Restorative & Cosmetic Dentistry in Reno, Nevada

Professional Teeth Whitening Reno, NV

Brighten Your Smile in Reno

A bright, white smile can make a powerful difference in your appearance and confidence. Over time, factors like coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco, and even aging can cause teeth to become discolored or stained. While over-the-counter whitening products offer some improvement, they simply cannot match the dramatic, long-lasting results of professional teeth whitening performed by dental professionals. Whether you’re preparing for a milestone event, a family photo session, or simply wanting to reclaim the confident smile of your younger years, our professional teeth whitening treatments can help you make that lasting impression when it matters most.

At White Pine Family Dental, we provide state-of-the-art professional teeth whitening services that deliver exceptional results safely and efficiently. Our experienced team understands the science behind teeth discoloration and the most effective techniques to restore your smile’s natural brightness, all while ensuring your comfort and dental health remain the top priority!

Having a beautiful smile may be even easier than you think. Many people achieve the look they’ve been dreaming of with our simple “whitening” procedure.

What are the details of teeth whitening?

It’s safe, quick, and inexpensive. Just let us know at any appointment if you would like to whiten your teeth. You can lighten only your upper teeth or both the upper and lower, depending on how much you show when you talk and smile.

In only a day or two your custom bleach splints will be ready for you to pick up. We provide you with a special bleaching agent that you put into the clear splints.

With only a few hours of wear per day, our special bleaching agent bubbles stains right out of your enamel in a very short time without altering tooth structure or existing dental work in any way. When your teeth reach the desired brightness, only occasional treatment is needed to maintain your new smile. We’ll want to take “after” photos at your next appointment.

Dental whitening can be used to correct tooth discoloration. Discolorations can be caused by staining, aging, or chemical damage to teeth. Using the latest in whitening technology, we can offer a safe method for creating a beautiful “brilliant” smile. In cases of extreme tooth discoloration, crowns or veneers may be the only choice, but because of the low cost of whitening treatments, teeth whitening is nearly always worth a solid try.

How is teeth whitening done?

An impression is taken to make a specialized “mouthguard” or “stent” to hold the bleach against the teeth. The material is used each night for about 3-4 hours for a week or two, and at the end of this time, significant whitening will occur. In some cases, the change is nothing short of brilliant. For confidence in appearance, bleaching technology allows us to promise improvements in yellowing, aging or stained teeth. For very severely stained teeth, crowns or dental veneers may be more appropriate.

Key Benefits of Teeth Whitening

  • Corrects brown, yellow and spotted tooth staining
  • Works on people of any age
  • Is a near-permanent solution for a “dull” smile, restoring brightness and brings a smile alive

Considerations for Teeth Whitening

Over-the-counter bleaching agents are available for purchase at drug stores and pharmacies. However, since these products can cause harm to the gums and teeth, it’s better to use products that our practice recommends.

Why Choose Professional Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening can transform your confidence and love for your unique smile! When you opt for professional teeth whitening in Reno, NV, you will experience various benefits. These include the following:

Superior Results

Professional whitening uses higher-concentration whitening agents that aren’t available over the counter, resulting in teeth that are significantly whiter than what can be achieved with store-bought products. Our professional-grade treatments can lighten teeth by several shades.  

Customized Treatment

Unlike one-size-fits-all commercial products, our whitening treatments are tailored to your specific needs. We consider factors such as the cause and severity of your discoloration, the natural color of your teeth, and your desired outcome to create a personalized whitening plan.

Safety and Comfort

Our professional instruction ensures that your teeth and gums are protected throughout the whitening process. We take precautions to prevent sensitivity and gum irritation, making your experience as comfortable as possible, even for those with sensitive teeth.

What Is Our Process for Professional Whitening?

