Your smile speaks for you before you ever say a word. Studies have indicated that people view the smile as more than just a nice facial feature: When the smile is radiant and wide, a person is deemed to be friendly, honest, successful, and popular. But the best thing about having a beautiful smile is how it makes you feel about yourself!
Many people have turned to professional teeth whitening to make their smiles gleam again. We are pleased to offer this cosmetic service to our patients! Call us at 505-278-5953 today to schedule a consultation with the talented Steven E. Holbrook, D.M.D., for teeth whitening in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
About Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening (or bleaching) is a simple, non-invasive dental treatment used to change the color of natural tooth enamel. It can renew your smile by removing stains and discoloration from aging, smoking, and certain foods and drinks.
Because having whiter teeth has now become the number one cosmetic concern of most patients, there are a number of ways to whiten teeth. Professional teeth whitening treatments use more bleaching agents than over-the-counter products, providing faster and more dramatic results.
Opalescence Teeth Whitening
Dr. Holbrook uses Opalescence teeth whitening products to help patients achieve a whiter smile. Opalescence offers in-office treatments and custom take-home trays tailored just for you. These trays come in different strength levels depending on your degree of staining.
Opalescence is safe, effective, and offers professional results. Here’s what else to know about the treatment:
- 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 come in mint, melon, and other flavors
- You can wear the trays during the day or night
- The whitening gel won’t migrate to soft tissues
Types of Teeth Whitening
We offer three different options for whitening teeth with Opalescence. They are home whitening, power whitening, and deep whitening.
Home Teeth Whitening
Home whitening is appealing because it is convenient, gentle, and affordable. 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. You can also use the whitening trays to touch up treatments if needed in the future.
Power Teeth Whitening
Power whitening can be completed in a one-hour visit to our office. In that short time, we’ll apply a special gel to your teeth, delivering results similar to what you would achieve with two weeks of at-home whitening treatments.
Deep Teeth Whitening
Deep whitening combines both methods to give you the best possible result. We use a one-hour visit of in-office whitening followed by two weeks of home whitening to give you an extra glimmering smile.
When Will I See Results With At-Home Opalescence Teeth Whitening?
With at-home Opalescence teeth whitening, you can typically begin to see noticeable results within a few days of starting treatment. For most patients, dramatic improvements are visible after 10 to 14 days of consistent use. The exact timeframe may vary depending on the level of staining and the concentration of the whitening gel used.
How Long Do the Results 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.
It can be difficult to estimate just how long your results from teeth whitening will last. 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.
How to Maintain Your Results
Keep your smile bright by brushing twice a day and flossing daily. After consuming foods or drinks that can stain your teeth, like coffee, tea, or soda, rinse your mouth with water to reduce discoloration.
Teeth whitening may not be permanent, but your smile can be permanently radiant by getting regular dental checkups, cleanings, and touch-up whitening treatments every year or two.
How Opalescence Teeth Whitening Works
Opalescence teeth whitening typically requires two appointments:
- First Visit: We’ll take impressions of your teeth to create custom, clear plastic trays.
- Second Visit: You’ll try on the trays to ensure a proper fit, and we’ll make adjustments if needed.
The trays are worn with a specialized whitening gel, either twice a day for 30 minutes or overnight for a couple of weeks, depending on the degree of staining and your whitening goals. You may have mild tooth sensitivity during treatment, but it usually subsides soon after you finish whitening. You’ll also receive instructions on caring for your teeth and trays.
Good Candidates for Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is a great option for many teens and adults looking to brighten their smile. Before starting any cosmetic treatment, Dr. Holbrook will conduct a dental exam to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy. We’ll need to address any issues like gum disease or tooth decay before proceeding with whitening.
Why Choose Steven H. Holbrook, D.M.D.?
Dr. Steven E. Holbrook, a highly skilled cosmetic and implant dentist, has been serving the Albuquerque community since 1984. Born and raised in Albuquerque, Dr. Holbrook is board-certified in implant dentistry and holds prestigious titles, including Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology and Master in the Academy of General Dentistry. With over three decades of experience, he has built a thriving practice where patient care and comfort are top priorities.
Dr. Holbrook also mentors fellow dentists and lectures on dental implantology. Committed to giving back, he volunteers his time to provide dental services to underserved populations in New Mexico. His deep roots in the community, combined with his expertise, make Dr. Holbrook a trusted choice for patients seeking top-quality dental care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Whiten Dental Crowns or Veneers?
Teeth whitening treatments only work on your natural teeth, meaning crowns, fillings, and veneers won’t respond to the bleaching process. To ensure a consistent, bright smile, we may recommend replacing any old restorations after whitening to match the new, lighter shade of your teeth.
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?
Aside from sensitivity, there are very few risks associated with professional teeth whitening. Dr. Holbrook will confirm your 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 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."
"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."
"This doctor and his staff demonstrate utmost professionalism while making the patients feel at home and like part of the family."
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 505-278-5953 to schedule a consultation. Dr. Holbrook and our talented team look forward to serving you in Albuquerque, NM!
