General

What's your late/cancellation policy?

Cancellations or reschedules within 24 hours of your appointment will incur the full cost of your appointment to your card on file.  We understand things come up - in the event this happens, if you reschedule and complete a new appointment within 7 days, the rescheduled appointment cost will be waived. We have a 5-minute grace period for late appointments - please be sure to fill out your forms before heading in so check-in can be a breeze.

What makes The Gleamery different from my dentist?

The Gleamery is a dental boutique with licensed, expert Hygienists that provide teeth cleanings and whitenings tailored to our clients’ needs. Dr. Tina Nguyen, our Founder & supervising dentist, sets our standard of care, oversees our Hygiene team, and maintains a robust intake process to ensure all smiles are safe in our studios.

We remove many of the uncomfortable aspects of traditional dental care (drills, judgment, scheduling, cost) with convenience, affordability, and hospitality.

Our studios are designed with you in mind, and we offer teeth cleanings and whitenings in as little as 30 minutes to accommodate busy schedules. We offer same-day, evening, and weekend appointments; self-care should never be a burden.

During your treatment, if one of our Hygienists spots something they think should be reviewed by a dentist, we’ll refer you out to one of our local dental partners (whom we trust) for additional care. But your experience at The Gleamery is designed to be an experience in self-care. To us, smile-care = self-care.

What services does The Gleamery offer for teeth cleaning and whitening?

We offer five different service types at The Gleamery

- Teeth cleanings: Includes plaque & tartar removal, as well as guidance on how best to improve your preventative care. Cleanings are best for people looking for a routine cleaning to maintain a healthy smile.

- AirFlow cleanings: Includes application of plaque disclosing agent to help you identify areas of plaque buildup during at-home routine care. Additionally, includes plaque & tartar removal with our AirFlow tool - using a gentle stream of air & water to clean your teeth without the picking and scraping. We’ll wrap up your appointment with guidance on how best to improve your routine preventative care.

- Teeth whitenings: Includes application of whitening gel and gentle heat to activate (no hotter than a cup of coffee). For longer whitening treatments (60+ minutes), we offer before & after photos, shade comparison analysis, and instructions for how best to maintain your newly whitened smile.

- Signature Cleaning & Whitenings: The Gleamery’s signature service. Includes both a standard cleaning and a whitening treatment. Following a routine dental cleaning, we’ll apply our whitening gel (offered in multiple concentrations for sensitive smiles). For longer cleaning & whitening treatments (90 minutes), we offer before & after photos, shade comparison analysis, and instructions for how best to maintain your newly whitened smile.

- AirFlow Cleaning & Whitenings: The Gleamery’s most effective service. Includes both an AirFlow cleaning and a whitening treatment. Following your AirFlow cleaning, we’ll apply our whitening gel (three concentration strengths available for sensitive smiles). For longer cleaning & whitening treatments (105 minutes), we offer before & after photos, shade comparison analysis, and instructions for how best to maintain your newly whitened smile.

What is the difference between teeth cleaning and teeth whitening at The Gleamery?

While we believe both cleanings and whitenings are necessary for comprehensive smile-care, each of these services differ in their goals.

Teeth cleanings are aimed at eliminating plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth (bad bacteria). Plaque buildup can eat away at enamel, causing cavities and decay. It can even cause gingivitis or severe periodontal (gum) disease. When plaque becomes tartar, its bacteria can cause bad breath and turn your teeth yellow.

Teeth whitenings, on the other hand, are aimed after improving and lifting the shade of your smile - bringing confidence and excitement into your day-to-day life. Whitenings do not remove plaque from your teeth which is why we recommend pairing cleanings with whitenings for a complete smile-care experience (and for optimal whitening results).

What happens if I have a cavity or another type of dental issue?

If one of our Hygienists spots an area that needs attention from a dentist (like a cavity), we’ll refer you out to one of our trusted local dental partners for additional care.

What does a free consultation include?

During a free consultation, one of our team members will ask you about your oral health history, answer any questions you have about our services, and help you determine if you’re a good candidate for a cleaning or a whitening at The Gleamery.

To schedule a free consultation, click HERE

Do you offer any discounts for first-timers?

Yes - for the latest discounts for our services, enter your email address HERE and we’ll send you the details.

Can I get teeth cleaning and whitening done on the same day at The Gleamery?

Yes! This is why we offer cleaning and whitenings together in one hybrid service (our recommended service). You can book a cleaning and whitening treatment HERE.

Are there any post-treatment care recommendations after teeth cleaning or whitening?

There are no post-treatment recommendations after cleaning besides continuing to maintain preventive care at home (which we will provide guidance for)! For rare cases, we may provide custom post-treatment care instructions to you in the studio.

For whitening, your teeth will continue to process for two days following your treatment (which also means residual whitening may occur after your appointment). During this two-day timeframe, however, your teeth may be susceptible to staining.

Due to this, try to avoid anything that’s super rich in color during this time, including but not limited to: tomato-based soups or sauces, curries with turmeric, berries or fruit juices, or dark liquids like red wine or coffee. If you cannot avoid coffee, tea or dark soda, we recommend drinking them through a straw. It is also recommended to avoid highly acidic foods and drinks (like juices). Anything that will get a white t-shirt dirty could stain your teeth.

Do you take insurance?

Yes, we accept dental insurance for teeth cleanings (both Standard & AirFlow).

While in the studio, we will provide you with all of the paperwork and materials to submit your cleaning for reimbursement to your insurance provider. We cannot guarantee that the full cost of your cleaning will be covered by insurance, but insurance typically covers most of the cost of your cleaning.