We Prefer Take-Home Professional Whitening Kits For Our Patients

We offer custom take-home whitening kits that deliver professional results from the comfort of your home:

  • We create custom-fitted whitening trays from impressions of your teeth
  • We provide professional-strength whitening gel
  • We give you detailed instructions for safe, effective use
  • You achieve gradual whitening over 1-2 weeks
  • You maintain control over the whitening process

These kits offer more flexibility and less sensitivity than in-office treatments while still providing significantly better results than over-the-counter options.

What to Expect During Your Professional Whitening Consultation

Before beginning any whitening treatment, we conduct a comprehensive evaluation to ensure teeth whitening is appropriate for you. During your consultation, you can expect the following to occur:

  • We examine your teeth and gums to confirm they’re healthy enough for whitening
  • We discuss your whitening goals and expectations
  • We identify the likely causes of your discoloration
  • We recommend the most suitable whitening approach
  • We address any questions or concerns you might have

We believe in transparency and will thoroughly discuss the expected results, timeframe, and investment before beginning treatment.

Is Professional Teeth Whitening in Reno, NV, Right for You?

Professional teeth whitening is an excellent option for most adults with healthy teeth and gums who are experiencing discoloration. However, it may not be suitable for everyone. Whitening may not be recommended if you have any of the following conditions:

  • Sensitive teeth or gums
  • Worn enamel
  • Dental restorations in visible areas (such as crowns or veneers)
  • Certain types of intrinsic discoloration (discoloration from within the tooth)

During your consultation, our Reno, NV dentist discusses whether professional whitening is the best approach for your specific situation or if alternative cosmetic solutions might better achieve your goals.

Transform Your Smile Today With Professional Teeth Whitening

If you’re ready to brighten your smile and boost your confidence, professional teeth whitening at White Pine Family Dental offers the safest, most effective path to the dazzling results you desire. Our Reno dental team is committed to helping you achieve a more vibrant smile that you’ll be proud to share.

Contact our office at (775) 278-9684 or through our contact form to schedule your professional teeth whitening consultation today. Let us help you unlock the full potential of your smile with our expert whitening services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Professional Teeth Whitening Safe for My Teeth and Gums?

Professional teeth whitening is considered safe when performed by a dentist or using ADA-approved products, as decades of research and millions of treatments demonstrate no increase in cavity risk, tooth fractures, or permanent damage. Whitening products use hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to break down stain molecules without affecting tooth structure when used according to instructions. Temporary tooth sensitivity and mild gum irritation are the most common side effects, typically resolving within few days after treatment completion. Studies show hydrogen peroxide whitening products don’t have carcinogenic effects on oral tissues. However, aggressive overuse or improper application can cause enamel demineralization, so professional supervision is crucial. Patients with existing dental work (crowns, veneers, fillings), active gum disease, significant enamel erosion, or extremely sensitive teeth should consult White Pine Family Dental before whitening to ensure safety and realistic expectations—whitening only affects natural tooth enamel, not restorations.

Professional in-office teeth whitening typically costs $300-$1,000 per treatment session, while dentist-provided take-home kits range $200-$500, and over-the-counter options cost $20-$100. In-office treatments deliver immediate results in about one hour using higher-concentration bleaching agents, while take-home professional trays require 1-2 weeks of nightly use. Results typically last 6 months to 2 years, depending on your habits and maintenance. Patients who regularly consume staining foods and beverages (coffee, tea, red wine, berries) or use tobacco products experience re-staining within weeks to months, while those who minimize staining exposures and practice good oral hygiene enjoy longer-lasting results. Touch-up treatments every 6-12 months help maintain brightness. Professional whitening provides superior, longer-lasting results compared to drugstore products, though over-the-counter whitening strips can achieve similar effects with more applications over time. White Pine Family Dental offers customized whitening solutions—call (775) 825-6655 for consultation.

