Teeth Whitening
In Albuquerque, NM

A brilliant smile is a coveted feature; it can make you look younger, friendlier, and even more successful. What is best about having a bright, beautiful smile is how it makes you feel about yourself.

Our smile speaks before we ever say a word. Studies have indicated that people view the smile as more than a nice facial feature. When the smile is radiant and wide, a person is deemed to be friendly, honest, successful, and popular. Understanding the value of a bright smile, many people have turned to professional teeth whitening to correct discoloration. We are pleased to offer this service to our patients! Be sure to give us a call at 505-881-1159 today to schedule a consultation with the talented Steven E. Holbrook for teeth whitening in Albuquerque!

What is Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening (or bleaching) is a simple, non-invasive dental treatment used to change the color of natural tooth enamel and is an ideal way to enhance the beauty of your smile.

Because having whiter teeth has now become the number one cosmetic concern of most patients, there are a number of ways to whiten teeth. The most popular method is using home teeth whitening system that will whiten teeth dramatically.

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Since teeth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel, it is important to evaluate the replacement of any old fillings, crowns, etc. Replacement of any restorations will be done after bleaching so they will match the newly bleached teeth.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?

Many teens and adults are excellent candidates for teeth whitening. Before commencing with the cosmetic treatment of any kind, Dr. Holbrook performs a thorough dental examination. It is important to confirm good oral health before applying teeth whitening gel for any length of time. Discerning that a patient is free of gum disease and tooth decay, we can progress toward teeth whitening to enhance the appearance of the smile.

Opalescence Teeth Whitening

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Dr. Holbrook uses Opalescence teeth whitening products in order to help patients achieve a whiter smile. Opalescence offers custom take-home trays that tailor teeth whitening to each patient’s mouth. These trays are offered at different strength levels depending on the degree of staining. Opalescence is safe, effective, and offers professional results. The opalescence whitening gel contains PF (potassium nitrate and fluoride)

  • Made to help prevent dehydration and shade relapse
  • Opalescence PF take-home whitening systems come in 10%, 15%, 20%, 35% or 45% Carbamide Peroxide
  • concentrations and are offered in mint, melon or regular flavors
  • Trays can be worn during the day or night
  • The whitening gel won’t migrate to soft tissues

Why Choose Opalescence?

Opalescence gel contains an active whitening ingredient that penetrates your enamel to reach the discolored molecules. The whitening agents react with the discolored molecules in your teeth, which break the bonds holding them together. These oxygen molecules whiten the entire tooth as they spread.

How Long Does It Take to See Results With Opalescence Teeth Whitening?

Opalescence teeth whitening treatment is conducted at home. Patients apply their teeth whitening gel once or twice a day. They can expect to begin to see a difference within a day or two. Dramatic results are typically apparent after 10 to 14 days of consistent use.

How Long Do the Results Last?

Patients who undergo teeth whitening can maintain their results for many months with good habits. Oral hygiene that includes brushing twice a day and flossing every day is a primary contributing factor to a radiant smile. It is also helpful to rinse the mouth with water after eating or drinking a colored liquid like coffee, tea, or soda. Discoloration recurs over time. How long that takes is dependent on each person’s lifestyle habits and dietary choices.

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How Does Opalescence Teeth Whitening Work?

This type of teeth whitening usually requires two visits.

  • At the first appointment, impressions (molds) will be made of your teeth to fabricate custom, clear plastic, trays.
  • At your second appointment, you will try on the trays for proper fit, and adjustments will be made if necessary.  The trays are worn with special whitening solutions either twice a day for 30 minutes or overnight for a couple of weeks depending on the degree of staining and desired level of whitening.  It is normal to experience tooth sensitivity during the time you are whitening your teeth, but it will subside shortly after you have stopped bleaching.

You will receive care instructions for your teeth and trays. You will also be encouraged to visit your dentist regularly to help maintain a beautiful, healthy, white smile. Teeth whitening is not permanent.  A touch-up maybe needed every several years, and more often if you smoke, drink coffee, tea, or wine.

