Teeth Whitening in Anchorage, AK
Do you want a quick, easy way to look ten years younger? We offer professional whitening options for both fast, in-office results and convenient take-home treatment.
Professional ZOOM Whitening (In-Office)
This service provides the fastest and most dramatic results, ideal for patients seeking an immediate transformation. You can achieve a significantly brighter smile, often up to five shades lighter, in a single office visit. The treatment includes custom-fitted upper and lower trays for at-home use, and you receive a supply of whitening gel for convenient touch-ups throughout the year. This option represents the highest investment compared to take-home methods, and you may experience mild, temporary sensitivity that typically subsides quickly.
Opalescence Take-Home Whitening
This is a convenient approach for excellent results on your own schedule using our professional Opalescence system. The trays are pre-loaded with the optimal amount of gel and ready to use immediately, and each package includes ten upper and ten lower trays. Achieving your desired shade takes patience and consistency, typically one to three months of regular use, with a commitment to regular application over several weeks.
Maximizing Your Results
Every patient’s teeth respond differently to whitening. You could reach your desired shade in as little as one month or up to three months, depending on how frequently you whiten. For 24 hours after any whitening session, avoid dark drinks such as coffee, tea, red wine, and dark sodas. Consistent professional cleanings also remove surface stains and buildup, allowing the gel to work more effectively.
Common Questions
- Is whitening safe? Yes. When used as directed, professional whitening agents do not damage your enamel or permanently affect gum health.
- What if the gel irritates my gums? If excess gel contacts your gum tissue it can cause temporary discomfort. Simply rinse with water. Our pre-loaded trays are designed to minimize this.
- Can I whiten during pregnancy? We recommend that pregnant or breastfeeding women defer whitening until afterward, as its safety during this period has not been confirmed.
- Can someone be too young? We recommend whitening at an age when the patient can fully understand and care for their own treatment, often around 12 to 16 years old.
- Will it work on crowns or fillings? Crowns, bridges, and fillings do not change color with whitening. If you have visible restorations, we can discuss the best approach during a consultation.
- How long does it last? Longevity varies. Some patients whiten once a year, others touch up more often, depending on diet.
More Whitening Questions
Can I whiten while in remission from cancer? Yes. Many whitening gels include a remineralizing component, potassium nitrate and fluoride, that supports tooth health and reduces sensitivity.
Is whitening safe if my gums bleed easily? That depends on why they are bleeding, and it is not a question to answer without looking. Bleeding gums usually point to inflammation or gum disease that should be addressed first. Come in for an exam and we will sort out the cause before whitening.
Can I whiten after an extraction? Wait about three weeks so the tissue has fully healed.
How long do results last? It varies more than people expect. Some patients whiten once a year, others touch up every couple of weeks, and diet drives most of the difference. Coffee, tea, and red wine will pull you back toward your starting shade faster. Regular cleanings remove the surface staining that builds up in between.
Whitening as Part of a Larger Plan
Whitening comes first when other work is planned, because crowns and bridges and other restorations are matched to your final tooth shade and will not change color afterward. If you are considering a fuller change, the cosmetic dentistry page walks through the options together.