Tooth sensitivity is the most common side effect of teeth whitening, affecting about 60-70% of patients to varying degrees, but it’s typically temporary and manageable. Sensitivity occurs because whitening agents (hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide) penetrate enamel and temporarily irritate the dentin layer and nerve. Sensitivity usually peaks during treatment, subsides shortly after completion, and rarely lasts more than few days. Factors increasing sensitivity include pre-existing sensitivity, gum recession exposing root surfaces, enamel erosion, teeth with restorations, and using high-concentration products. To minimize discomfort: use desensitizing toothpaste (with potassium nitrate) for 2 weeks before and after treatment, choose lower-concentration whitening products, take breaks between applications, avoid extremely hot or cold foods during treatment, and ask your dentist about fluoride treatments or desensitizing gels. Professional whitening at White Pine Family Dental allows customized concentration and treatment duration based on your sensitivity level—we can modify protocols if discomfort occurs.

Whitening treatments only affect natural tooth enamel and will not change the color of dental restorations including crowns, veneers, fillings, bridges, or bonding—this creates potential for color mismatch after whitening. If you have visible restorations on front teeth, whitening your natural teeth may make existing dental work appear yellow or discolored by comparison, requiring replacement of restorations to match your newly whitened smile. Patients with significant front tooth restorations should discuss whitening carefully with their dentist. Ideally, whiten natural teeth first, wait 2 weeks for color stabilization, then replace visible restorations to match your new shade. For patients with few or small restorations, color difference may be minimal and acceptable. Additionally, teeth with large restorations or previous root canal treatment tend to become more sensitive during whitening and may require modified treatment protocols. If most of your visible teeth are crowned or veneered, whitening may not be worthwhile. Schedule consultation at White Pine Family Dental to evaluate your specific situation and develop best cosmetic plan.

Professional teeth whitening offers stronger bleaching agents (up to 40% hydrogen peroxide in-office vs. 10-14% in OTC strips), custom-fitted application trays ensuring even coverage and minimal gum contact, faster results (1 visit vs. weeks of daily applications), and dentist supervision to prevent complications and optimize outcomes. Professional take-home kits use prescription-strength carbamide peroxide (15-35%) in custom trays fabricated from impressions of your teeth, providing superior results compared to one-size-fits-all drugstore trays or strips. Over-the-counter products—including whitening strips, paint-on gels, and LED light systems—can be effective for mild to moderate staining, cost significantly less ($20-$100 vs. $300-$1,000 for professional), and offer convenience for at-home use. However, OTC products require longer treatment periods, produce more variable results, cannot address intrinsic (deep) staining as effectively, and lack professional guidance for managing sensitivity or complications. Consider professional whitening for significant staining, faster results, severe sensitivity requiring management, or ensuring even coverage. White Pine Family Dental offers both in-office and take-home professional options.

Natural teeth whitening methods including baking soda, hydrogen peroxide rinses, activated charcoal, and oil pulling are minimally effective compared to professional treatments and carry risks if used improperly. Baking soda’s mild abrasiveness can remove surface stains but won’t change intrinsic tooth color—limit use to 1-2 times weekly to avoid enamel wear. Diluted hydrogen peroxide (equal parts peroxide and water) provides mild whitening but can irritate gums and soft tissues if concentration is too high or exposure prolonged. Activated charcoal, despite social media popularity, lacks scientific evidence of effectiveness and its abrasiveness may damage enamel with regular use. Oil pulling (swishing coconut oil) has no proven whitening effects. Kitchen remedies like apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, or strawberries are actually harmful—their acidity erodes enamel, causing permanent damage and increased staining susceptibility. While some natural methods offer modest, temporary results, they cannot replicate bleaching effect of peroxide-based professional treatments. For safe, effective whitening, choose ADA-approved products or professional treatments at White Pine Family Dental.

Request An Appointment

The first step towards a beautiful, healthy smile is to schedule an appointment. Please contact our office by phone or complete the appointment request form below. Our scheduling coordinator will contact you to confirm your appointment. If you are an existing patient, this contact form should not be used to communicate private health information.
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