Whiter Teeth in Farmington at Desert Hills Dental Care
Search “teeth whitening near me” in Farmington, and you’ll get local offices, mail-order kits, and chains that run one page for Farmington, Gallup, and Rio Rancho. Few of them say who checks your teeth first or what it costs. At Desert Hills Dental Care, on the corner of Hutton and 30th Street, our dentists offer in-office LED and laser whitening and take-home trays, and we’ll tell you up front which one fits you and what you’ll pay.
Call (505) 327-4863 to schedule your teeth whitening consultation.
Meet the Dentists Who Whiten Your Teeth
Dr. Charles Schumacher provides professional whitening at our office. He’s been seeing Farmington patients since 1986. He earned his DDS at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, holds fellowships in the American College of Dentists, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the Pierre Fauchard Society, and is a past president of the New Mexico Dental Association.
Dr. Gene Hilton is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and earned his dental degree at Virginia Commonwealth University. Dr. Clarissa Burgess and Dr. Jacob Collins round out our Farmington dentists, and the four of them handle whitening, porcelain veneers, crowns, and Invisalign in the same Farmington office, so your whitening can be planned around any other work on your smile.
Patients have left more than 1,000 five-star ratings on Google, and the dental reviews on our site come from families in Farmington, Aztec, and as far as Gallup.
In-Office, Take-Home, or Both: Your Whitening Options
- In-office LED-assisted whitening. We apply a professional whitening gel and activate it with an LED light. It’s quick and works for most people, and many patients see a noticeable change after one session.
- In-office laser whitening. A laser activates the gel for more targeted treatment. It tends to cost more than LED whitening.
- Take-home trays. Trays made to fit your teeth, used at home with Opalescence whitening gel. Results build gradually, usually over about two weeks.
- A combination. Start in the office for a fast change, then keep your trays for touch-ups later.
Our whitening gels are from Opalescence, a professional whitening line. Opalescence gels include potassium nitrate and fluoride, which help with comfort.
Comparing Options
| In-office (LED or laser) | Take-home trays | Store-bought strips | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who checks your teeth first | Your dentist | Your dentist | No one |
| Gum protection | Gums and lips covered before the gel goes on | Trays made for your teeth | One size fits all |
| Gel strength | Professional | Professional, lower than in-office | Over-the-counter |
| Time to results | Often one visit | About two weeks | Several weeks |
| Typical cost in New Mexico | About $400 to $850 | Often less than in-office | About $20 to $70 |
Is Teeth Whitening Right for You?
Professional whitening is usually a good fit if you:
- Have yellowing from coffee, tea, red wine, or tobacco
- Notice your teeth look duller than they used to as you get older
- Have an event coming up, like a wedding, graduation, or new job, and want your smile at its brightest
- Are planning veneers or a new crown and want the shade matched to whiter teeth
- Have healthy teeth and gums, or are willing to treat cavities and gum problems first
Whitening may not be recommended if you’re pregnant or nursing, for children under 16, or if you have certain dental conditions. If you have untreated decay or gum disease, we’ll take care of that before we whiten.
What Whitening Can’t Fix, and What We May Suggest Instead
Whitening doesn’t change the color of crowns, fillings, or bonding, and some deep stains, such as those from tetracycline or yellower dentin, don’t respond fully to bleaching. When whitening alone won’t reach the look you want, we’ll tell you so, and we’ll walk you through other cosmetic dentistry options.
Dental bonding can cover a single stained or chipped tooth, veneers can change the color and shape of several front teeth, and a new crown can replace an older, darker one. Many patients get a matching crown with CEREC crowns made in our office.
If you’re doing both, whitening comes first. Your new crown or veneers are then matched to your brighter natural teeth, so nothing stands out.
Questions to Ask Before You Whiten Your Teeth Anywhere
Will a dentist check my teeth and gums first?
Bleaching gel on a cavity, a cracked tooth, or inflamed gums can hurt and can hide a problem that needs treatment. At our office, every whitening plan starts with an exam first.
What will happen to my crowns, fillings, or bonding?
They won’t whiten. A good plan tells you which teeth will change and which won’t, before you pay for anything.
In-office or take-home whitening: which is better for my teeth?
Neither is better for everyone. In-office whitening is faster. Take-home trays cost less and let you go at your own pace, and they’re useful for touch-ups. We’ll recommend the one that fits your goals and how sensitive your teeth are.
How will you protect my gums and manage sensitivity?
Ask how the gums are covered and what happens if your teeth get sensitive. We protect your gums and lips before the gel goes on, use a gel strength that suits your teeth, and give you a plan for any sensitivity afterward.
What’s the total price, and what’s included?
