A bright, white smile is one of the best ways to boost your confidence and make a lasting impression. Unfortunately, over time, teeth can become stained or discolored due to age, food, drinks, or lifestyle habits. At Dr. Teeth, Dr. Alison Defilippi offers professional teeth whitening treatments in Reno, NV, to help you achieve a brighter, whiter smile. Whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments we offer to patients in Reno.
Whether you’re preparing for a special event or just want to refresh your look, our teeth whitening solutions can help you get the sparkling smile you deserve.
What Causes Teeth Discoloration?
Teeth can become discolored for a variety of reasons, both internal and external. Some of the most common causes include:
- Food and Drinks: Coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-colored foods like berries and sauces can stain your teeth over time.
- Smoking: Tobacco products can lead to yellowing or darkening of teeth, creating a dull smile.
- Aging: As we age, the enamel on our teeth wears down, exposing the yellowish dentin underneath.
- Medications: Some medications, especially antibiotics like tetracycline, can cause intrinsic staining inside the tooth.
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Inconsistent brushing and flossing can allow plaque and tartar buildup, leading to discoloration.
No matter the cause of your tooth discoloration, professional teeth whitening can often reverse or significantly reduce the stains, helping you regain a brighter smile.
Professional Teeth Whitening vs. Over-the-Counter Products
You’ve probably seen teeth whitening kits at the drugstore or online, but there are important differences between these over-the-counter (OTC) products and professional whitening treatments offered by Dr. Defilippi. While OTC products may help with mild surface stains, they are generally less effective at providing deep, long-lasting results.
Professional teeth whitening treatments offered at Dr. Teeth use stronger, more concentrated whitening agents than what you can buy at the store. This means you’ll see noticeable results faster, often in just one visit. Plus, having your teeth whitened by a dental professional ensures the treatment is safe and customized to your needs, reducing the risk of sensitivity or uneven whitening.
Our Teeth Whitening Options in Reno, NV
At Dr. Teeth, we offer two primary teeth whitening options to meet your individual needs and goals:
- In-Office Whitening: If you’re looking for dramatic, fast results, in-office whitening is a great choice. This treatment is performed right in our Reno office by Dr. Defilippi. A special whitening gel is applied to your teeth, and a light or laser is used to accelerate the whitening process. In just about an hour, you can leave the office with a smile that’s several shades whiter.
- Take-Home Whitening Kits: If you prefer the convenience of whitening your teeth at home, we also offer professional-grade take-home whitening kits. These kits include custom-made trays that fit your teeth perfectly, along with a powerful whitening gel. You’ll wear the trays for a set amount of time each day, and within a few weeks, you’ll see a noticeable difference in the brightness of your smile.
Both options offer excellent results, but the best choice for you will depend on your goals, budget, and how quickly you want to see results.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Read answers to common questions about professional teeth whitening in Reno, NV.
How long does teeth whitening last?
Professional teeth whitening can last up to 1 year or more. We recommend that you brush, floss, and avoid stain-causing foods and drinks to keep your teeth bright.
How long does it take to see results from in-office and take-home teeth whitening?
In-office whitening gives you immediate results. You’ll see take-home whitening results in about 2 weeks or more.
When you get whitening in our dental office, your teeth can become several shades whiter before you leave. Take-home whitening is more gradual because you wear custom trays with whitening gel for a few hours each day or overnight. Most patients start seeing results within three to five days with full results over weeks.
Does teeth whitening hurt?
No. Some people feel mild sensitivity for a day or two after whitening treatment. This is normal and goes away quickly. Dr. Defilippi can recommend products to minimize discomfort, especially if you have sensitive teeth.
Will teeth whitening hurt my gums?
No, teeth whitening should not hurt your gums. If you choose in-office treatment, Dr. Defilippi will place a protective barrier over your gums before applying the whitening gel. This barrier keeps the gel away from sensitive gum tissue. Take-home whitening trays are custom-made to fit your teeth precisely, so the gel stays on your teeth and does not touch your gums.
What are alternatives to teeth whitening?
If you have deep tooth stains that whitening can’t treat, we may recommend bonding, veneers, or crowns. Bonding uses a tooth-colored resin to cover stains in one visit. Veneers are thin shells that cover the entire front of your tooth. Crowns cap the whole tooth for more severe discoloration or damage.
Can I whiten crowns, veneers, or bonding?
No. You cannot whiten crowns, veneers, or bonding, but we can replace older treatments and color-match them to your natural teeth. Our office may often recommend whitening before you get other cosmetic or restorative treatments so we ensure your teeth are all the same shade.
Get a Brighter Smile with Dr. Teeth
If you’re ready to enhance your smile with professional teeth whitening, Dr. Alison Defilippi is here to help. At Dr. Teeth in Reno, we offer safe, effective whitening treatments that deliver beautiful and long-lasting results.
Contact us today to schedule your whitening consultation and take the first step toward your dream smile. We serve Spanish Springs, Sparks, Midtown, Sun Valley, and the surrounding communities.