the two (as is the case with partial dentures), you need to be vigilant in preventing discolouration. And with dentures, a specific type of vigilance is necessary to keep your smile beautifully white. Contact a dentist to learn more about caring for your dentures.