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Having dentures is like getting a makeover—it’s the perfect time for you to get the smile you always wanted! However, it will be weird to see shiny dentures together with your real teeth, which may be naturally yellowish or stained from drinking too much coffee or wine. As such, one frequently asked question among patients who need new dentures is if they should whiten their teeth before getting an artificial set.
When is the best time to whiten your teeth when you’re planning to get new dentures? Read on to learn about your options.
Understanding the process of teeth-whitening
Before considering to undergo teeth-whitening, you need to know why your pearly whites aren’t so white. It may be natural, due to poor oral hygiene, or staining due to particular food and drinks. There are different ways to restore your teeth’s brightness.
For simple staining, you can undergo simple dental prophylaxis or deep cleaning of your teeth performed by a dentist. You may also buy take-home cleaning kits available at most dental clinics. There are also bleaching products being sold at most drugstores. These options vary in terms of their cost and results. However, if you go with the DIY option, know that there will be certain risks involved. Most whitening products have hydrogen peroxide, while some use activated charcoal. These bleaching agents can cause excessive wear on your teeth’s natural enamel coating over time.
Managing your expectations
For most people, it’s tempting to go overboard when they hear that there’s a way to get shiny, bright teeth. However, go a shade too light, and your smile could look unappealingly fake. Here’s one way to measure the natural whiteness of your teeth: go to the mirror and check out the whites of your eyes. Your teeth should just be a little lighter.
Additionally, bear in mind that teeth whitening is not a permanent solution. Smokers and heavy coffee drinkers may find their teeth turn yellowish or brownish again after a few months. If this is you, make sure to see your dentist for general cleaning at least twice a year.
Examining the condition of your remaining teeth
If you’re planning to whiten your teeth for a total makeover, there are several factors to consider. Most young people who have little work done may find it easier to brighten their teeth before getting dentures. Moreover, consider how many denture implants you’re getting. If you lost a tooth or two due to an accident, it might be beneficial to whiten your natural ones to match the new dentures.
If you’ve already had a lot of fillings, crowns, and other work done, whitening your teeth will not significantly matter. An option for such a case is re-doing the old dental work to complement your new set. However, keep in mind that each time you have a filling remove, you lose a little more of your natural tooth. The dentist will have to drill deeper into the enamel, which could weaken the tooth’s structure.
Choosing a good dental clinic is vital in getting excellent dentures to make your smile more radiant than ever. Modern dental practices offer dentures in different shades to blend with your natural teeth, even if you opt not to whiten them.
For dentures and other dental concerns, Dental House MI in Ann Arbor is your best option. Get in touch with our team of experts and see how we can help!
