Teeth Whitening
in Reno, NV
Is your smile not as bright as you’d like it to be? Are you tired of hiding your teeth in photos or during conversations? At Futch Dental, our Reno cosmetic dentists understand how a dull or stained smile can affect your confidence and self-image. Our professional teeth whitening services are designed to safely and effectively remove years of stains, giving you a brilliantly white smile you’ll be proud to show off.
Why Choose Professional Teeth Whitening?
While store shelves are filled with various whitening products promising dramatic results, professional teeth whitening performed by our experienced dental team offers significant advantages:
Superior Results
Professional treatments use higher-concentration whitening agents that penetrate deep into tooth enamel to remove both surface stains and internal discoloration. The result is a smile that’s dramatically whiter—typically 6-8 shades lighter—than what’s possible with over-the-counter products.
Faster Transformation
Why wait weeks or months for minimal improvements when you can achieve dramatic results in just one visit? Our in-office whitening treatments deliver immediate, stunning results in about an hour, making them perfect for special events or when you want a confidence boost right away.
Safety & Comfort
Our professional-grade whitening systems are designed to minimize sensitivity while maximizing results. Before any whitening procedure, Dr. Futch will examine your teeth and gums to ensure the treatment is appropriate for you. During treatment, we take special precautions to protect your gums and soft tissues from irritation.
Customized Treatment
Unlike one-size-fits-all commercial products, our professional whitening treatments are tailored to your specific needs, taking into account the current shade of your teeth, your desired outcome, and any sensitivity concerns you may have.
Long-Lasting Results
With proper maintenance and good oral hygiene habits, professional whitening results can last for years rather than the weeks typical of over-the-counter options.
Our Professional Whitening Options
At Futch Dental, we offer multiple whitening solutions to fit your lifestyle, preferences, and budget:
In-Office Professional Whitening
Our powerful in-office whitening treatment delivers dramatic results in just one appointment. This option is perfect for those who want immediate results or are preparing for a special event.
What to expect:
- We’ll clean your teeth to remove any surface stains and debris
- Special barriers will protect your gums and soft tissues
- Our professional-strength whitening gel will be applied to your teeth
- In some cases, a specialized light may be used to enhance and accelerate the whitening process
- The entire procedure takes approximately 60-90 minutes
- You’ll leave our office with a smile that’s significantly whiter and brighter
Take-Home Professional Whitening Kits
Our custom take-home whitening kits offer professional-grade results with the convenience of whitening on your own schedule. These kits are far superior to store-bought options because they feature:
- Custom-fitted trays made from impressions of your teeth for perfect coverage and comfort
- Professional-strength whitening gel unavailable in stores
- Personalized instructions for optimal results based on your specific needs
Many patients achieve their desired results in just 1-2 weeks of daily use, and the custom trays can be kept for touch-ups whenever needed.
Combination Whitening
For the ultimate whitening experience, many patients choose to begin with an in-office treatment for immediate transformation, followed by take-home trays for maintenance and periodic touch-ups. This approach provides both instant gratification and long-term value.
What Causes Tooth Discoloration?
Understanding what causes tooth discoloration can help you maintain your new white smile longer. Common causes include:
External Staining Factors
- Food and beverages: Coffee, tea, red wine, dark sodas, and deeply colored foods like berries and tomato sauce
- Tobacco use: Smoking or chewing tobacco products
- Poor oral hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing that allows stains to build up
- Certain medications: Tetracycline antibiotics and some antihistamines, antipsychotics, and high blood pressure medications
Internal Factors
- Aging: Enamel naturally thins over time, revealing the yellowish dentin beneath
- Genetics: Some people naturally have whiter or more yellow teeth
- Trauma: Injury to teeth can cause discoloration due to enamel damage or internal bleeding
- Excessive fluoride exposure: Especially during childhood tooth development
- Certain health conditions: Some diseases can affect enamel development and tooth color
Is Teeth Whitening Right for You?
While teeth whitening is safe and effective for most patients, it’s not appropriate for everyone. During your consultation, we’ll determine if you’re a good candidate by considering:
- The type and cause of your tooth discoloration
- Your overall oral health
- The presence of restorations like crowns, veneers, or fillings (which won’t change color with whitening)
- Any history of tooth sensitivity or gum disease
If teeth whitening isn’t the best option for you, we’ll discuss alternative cosmetic treatments that can achieve the results you desire.
Maintaining Your Brilliant White Smile
After investing in a professional whitening treatment, you’ll want to maintain those beautiful results as long as possible. Here are some tips for extending the life of your whitening:
- Avoid or minimize staining foods and beverages, especially in the first 48 hours after whitening
- Use a straw when drinking dark-colored beverages
- Rinse your mouth with water after consuming staining substances
- Brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss once daily
- Use a whitening toothpaste occasionally (but not exclusively, as they can be abrasive)
- Attend regular dental cleanings to remove surface stains
- Avoid tobacco products
- Touch up your whitening periodically with your custom trays