Ask whether the price covers one arch or both, whether trays or touch-up gel are included, and whether there are any separate fees. We’ll give you your price at your consultation.
How long will my results last, and what does a touch-up cost?
Most patients enjoy their results for about a year, depending on diet and habits. Ask what a touch-up involves before you start.
What to Expect During Your Teeth Whitening Appointment
When you arrive for your teeth whitening appointment at Desert Hills Dental Care, our team will make sure you’re comfortable and informed about the process. We’ll start by examining your teeth and gums to ensure you’re a good candidate for whitening treatment.
Next, we’ll apply a protective barrier to your gums and lips to shield them from the whitening gel. Then, we’ll carefully apply the professional-grade whitening solution to your teeth. Depending on the system we use, we may activate the gel with a special light to enhance the whitening effects.
The treatment typically takes about 60 to 90 minutes. During this time, you can relax in our comfortable treatment chair. Many patients bring headphones or simply rest while the whitening solution works its magic.
After the treatment, we’ll remove the gel and protective barriers, and you’ll be able to see your brighter smile right away. We’ll also provide you with aftercare instructions to help maintain your results.
How Long Whitening Takes, and How Long It Lasts
- In-office whitening: often one visit
- Take-home trays: usually about two weeks of daily use
- Whitening before a new crown or veneers: whiten first, then match the restoration to your new shade
- How long results last: about a year for most patients, longer with good habits and touch-ups
Have a wedding or other event coming up? Tell us your date when you book, and we’ll plan your whitening so your shade has time to settle.
What Teeth Whitening Costs in Farmington
Across New Mexico, professional in-office whitening usually runs about $400 to $850 for your upper and lower teeth. Dentists often price it per arch, and the ADA’s fee survey puts the New Mexico average at about $417 per arch. Take-home trays from a dentist often cost less. Your price depends on:
- In-office, take-home, or both
- One arch or both
- Whether trays and touch-up gel are included
- Whether any cavities or gum problems need treatment first
Because whitening is cosmetic, most dental insurance plans don’t cover it. We’ll give you your price at your consultation, and our dental financing options include CareCredit and 12 months same-as-cash. Patients over 60 without dental insurance get a 5% senior dental discount.
Managing Sensitivity After Whitening
Some patients notice mild, short-lived sensitivity after whitening. If that happens to you, these steps can help:
- Use tooth mousse
- Coat your teeth in vitamin E oil
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever
- Use a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth
- Avoid hot and cold drinks for three days after your whitening
If your sensitivity lasts more than three days, call our Farmington office at (505) 327-4863 or send us a note through our contact form.
Keeping Your Smile Bright
- Brush twice a day and floss daily, using a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush.
- Limit coffee, tea, red wine, and dark sauces, and rinse with water afterward. A straw helps with drinks.
- Avoid smoking and other tobacco.
- Use whitening toothpaste only occasionally, so it doesn’t wear down your enamel.
- Keep up with regular dental cleanings and exams, and ask us about touch-up treatments when your shade starts to fade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is teeth whitening suitable for everyone?
For most adults, yes. We don’t recommend it during pregnancy or nursing, for kids under 16, or with some dental conditions. We’ll check at your exam.
Does teeth whitening cause sensitivity?
Teeth whitening can sometimes cause sensitivity, but it’s usually mild and gone in a day or two. We’ll tell you how to manage it.
How long does professional teeth whitening last?
Most patients enjoy their results for about a year, depending on diet and habits. Regular dental visits and good home care help to maintain your brighter teeth longer.
Can I whiten my teeth if I have fillings or crowns?
Fillings and crowns won’t whiten. We usually whiten first, then match any new crown or filling to your new shade.
Can I whiten my teeth before a wedding or special event?
Often, yes. Tell us your date when you book. In-office whitening can often be done in one visit, while take-home trays take about two weeks, so give yourself a little extra time if you’d like to try trays first.
Does insurance cover teeth whitening?
No, dental insurance usually doesn’t cover teeth whitening. Most dental insurance plans treat whitening as a cosmetic treatment, so it’s typically paid out of pocket. Ask us about payment options when you book.
When should you whiten your teeth?
Most people whiten when stains start to bother them, before a big event, or before getting a new crown or veneers so the shade can be matched. Some whiten to offset yellowing from age or medication. Have a dentist check your teeth first to choose the right whitening approach.
Book Your Teeth Whitening Consultation in Farmington
Start your teeth whitening journey with an exam and a clear price. Call our cosmetic dentists in Farmington at (505) 327-4863 or request an appointment online to schedule your teeth whitening consultation at Desert Hills Dental Care. We see patients from Farmington, Aztec, Bloomfield, and the rest of the Four Corners.