At Great Basin Dental, we know how important it is to have a bright and confident smile. Teeth naturally become stained or discolored over time, so we offer cosmetic dental treatments in Reno, NV. If you’re looking for a way to brighten your teeth, professional teeth whitening is the best solution. Let our team help restore the brightness of your teeth today.
Professional Teeth Whitening in Reno, NV
While there are many over-the-counter whitening products available, professional teeth whitening is the safest and most effective. Our in-office treatments are stronger than store-bought kits, and backed by dental supervision. You’ll see better results in much shorter time without issues.
Professional whitening is also safer because it’s monitored by Dr. Anthony Guillen and Dr. Kristian Sievert. We protect your teeth and gums during the entire process. The whitening products we use will penetrate deep into the enamel, remove stubborn stains, and brighten your teeth by several shades. It usually only takes one visit to our Reno, NV, dental office to see drastic results.
What Causes Teeth to Stain?
Understanding what causes stains is the first step to preventing them and keeping your smile bright. Your teeth can turn yellow or discolored for many everyday reasons. The foods and drinks you enjoy like coffee, black tea, and red wine are famous for leaving stains behind over time. Even healthy foods like blueberries or dark sauces can add to the problem if you eat them often.
Smoking or using tobacco products is another major cause of tooth staining. The chemicals in these products stick to your teeth and create stubborn yellow or brown spots.
As we get older, our teeth naturally change too. The white outer layer slowly wears down, showing the slightly yellow layer underneath. Some medicines and health conditions can also affect your tooth color, sometimes making teeth look darker or spotted.
The Teeth Whitening Process
When you choose professional teeth whitening at Great Basin Dental, you can expect a comfortable and straightforward experience. First, Dr. Guillen or Dr. Sievert will assess your teeth to make sure whitening is the right option for you. We might have to address issues like cavities before we can whiten your teeth. If you have sensitive teeth or any dental issues, we will adjust the treatment to suit your needs.
During the whitening procedure, we will place a special whitening gel on your teeth. This gel has a safe bleaching agent that works to break down stains. Depending on the method, we will use a special light to activate the gel and speed up the process. The entire treatment typically takes about an hour, and you’ll notice immediate results before leaving our office.
If you prefer a more gradual approach, we also offer take-home whitening kits. These kits include custom-made trays and professional-grade whitening gel. You’ll be able to whiten your teeth at home on your own time and pace. Our take-home kits provide noticeable results in just a few weeks.
How Long Do Results Last?
The results of professional teeth whitening can last for several months, but it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene to keep your smile bright longer. Regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental checkups will help prolong the results of the treatment. Limit your consumption of stain-causing foods and drinks and avoid smoking to prevent new stains from developing. If you need a touch-up, we offer maintenance whitening treatments to keep your smile looking its best.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is professional whitening different from store-bought kits?
Our in-office whitening uses stronger bleaching gel that works faster and lasts longer than drugstore strips or trays. While store kits might only lighten your teeth 1-2 shades, our treatment can brighten your smile by 5-10 shades in just one visit. Plus, our dentists protect your gums with special barriers and check your teeth first for any issues. We also customize the strength based on your teeth’s sensitivity, giving you better results without the guesswork of DIY methods.
Does teeth whitening hurt?
Most patients feel little to no discomfort during the procedure. We can adjust the treatment by using a milder gel or applying desensitizing products beforehand. Some patients notice slight tingling afterward, but this usually fades within a few hours.
We can give you special toothpaste to help with any temporary sensitivity. Remember, any discomfort from professional whitening is much milder and shorter-lasting than with over-the-counter kits.
Can whitening damage my teeth?
Not when done by professionals. Our carefully controlled treatment whitens without harming enamel because we use the right concentration of whitening agents for your specific case. Overusing DIY kits or leaving strips on too long can wear teeth down over time.
We also check for existing problems like thin enamel or cavities before whitening. The American Dental Association confirms that dentist-supervised whitening is completely safe when done properly.
How white will my teeth get?
Results vary based on your natural tooth color and type of stains, but most patients see their teeth brighten by 5-10 shades in one visit. Coffee or smoking stains typically respond best. We’ll show you a shade guide before treatment so you know what to expect.
While we can’t make teeth glow-in-the-dark white, we can help you achieve your brightest, healthiest-looking smile. Some patients are amazed they get Hollywood-level results in just one lunchtime appointment.
Will whitening work on crowns or fillings?
No, whitening only works on natural teeth. Porcelain crowns, composite fillings, and veneers won’t change color with bleaching. If you have visible dental work, we can plan ahead by whitening your natural teeth first. Then we can match any replacements to your new brighter shade.
For patients with several front tooth fillings, we might recommend replacing them after whitening so everything blends perfectly. We’ll explain all your options during the consultation.
How often can I whiten my teeth?
In-office whitening results typically last 6-12 months before needing a touch-up. We recommend waiting at least 6 months between professional treatments to keep your enamel healthy. For maintenance, our take-home kits are perfect for occasional use, like once every few months.
Dr. Guillen or Dr. Sievert can create a personalized schedule based on how quickly your teeth stain and your lifestyle habits. Over-whitening can cause sensitivity, so we’ll help you find the right balance.
What’s the best way to keep my teeth white?
Brush twice daily with a whitening toothpaste, and don’t skip flossing. Stains love to hide between teeth. Try to rinse with water after coffee, wine, or dark sodas. Using a straw helps too.
Every 6-month cleaning at our office includes polishing to remove new surface stains. For stubborn discoloration, occasional take-home whitening trays work great for maintenance between professional treatments.
Can anyone get teeth whitening?
Most healthy adults can, but we always examine your teeth first. If you have untreated cavities, we’ll fill those first since whitening gel could irritate them. Patients with gum disease need treatment before whitening. Pregnant and nursing women should wait.
For sensitive teeth, we use special protocols to make it comfortable. Even teenagers can whiten with parental consent if their teeth are fully developed. Nearly everyone is a candidate after we address any existing dental issues.
Get a Brighter Smile at Great Basin Dental
If you’re ready to enhance your smile with teeth whitening, we’re here to help. At Great Basin Dental, we offer professional whitening solutions that are safe, effective, and tailored to your needs. Contact us today at 775-363-9644 to schedule your teeth whitening appointment. You can also request an appointment online anytime.