How Quickly Can You Whiten Your Teeth? 

It’s incredibly common to want to have the whitest smile possible. In fact, 80% of Americans between 18 and 49 reported that they’d like to have whiter teeth. Even if you brush and floss your teeth religiously, everyday things like your morning cup of coffee can cause tooth discoloration. But the good news is that this discoloration doesn’t need to affect your teeth forever. Your dentist in Reno can whiten your teeth safely, effectively, and quickly.

The Fastest Way to Whiten Teeth

The fastest way to whiten your teeth is through a professional smile whitening treatment with your dentist. Professional whitening treatments are fast and efficient, so much so that you can see results after one hour-long appointment. Additionally, these treatments are so powerful that they can brighten teeth by several shades. Ask your dentist about tooth whitening in Reno that can give you the bright smile you’re looking for quickly. 

Other Ways to Get a Whiter Smile

Even though professional treatment is the fastest way to whiten teeth, we understand that you may be looking for more affordable alternatives. Keep in mind that you should still talk with your dentist about whitening your teeth before you invest in a product to make sure your teeth are healthy enough and that the treatment you choose will give you the results you want. Some other ways you can get a whiter smile besides a professional whitening treatment include: 

  • Whitening Strips or Trays

Another relatively quick way to brighten your smile is through over-the-counter whitening strips or trays. These treatments are affordable and effective, but the results can take some time to see. Depending on the product you choose, you may start to see changes in about 3 to four days with final results showing around day 10 or 12. Always follow the product directions and don’t overuse the treatment to help avoid reactions such as increased tooth sensitivity. 

  • UV Light Whitening

A fairly new tooth whitening option includes using a whitening gel along with a special UV light. This option is similar in cost and can give you results in about the same amount of time as strips or trays. Teeth should appear whiter in about 10-14 days if used as directed. 

  • Whitening Toothpaste

Using a dentist-recommended whitening toothpaste can work to brighten your smile, but the results may be less noticeable and it can take some time – usually about two to six weeks – if used twice a day. However, this is the most affordable option. 

Remember, not all types of tooth discoloration can be removed through smile whitening treatments. Sometimes your dentist in Reno will recommend a form of cosmetic dentistry, such as dental veneers, to give you the results you’re looking for.  

Before you embark on your smile whitening journey, schedule an appointment with your dentist to find the best whitening treatment for you. 

Celebrate The New Year With a New Smile

We have officially rung in the new year, which means all of the resolutions are in full effect. During this time, many people commit to transforming their lives. Whether they’ve resolved to eat healthier, lose weight, or stop smoking, the new year provides a fresh start and gives people a view of a better life. It’s also a time that you can resolve to work with your dentist in Reno to get a new smile that you’re proud of. 

Cosmetic Dentistry 

Did you know that more than one-third of Americans don’t like the way their smile looks? That’s a lot of people hiding their smiles behind closed lips. If you’re one of those people, you don’t have to live with a smile you’re unhappy with. Your dentist in Reno can help you find your perfect smile with cosmetic dentistry. 

Cosmetic dentistry includes various treatments that are designed to transform smiles. Whether you want to brighten your teeth or completely change the appearance of your grin, there’s a cosmetic dentistry solution that’s right for you. 

If You Want Whiter Teeth

Things like regular wear and tear, tobacco use, and even foods and drinks can take a once bright, white smile and make it dull and discolored. In fact, tooth discoloration is one of the most common complaints of dental patients. But there’s good news. Most tooth discoloration can be fixed through teeth whitening. While there are many teeth whitening products available, not all products will give you the result you want and there may be some that aren’t high quality. We always recommend meeting with your dentist before starting a smile whitening treatment on your own. 

If You Want a More Even Smile

Dental veneers are another form of cosmetic dentistry that can quickly and easily transform the look of your teeth and smile as a whole. These thin pieces of ceramic are individually custom-made to give each tooth an ideal shape and color for a totally natural look. Veneers bonded to the front surface of your teeth can cover up things such as discoloration, chips or cracks, and can even help fix uneven or overlapping teeth. 

If You Only Need a Tiny Fix 

Oftentimes there are small imperfections that are just big enough to bother you and if you could easily fix them, you would. Well, the good news is, your dentist in Reno can do just that. If your teeth are resistant to traditional teeth whitening solutions or if you have smaller chips you may be a candidate for cosmetic bonding. Your dentist will essentially cover the area with safe composite material and shape and harden it into a natural restoration. 

If You Want a Completely New Look

Patients who are unhappy with the overall appearance of their smile may want to consider a full-mouth restoration or smile makeover. This cosmetic dentistry solution combines several treatments and can completely transform your look. Your dentist will talk with you about what you’d like to achieve and develop a custom plan to make your dream smile a reality. 

