Teeth Cleanings
Professional teeth cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup that brushing and flossing cannot address on their own. Even patients with excellent home care develop calculus in areas that are difficult to reach, particularly along the gumline and between teeth. Left in place, calculus contributes to gum disease, bone loss, and decay — a pattern confirmed by CDC oral health data. A professional cleaning removes it, polishes the tooth surfaces, and gives our team the opportunity to identify any issues that need attention before they become more significant problems.
At Alber Dental Studio, professional cleanings are performed by our dental hygienists and integrated into a complete preventive dentistry program that includes a comprehensive exam by Dr. Marc Alber. Most patients benefit from cleanings every six months. Patients with a history of gum disease or elevated periodontal risk may be placed on a more frequent three to four month schedule.
What Happens During a Professional Cleaning
A routine cleaning begins with a review of your health history and any changes since your last visit. The hygienist performs a periodontal assessment — measuring pocket depths around each tooth — before removing plaque and calculus from all tooth surfaces above and below the gumline using hand instruments and ultrasonic scalers. The teeth are then polished to remove surface stains and smooth the enamel. A fluoride treatment is applied at the end for patients who benefit from it.
If Dr. Alber identifies areas of concern during the exam — early decay, gum changes, a cracked tooth — he discusses it with you directly and explains the clinical reasoning behind any recommendation. No treatment is recommended without a clear explanation.
Calculus begins forming within days of a cleaning and reaches significant accumulation within months. Regular removal prevents the chronic inflammation that leads to bone loss and tooth loss over time. Consistent cleanings also give the hygiene team a longitudinal view of your oral health — noticing changes between visits that inform treatment recommendations.
Routine vs. Deep Cleanings
A routine prophylaxis cleaning addresses deposits at and slightly below the gumline in patients with healthy or mildly inflamed gums. A deep cleaning — scaling and root planing — is indicated when periodontal pockets have deepened significantly and bacteria have established below the gumline in a way that a routine cleaning cannot address. Dr. Alber and the hygiene team assess periodontal status at each visit and recommend the appropriate level of care based on clinical findings. See our gum disease treatment page for more.
We are a fee-for-service practice — patients submit claims for out-of-network reimbursement. Cleanings are covered by most dental insurance plans twice per year. For patients without insurance, our in-house membership plan covers routine cleanings and exams. We accept HSA and FSA funds. Visit our financing page for details.
Teeth Cleanings at Alber Dental Studio
Dr. Marc Alber and the hygiene team at Alber Dental Studio provide professional cleanings as the foundation of preventive care designed to keep your teeth and gums healthy for the long term. With over 26 years in Boulder and 735+ five-star reviews, our team catches problems early and keeps treatment recommendations honest. Contact our Boulder office to schedule your next cleaning and exam.
- Have healthy teeth and gums with no untreated decay or gum disease
- Want to address stains, chips, gaps, or irregular tooth shape
- Maintain good daily oral hygiene habits
- Do not grind excessively, or are willing to wear a night guard
- Have sufficient enamel to support bonding
- Are looking for a long-term cosmetic investment
The Professional Cleaning Process
Step 1: Health History & Periodontal Assessment
We review any changes to your health history and medications, then measure periodontal pocket depths around each tooth to assess gum health and establish a baseline for comparison at future visits.
Step 2: Scaling & Calculus Removal
The hygienist removes plaque and calculus from all tooth surfaces above and below the gumline using hand instruments and ultrasonic scalers. This is the core of the appointment — removing the buildup that daily brushing cannot reach.
Step 3: Polish & Fluoride
Teeth are polished with a low-abrasion paste to remove surface stains and smooth enamel. A fluoride varnish is applied for patients who benefit from additional cavity protection — it sets quickly and continues releasing fluoride for hours after the appointment.
Step 4: Exam & Recommendations
Dr. Alber performs a comprehensive exam — reviewing X-rays, checking each tooth, and evaluating any areas of concern. Any findings are explained clearly with the clinical reasoning behind any recommendations before you leave.
Schedule Your Cleaning Today
Schedule a cosmetic consultation with Dr. Alber and find out whether teeth cleanings are the right path for your smile goals. No pressure — just an honest assessment.
How to Get the Most From Your Cleanings
What you do at home between visits directly impacts how much work a cleaning needs to do. These habits matter:
Use a soft-bristled brush at a 45-degree angle to the gumline. Two minutes is the minimum — most people brush for under 45 seconds. An electric brush with a built-in timer removes significantly more plaque than manual brushing.
40% of tooth surfaces are between the teeth — surfaces a toothbrush can’t reach. Floss, interdental brushes, or a water flosser are all effective. The best one is whichever you will actually use consistently.
Frequent exposure to sugar and acid drives decay faster than total amount consumed. Sipping a sports drink for an hour is far more damaging than drinking it in five minutes. Rinse with water after meals when brushing isn’t possible.
Skipping a cleaning allows calculus to accumulate, which can only be removed professionally. Patients who consistently attend scheduled cleanings have measurably better long-term gum health than those who come in only when they notice a problem.
Teeth Cleanings With Flexible Payment Options
Routine cleanings are covered by most dental insurance plans twice per year. We are a fee-for-service practice. For patients without insurance, our in-house membership plan covers cleanings and exams. We accept HSA and FSA funds and offer flexible financing through CareCredit, Cherry, and Altheon.
Also at Alber Dental Studio
Explore Our Other Cosmetic Services
Professional Teeth Cleanings are one part of a comprehensive cosmetic dentistry offering at Alber Dental Studio.
A customized combination of cosmetic treatments — Professional Teeth Cleanings, whitening, Invisalign, and bonding — designed around your unique smile goals.
A same-appointment option for minor chips or gaps — no enamel removal needed.
Professional-strength whitening when tooth color is the primary concern.
Read What Our Customers Are Saying
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I get a professional teeth cleaning?
What is the difference between a routine cleaning and a deep cleaning?
Do professional cleanings whiten teeth?
What should I expect after a cleaning?
Are cleanings covered by dental insurance?
Does Alber Dental Studio accept insurance?
Alber Dental Studio: Teeth Cleanings in Boulder, CO
Dr. Marc Alber and Dr. Lauren Llorente bring over 26 years of combined cosmetic dentistry experience to every Professional Teeth Cleanings case. Our fee-for-service practice in Boulder serves patients throughout Superior, Louisville, Broomfield, Longmont, Erie, and the surrounding Front Range. Schedule a cosmetic consultation online or call our team to discuss your smile goals.