Tooth whitening is the perfect solution for people looking for a quick and economical smile transformation. It is the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatment because it can whiten teeth that have darkened from years of certain lifestyle habits and from aging. The dentist office of Dr. Jason Baldwin, DDS near Reno, NV offers treatment options for a professional teeth whitening that can take years off of your smile and boost your confidence.
Dr. Baldwin offers both in-office and take-home options to suit your needs and your budget. While in-office whitening offers immediate results, both this and our professional at-home whitening method offers results far more superior to over-the-counter options readily available. Dr. Baldwin will evaluate your dental health and the cause of your discolored teeth to ensure that your expected results and cosmetic goals can be achieved with a teeth whitening treatment.
Why Do I Have Tooth Stains?
Common causes of tooth stains can include:
- Genetics: Some people are naturally more likely to have darker or yellowish teeth due to their genes. Genetics play a role in the thickness and color of your enamel. Your natural genetics can affect the brightness of your smile.
- Certain Medical Conditions: Some health conditions can affect tooth color. For example, certain illnesses or infections can cause changes in the enamel or dentin. This can lead to yellow or darkened teeth.
- Medications: Some medications can cause tooth discoloration, especially if taken at a young age. Other medications like antihistamines or high blood pressure drugs, can also impact the color of your teeth.
- Smoking and Tobacco Use: Tobacco products, whether smoked or chewed, contain chemicals that can easily stain the teeth. They leave yellow or brown marks can be difficult to remove.
- Dark-Colored Foods and Drinks: Beverages like coffee, tea, and red wine, as well as dark-colored sodas, can stain teeth over time. These drinks contain color pigments that can attach to enamel and cause visible stains. Foods like berries or sauces, including soy sauce and tomato sauce, can also contribute to staining.
KöR Teeth Whitening Treatment
Dr. Baldwin is pleased to offer the revolutionary KöR Teeth Whitening system to his patients from the Reno, NV area. KöR is a unique whitening system. It uses its own Tri-Barrel Hydremide Peroxide formulation and whitening gel delivery system.
These three separate barrels of chemicals are combined prior to being applied to the teeth. Keeping these chemicals separate before use allows for a more sophisticated and exceptional formula that will deliver superior results. Because of this super formula, Dr. Baldwin can lift super-resistant stains like tetracycline and fluorosis.
The KöR teeth whitening system does not require the use of lasers or lights to activate the gel. This allows for more patients to use the product at home. The patented KöR-Seal™ trays are a key reason why this product is so superior. They are sealed to prevent saliva from contaminating the formula. This means you can wear the trays for a longer period of whitening activity.
This cosmetic dentistry option requires a brief appointment with Dr. Baldwin followed by a take-home regimen that is convenient, easy, and produces no tooth sensitivity.
Is teeth whitening right for me?
KöR whitening is a good choice if you want long-lasting results. The trays are reusable, so you can touch up your whitening anytime. However, it’s not for everyone—people with sensitive teeth may need to ask their dentist if KöR is a safe choice for them.
Good candidates for professional teeth whitening have healthy teeth. We recommend whitening for adults because chldren’s teeth are not fully developed. As kids grow, their teeth and enamel (the outer layer) are still changing. Whitening treatments are strong and can sometimes be too intense for teeth that are still developing. Since adult teeth are fully formed, they can handle whitening treatments better without risking sensitivity or other side effects.
If you’re interested, talk to us to see if KöR whitening is right for your smile and whitening goals.
What are the Types of Tooth Stains?
Extrinsic stains are on the outside of your teeth, on the enamel (the hard, outer layer). These stains are usually caused by foods and drinks like coffee, tea, red wine, or soda, and by habits like smoking. Extrinsic stains can often be removed with regular brushing, whitening toothpaste, or professional cleanings and whitening treatments.
Intrinsic Stains
Intrinsic stains are deeper, inside the tooth structure, in a layer called dentin. These stains can happen because of certain medications, too much fluoride, injuries to the tooth, or just the natural aging process. Since they’re inside the tooth, intrinsic stains are harder to remove. Professional whitening treatments like KöR whitening or veneers may be needed to brighten teeth with intrinsic stains.
Teeth Whitening Alternatives
If you have stained teeth from certain medications, medical conditions, or genetics, Dr. Baldwin may suggest you use other methods to whiten your teeth. He may also recommend these options if you have sensitive teeth.
Tooth bonding, dental crowns, or porcelain veneers can cover up difficult stains. Bonding is a simple, fast treatment where a tooth-colored resin is applied to the tooth. The dentist shapes the resin to cover stains or imperfections, then hardens it with a special light. Bonding can be a good option for small stains or gaps.
Veneers are thin shells, usually made of porcelain, that cover the front of your teeth. They are custom-made to match your natural teeth and can hide stains, cracks, and even slight crookedness. Veneers are a more permanent solution and can last many years with good care.
Crowns cover the entire tooth and are often used when a tooth is damaged or has a large filling. They can be made to match the color of your other teeth, giving you a natural look. Crowns are durable and protect the tooth from further damage.
How To Make Whitening Results Last
Follow these tips to make your teeth whitening results last:
Brush and Floss Every Day
Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day helps remove plaque and prevent surface stains. This daily care is essential to maintain your bright smile and keep your teeth looking clean and healthy. You can also use a whitening toothpaste to keep stains from building up.
Avoid Certain Foods and Drinks
Some foods and drinks can cause your teeth to stain over time. Coffee, tea, red wine, and dark sodas are common culprits. Limiting these can help protect your results. When you do drink these beverages, use a straw to reduce contact with your teeth.
Quit Smoking
Smoking not only harms your health but also quickly discolors your teeth. The nicotine and tar in cigarettes can cause yellow or brown stains on your teeth, even after whitening treatments. If you quit smoking, it can help keep your teeth whiter and also improve your overall health.
Brighten Your Teeth Today
Dr. Baldwin offers many cosmetic dentistry treatments, including professional whitening to improve the appearance of his patients’ smiles. He is currently welcoming new patients to his Reno, NV area dentist office. Call us today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about our teeth whitening options.