Nobody should have to live hiding their smile behind their lips. Make a commitment to yourself to talk with your dentist in Reno about the best cosmetic dentistry treatment for your specific wants. You deserve a smile you love and we’d be happy to help you. 

Eat Your Way to a Whiter Smile

One of the most common things dental patients want is to get a whiter smile. Thanks to everyday things like our morning cup of coffee or tea, or the occasional glass of red wine, our teeth are constantly exposed to foods and drinks that can easily cause them to become dull or discolored. However, your dentist in Reno also knows that there are things you can eat and drink that can actually help improve the appearance of your smile. Let’s check out a few.

Broccoli
We know that broccoli may not be the most popular choice of vegetables, but it’s first on our list of smile whitening foods for a reason. In fact, broccoli can help improve the look of our teeth in two ways. First, the texture of raw broccoli essentially acts as a gentle scrubber and can effectively rub off surface stains. Additionally, broccoli is loaded with iron which, according to research by the European Journal of Dentistry, can protect tooth enamel from acid and keep it from wearing away. This can keep enamel tough, strong, and looking as white as ever.

Apples
Switching from veggies to fruits, apples provide similar benefits to broccoli. Raw apples, in particular, also rub away stains as we chew them thanks to their crunchy texture. Apples also contain malic acid — an enzyme that has been linked to increased saliva production. Increased saliva neutralizes acid, protects enamel, and can wash away loose stains.

Pineapple
Another fruit that can help with tooth stains is pineapple. This delicious fruit is loaded with bromelain. Bromelain is known to help with inflammation and is a natural cleanser. In fact, the International Journal of Dental Hygiene conducted a study that concluded that bromelain can safely and effectively remove tooth stains.

Cheese
Dairy foods and drinks, including yogurt, milk, and cheese are great for oral health as well as tooth staining. Foods in this food group contain a trifecta of good stuff like calcium, vitamin D, and lactic acid. The calcium and vitamin D help keep tooth enamel strong, which also helps keep teeth looking white. The lactic acid, on the other hand, is really great at fighting off bacteria and decay. Just like broccoli and apples, hard cheeses can also scrub away surface stains.

Water
The last thing and perhaps the most important thing that you can do to protect your oral health and keep your teeth white is to drink plenty of water,  and choose water over other beverages whenever possible. Water helps to neutralize the acid that can attack enamel, and is also really effective at rinsing away food particles. If these particles aren’t removed quickly they can lead to decay and cavities, and, in turn, tooth discoloration.

If you’re one of the many people who wish that they had a whiter smile, try getting a good dose of the foods above. It’s important to note, however, that while these foods can help whiten teeth, they may only be effective on minor surface stains. Deeper tooth staining may require a visit to your dentist in Reno. Some stains are tougher than others, and your dental team will be able to recommend the best smile whitening treatment for your specific case. Don’t worry, there are many options available –  from professional teeth whitening to cosmetic dentistry – that can help you get the smile you’ve always wanted.

All About Orthodontics

At our dental office in Reno, we’re honored to take care of your family’s smiles. From regular cleanings, fillings, and restorative dentistry, we’re here to ensure healthy grins all around. But what happens if your teeth are crooked or overlap? Is it something to worry about? The truth is, if teeth aren’t straight and lined up correctly, we may recommend orthodontics — and for good reasons. 

Straight Teeth Are Healthier Teeth

Having a set of straight teeth can directly affect both dental health and mental health. Unfortunately, too many people are worried and bothered by crooked teeth-  which can keep them from laughing and smiling with confidence. Getting a straighter smile can transform someone’s self-esteem and boost confidence. 

Crooked teeth are also more difficult to clean properly due to the overlapping and overcrowding. When we aren’t able to properly brush and floss our teeth, our risk for decay, cavities, and even gum disease increases. If not treated quickly, these dental problems can lead to more serious concerns or need for advanced treatment, such as a root canal, fillings or a crown, and even tooth loss.  

Orthodontic issues may also lead to advanced oral health problems as well as whole-body concerns. A smile with uneven teeth can make breathing difficult and could eventually lead to sleep apnea, which is a serious problem. Many sleep apnea sufferers actually stop breathing several times a night! This alone has been linked to constant sleepiness and poor concentration at school or work. Additionally, a misaligned smile may make chewing difficult, contribute to digestive problems, and even diminish bone density in the jaw.  

Straight Teeth May Still Need Orthodontics

The main goal of orthodontics is usually to create a symmetrical, straight smile. However, there are times when a visibly straight grin still needs orthodontics. Why? The bite, or the way the teeth come together, may be off. This is known as malocclusion or a “bad bite.” If left untreated, a misaligned bite could result in pain and long-term complications. It’s best to get an evaluation from your dentist in Reno so that any potential problems are caught and treated before they have a chance to turn into large issues including:

  • Increased risk for chipped teeth
  • Speech impairment in kids
  • Severe headaches
  • Damage to tooth enamel

What Causes Crooked Teeth in the First Place?