How Long Do The Results Of Teeth Whitening Last?

One of the advantages of professional teeth whitening versus commercial whitening strips is the longevity of results. Professional treatment achieves more dramatic results and longer-lasting radiance because the concentration of our whitening gel is stronger than over-the-counter products.

Estimating just how long results from teeth whitening will last can be somewhat difficult. For some patients, discoloration starts to dull the smile within six months. For others, the brightness does not diminish significantly for two or more years.

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How Can I Maintain My Teeth Whitening Results?

The continuance of luminosity after professional teeth whitening is largely up to each patient. Proper oral care is one way to maximize the results achieved. Avoiding foods and beverages that are known to stain the enamel, including red wine, coffee, tea, and soda, is also advantageous, though we know that can be difficult. What you might do if you continue to drink coffee or other stain-causing beverages is rinse your mouth with water afterward. Do not brush, but swish water over teeth to dilute acid and particles that cause discoloration.

Teeth whitening may not be permanent, but your smile can be permanently radiant by keeping up with dental checkups, cleanings, and touch-up whitening treatments every year or two.

Types Of Teeth Whitening

We offer three different options for whitening teeth. They are home whitening, power whitening, and deep whitening.

Home Teeth Whitening

In addition to affordability, home whitening is appealing because it is convenient and gentle. Patients with sensitive teeth have more control over this common side effect when they whiten at home because they can stagger treatments rather than wear whitening trays on a daily basis. They can also use the whitening trays to touch up treatments if needed in the future.

Power Teeth Whitening

Power whitening is appealing because it is completed in one visit to our office. In this one hour visit, we apply a special gel to the teeth and achieve a result that is comparable to the two weeks of home whitening.

Deep Teeth Whitening

Deep whitening combines both methods allowing for the best possible result. We use a one hour visit of in-office whitening followed by two weeks of home whitening for the best possible result.

Does Teeth Whitening Ruin Teeth?

Teeth whitening is a gentle, controlled process that breaks up the particles of debris that accumulate in the tiny pores of enamel. As these particles disintegrate, more light can reflect off of teeth, making them look whiter and more attractive. When conducted as directed, teeth whitening treatment is very safe and effective.

Are There Any Risks To Teeth Whitening?

The primary side effect of teeth whitening is temporary hypersensitivity. This happens because teeth whitening gel permeates the thin biofilm that protects teeth. The gel also seeps into the pores of enamel to break apart debris that has caused discoloration. This puts the bleaching agent close enough to dentin and nerve endings that they become slightly reactive. Once teeth whitening is complete, sensitivity should resolve. Patients may also use toothpaste made for sensitive teeth while they are undergoing their teeth whitening treatment. This can help reduce the sensation.

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Aside from sensitivity, there are very few risks associated with professional teeth whitening. This is because the process is overseen by the dentist who has confirmed optimal teeth and gum health before proceeding.

How Much Does In-Office Teeth Whitening Cost?

Whitening costs vary based on the type of treatment available. Our home whitening is the most affordable of all methods of professional whitening and just as effective as the costlier treatments that are conducted in the dental office.

Hear What Dr. Holbrook’s Patients Have to Say

“Office is at convenient location, modern, super clean and following all COVID19 safety protocols. He is so kind and is staff is exceptional.” — Sherrie P.

“Dr. Holbrook and the staff are absolutely amazing! They are very knowledgeable and friendly and I would recommend them for all of your dental needs.” — Erica J.

“This doctor and his staff demonstrate utmost professionalism while making the patients feel at home and like part of the family.” — Twila M.

Speak With Dr. Holbrook For Teeth Whitening In Albuquerque!

If you are interested in teeth whitening and would like to see if you are a good candidate, call our office at 505-881-1159 to schedule a consultation at our office in Albuquerque, NM. Dr. Holbrook and our talented team look forward to serving you!

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