New Patient Special
Professional Whitening That Delivers
Store-bought strips and trays work on the surface of your enamel. Professional whitening works beneath it. At Americas Family Dental, we use Opalescence, a prescription-strength whitening system that lifts deep-set stains and delivers results that over-the-counter products consistently fall short of. If you've tried whitening before and been disappointed, this is a different experience.
Stronger Results in Less Time
Opalescence uses professional-grade formulas that aren't available over the counter. The concentration is higher, the contact with the tooth surface is more controlled, and the results are more significant. Most patients see a meaningful improvement in shade after a single treatment.
A Formula Matched to Your Teeth
Opalescence comes in multiple concentrations. Before treatment begins, your dentist evaluates your tooth sensitivity, the degree of staining, and your whitening goals to determine the right formula for your specific situation. You get results without unnecessary discomfort.
Results That Last
With proper care and occasional touch-ups, professional whitening results can last for years rather than the weeks you get from most retail products. How long yours lasts depends on your diet, your hygiene habits, and how often you consume staining foods and drinks like coffee, tea, and wine.
We Take Your Insurance
What Causes Teeth to Stain
Tooth discoloration falls into two categories, and understanding the difference helps set realistic expectations.
Extrinsic stains develop on the outer surface of the enamel and are caused by:
- Coffee, tea, red wine, and dark sodas
- Tobacco use
- Foods with strong pigmentation like berries and tomato sauce
- Normal wear and buildup over time
Intrinsic stains develop inside the tooth structure itself and can be caused by:
- Certain medications taken during tooth development
- Fluorosis from excessive fluoride exposure in childhood
- Trauma to a tooth
- Natural aging, which thins enamel and allows the yellower layer beneath to show through
Professional whitening is most effective on extrinsic staining. Intrinsic discoloration may not respond to whitening in the same way, and your dentist will give you an honest assessment of what to expect based on the type of staining you have.
What Whitening Won't Change
It's important to go into whitening with accurate expectations. Whitening agents only affect natural tooth enamel. They don't change the color of:
- Crowns, veneers, or bridges
- Composite fillings
- Dental bonding
If you have visible restorations on your front teeth, your dentist will discuss how whitening could affect the match between your natural teeth and your existing dental work before treatment begins.
How to Keep Your Results Longer
What you do after whitening matters as much as the treatment itself. A few simple habits protect your results:
- Rinse with water after consuming staining foods and drinks
- Use a whitening toothpaste to slow the buildup of surface stains
- Avoid tobacco, which is one of the fastest ways to undo whitening results
- Keep up with your regular professional cleanings
- Ask about touch-up options at your routine checkups
What to Expect During Your Smile Whitening Visit
Your Whitening Consultation
Your dentist examines your teeth and gums to confirm they're healthy and ready for whitening. This includes checking for cavities, gum irritation, or exposed root surfaces that could make whitening uncomfortable. If anything needs to be addressed first, your dentist will let you know before treatment begins.
Shade Assessment
Your current tooth shade is recorded so you have a clear before-and-after reference. Your dentist discusses your goals, reviews the type of staining you have, and recommends the Opalescence formula and delivery method best suited for your situation.
Choosing Your Whitening Approach
Depending on your goals and timeline, your dentist may recommend one of the following:
- In-office whitening for faster, more immediate results in a single appointment
- Take-home whitening with custom-fitted trays and professional-grade gel you apply at home on a schedule your dentist sets
- A combination of both for patients who want the most significant and lasting outcome
Treatment
For in-office whitening, your gums are protected and the Opalescence gel is applied to your teeth and activated for the recommended time. For take-home whitening, your dentist takes impressions to fabricate custom trays that fit your teeth precisely, ensuring even coverage and minimal gel contact with your gums.
Results and Aftercare
Your dentist reviews your results and provides clear aftercare instructions, including what to avoid in the first 48 hours after treatment when your teeth are most susceptible to restaining. Some sensitivity in the days following is normal and temporary.
Dental Care That Puts Your Family First
Compassionate, Honest Dentistry
We treat every patient with respect and integrity, never rushing care and always recommending what’s truly best for your health.
Flexible Financing & Insurance Help
We accept most major insurance plans and offer financing options like Cherry to help families stay within budget.
Complete Family Dentistry
Most treatments are performed right here in our office, and when specialty care is needed, we coordinate within our network for a smooth experience.
We’re Here to Help, Not Judge
Life happens. We meet you where you are with compassionate care, honest recommendations, and clear answers, always.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon after whitening can I eat and drink normally?
For the first 48 hours after whitening, your teeth are more porous and susceptible to restaining. During this window, avoid coffee, tea, red wine, dark sauces, and tobacco. After that period, you can resume your normal diet while following general maintenance habits to protect your results.
Does insurance cover teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure and is generally not covered by dental insurance. Our team will confirm this with your plan before your appointment. Cherry Financing is available if you'd like to spread the cost over time.
Can I whiten my teeth if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Most dentists recommend waiting until after pregnancy and breastfeeding to undergo elective whitening treatments. Let your dentist know your situation at your consultation and they'll advise you on the right time to move forward.
My teeth are yellow. Will whitening make them completely white?
Whitening lifts the shade of your natural teeth, but the degree of change depends on the type and depth of your staining. Teeth that are naturally more yellow tend to respond well to whitening. Very dark or gray discoloration may require a different approach, such as veneers. Your dentist will give you an honest assessment of what whitening can realistically achieve for your teeth.
Why don't whitening strips work as well as professional whitening?
Over-the-counter strips use a much lower concentration of whitening agent than professional products. They also don't conform precisely to the shape of your teeth, which leads to uneven coverage and inconsistent results. Professional whitening uses stronger formulas applied correctly for your tooth shape and sensitivity level.
Can I whiten my teeth if I have sensitive teeth?
Many patients with sensitivity can whiten safely. Opalescence is available in formulations designed for sensitive teeth, and your dentist will adjust the concentration and application time accordingly. Let your dentist know about your sensitivity before treatment begins.
How long do results last?
Most patients enjoy their results for one to three years with good oral hygiene. Avoiding heavy coffee, tea, wine, and tobacco use extends results significantly. Touch-up treatments are quick and easy when needed.
Will whitening make my teeth sensitive?
Some patients experience temporary sensitivity during or after whitening, particularly to cold temperatures. This usually resolves within a day or two. Using a lower-concentration formula or shorter application time can reduce sensitivity without significantly affecting results. Your dentist will factor in your sensitivity level when recommending a treatment approach.
Is professional whitening safe for my enamel?
Yes, when used as directed. Opalescence is clinically tested and widely used in dental practices. Overusing whitening products or using them too frequently is what leads to sensitivity and enamel concerns. Professional treatment is monitored and dosed correctly for your specific teeth.
How many shades whiter can I expect my teeth to get?
Results vary based on the degree and type of staining, your starting shade, and the formula used. Most patients see a noticeable improvement of several shades. Your dentist will give you a realistic expectation at your consultation rather than a number that may not apply to your situation.
Located in El Paso
Find us at 201 S. Americas Ave, Ste 206, El Paso, TX 79907. We’re next to Academy with free parking, and we offer Saturday appointments and family scheduling to make care easy.
Free on-site parking available. If you need help finding us, call and we’ll guide you in.
Coming from Socorro, San Elizario, Fabens, or Clint? We’re a quick drive and easy to reach.