Even though crooked teeth are incredibly common, no one thing causes them. Some of the things that can contribute to a crooked smile include: 

  • Poor habits as a child such as thumb sucking
  • Early tooth loss before an adult tooth is ready to erupt
  • A small jaw
  • Facial injury
  • Genetics
  • Mouth breathing
  • Incorrect tongue posture

If you’re unhappy with your smile or are unsure whether you or a family member could benefit from orthodontic treatment, call your Reno dentist for a checkup. Dentists are trained to identify whether a crooked grin may be troublesome and will be able to recommend the best orthodontic treatment for your individual case. 

Does A Chipped Tooth Need Cosmetic Or Restorative Work?

Your chipped tooth may be unpleasant to look at, but is the problem also a threat to your oral health? Relatively minor dental injuries can lead to some confusion. While you may be aware of its effects on your smile, it can be hard to know how much damage a relatively small chip has done to your tooth. Your Reno, NV dentist’s office can provide an examination, and determine what course of action is appropriate. They can let you know if a tooth is only in need of cosmetic dental work, or if the damage needs to be addressed through restorative dental treatmentContinue reading “Does A Chipped Tooth Need Cosmetic Or Restorative Work?”

Taking Care Of Those Unsightly Smile Flaws With Veneers

There are a number of different problems that can make a person reluctant to show off their smile. The presence of chips or cracks, developmental flaws, and discoloration can cause embarrassment and frustration. Fortunately, your Reno, NV dentist’s office can provide cosmetic smile care that addresses these different issues. When an individual wants to correct multiple issues, and ensure lasting improvements, porcelain veneers can be recommended. When you use porcelain veneers to address smile flaws, you can hide many superficial concerns with just one procedure. Your dentist can talk to you about what to expect from veneers, or any other cosmetic procedure, during a consultation. Continue reading “Taking Care Of Those Unsightly Smile Flaws With Veneers”

Quiz: Solving Smile Concerns With Cosmetic Treatment

Are you stuck with those frustrating flaws that negatively affect your smile? With the right cosmetic dental procedure, you can see impressive changes to the way you look. Your Reno, NV dentist offers multiple treatments, and can help you find one that gives you the kind of results you would love to show off. While different individuals will have their own concerns, patients generally come in seeking help with problems like dental discoloration, damages, or teeth that appear to be misshapen, or poorly aligned. If you know you want to make changes, but feel unsure of what would be helpful, schedule a consultation to learn more. Your dentist can connect you to the right procedure – if your problems are related to dental health, they can talk to you about how the right restorative treatment can have benefits for your smile, and your oral health. Continue reading “Quiz: Solving Smile Concerns With Cosmetic Treatment”

Professional Whitening Treatments Can Yield Better Results

If you made attempts to improve the color of your teeth with store bought whiteners, or a toothpaste claiming to improve smile color, you may be dissatisfied by the results. These products can help by removing staining particles from the surface of your teeth, while leaving behind stains that have settled deeper into your enamel. To address stubborn discoloration, a professional whitening treatment can offer better results. Your Reno, NV dental office can provide you with cosmetic care that will deliver an improvement by many shades. You can select an at-home whitening treatment, or you can have a procedure done in the office. Either option can deliver results that see your smile improve by eight to ten shades! Continue reading “Professional Whitening Treatments Can Yield Better Results”

Fitting In A Bonding Treatment Before An Important Event

Would you like to make cosmetic improvements to your smile before that important event, but feel you will not have the time to make your desired changes? If you want to look your best before a class reunion, job interview, or other significant event, you may be able to see remarkable changes in less time than you expect. When you inquire about a dental bonding treatment, you can learn how your dentist can fix a variety of tooth problems with a procedure that can be completed in just one appointment! Dental bonding involves the application of composite resin to a tooth in need of esthetic improvement. That material, which is also used for dental fillings, can bond to the tooth, and hide problems like discoloration, damage, and other abnormalities that draw unwanted attention. Continue reading “Fitting In A Bonding Treatment Before An Important Event”

Porcelain Veneers Put Amazing Smile Changes Within Reach

How many positive cosmetic changes can you make when you have porcelain veneers affixed to your teeth? With this single procedure, it becomes possible to make a stunning smile transformation. The first step in the process will involve taking measurements to determine the size for your veneers, and preparing your smile for their placement. When these custom cosmetic restorations are ready, your dentist will permanently bond them over the front of your teeth, where they will cover up whatever issues might be affecting the way you look. Modern cosmetic dental work can do amazing things for your smile. If you want to find out what approach is the right one for you, arrange a time to discuss your interest with your dentist. Continue reading “Porcelain Veneers Put Amazing Smile Changes Within Reach”