Do you accept walk-ins?

Yes, walk-ins are welcome! Please call ahead of time or book online to confirm appointment availability for same day services. Our phone number is (503) 966-2284.

How does The Gleamery ensure the safety and hygiene of its facilities?

In addition to maintaining a very high standard of cleanliness at our studios, we follow federal & state regulations for dental offices, OSHA protocols, and sterilization testing and procedures to ensure your safety and comfort.

How long can I wait until after I get wisdom teeth out to receive a service from the Gleamery?

Typically it's advised to wait 6-8 weeks to receive any dental work after wisdom teeth removal. It's important to let the area heal and wait until it's no longer tender.

Can I purchase a gift card?

Definitely! eGift cards are available for purchase and valid for services and products at The Gleamery.

Are there any age restrictions for teeth cleaning and whitening services at Gleamery?

Yes. We only offer teeth cleaning and whitening services to those aged 14 years and older.

Appointments

What's your late/cancellation policy?

Cancellations or reschedules the day before your appointment will incur no charges. Any cancellations on the same day as your appointment or late/missed appointments will incur the full cost of your appointment to your card on file. We have a 5-minute grace period for late appointments - be sure to fill out your forms before heading in so check-in can be a breeze.

We understand things come up. On the day of your appointment, if you need to reschedule, we are happy to waive the fee if you reschedule and complete a new appointment within 7 days of the original appointment date. Please note if your rescheduled appointment is cancelled, you will be charged the full cost of your appointment.

If I arrive late, can I still get my treatment?

If you arrive more than 5 minutes late for your appointment, we can't guarantee that we will be able to accommodate your visit. If we are unable to accommodate you, you can reschedule your appointment within 7 days for no charge.

If you are unable to complete your rescheduled appointment, you will be charged the full cost of your scheduled service.

I booked my first appointment. What now?

Love to hear it. At the top of your booking confirmation email is a ‘Complete Forms’ button. Click through to fill out all forms prior to your appointment, and we'll take it from there. Our team will be in touch before your visit in case any additional information is needed.

Do you take x-rays?

We do not take x-rays at The Gleamery. We focus on proactive and preventative dental care and to make it easy and inspiring for you to keep up regular and consistent care.


We recommend that you still see your general dentist for annual exams and x-rays, as some issues are not visibly apparent to the naked eye without it.

Cleanings

Is it possible to do 30 minute cleaning and still provide high quality care?

Yes. We hire best-in-class, licensed hygienists that provide robust, complete teeth cleanings. While you’re in the studio, our hygiene team will work hand-in-hand with you to develop a plan to help you reach your healthiest possible smile.

For those that haven’t been to the dentist in years and have significant plaque and tartar buildup, more time and/or an additional cleaning may be required.

If it is your first time receiving a professional teeth cleaning in a long time, we recommend starting with a 45-minute AirFlow cleaning to ensure a robust clean.

What happens if I have a cavity or another type of dental issue?

If one of our Hygienists spots an area that needs attention from a dentist (like a cavity), we’ll refer you out to one of our trusted local dental partners for additional care.

Do you take insurance?

Yes, we accept dental insurance for teeth cleanings (both Standard & AirFlow).

While in the studio, we will provide you with all of the paperwork and materials to submit your cleaning for reimbursement to your insurance provider. We cannot guarantee that the full cost of your cleaning will be covered by insurance, but insurance typically covers most of the cost of your cleaning.

What insurance do you accept?

Though we do not bill your insurance directly, almost all dental insurance plans will reimburse you for most of the cost of your dental cleaning by submitting a superbill after your visit. Providers that typically reimburse following a visit with The Gleamery are: Aetna, Ameritas, Blue Cross Blue Shield, CIGNA, Dominion, Geha, Guardian, Humana, Kaiser PPO, Lincoln Financial Group, MetLife, Mutual of Omaha, Pacific source, Premera, Principal, Sunlife, United Concordia, and United Healthcare.

What if I don’t have dental insurance?

No insurance, no problem. Our pricing is structured to be able to offer affordable treatments at exceptional levels of care, so you never have to sacrifice smile-care when you don’t have insurance. Our pricing is listed online and in your appointment confirmation so you know exactly how much your visit will cost before you head in to the studio.

Can I get my teeth cleaned with braces?

Yes - we offer AirFlow cleanings in our studio - a gentler, more effective way to clean teeth that uses a stream of air, water, and a detoxifying solution. AirFlow cleanings are a good fit for braces.

Are AirFlow Cleanings covered by insurance?

AirFlow cleanings are not covered by insurance. If you'd like to book a cleaning covered by insurance, please book a standard cleaning or a Signature Cleaning & Whitening. Unfortunately, reimbursement rates are very low and we cannot accept them for our AirFlow cleanings.

What does an AirFlow Cleaning include?

AirFlow cleaning, first, includes the application of a complimentary plaque disclosing solution which highlights areas of plaque buildup - allowing for identification of missed-areas during routine care and correction of at-home brushing patterns (to prevent future plaque buildup).

Secondly, AirFlow cleanings include the usage of our advanced AirFlow technology - which uses a gentle stream of air and water to clean your teeth - without the typical picking and scraping associated with dental cleanings. AirFlow has been shown to remove plaque equally if not more effectively than standard dental cleanings.

How often should I get my teeth cleaned at The Gleamery?

As a general rule of practice, we recommend 4 cleanings per year (or one cleaning every 3 months). After routine cleanings, plaque builds up fast at home. At-home brushing and flossing often misses difficult-to-reach areas - which is why routine cleanings are so important. Your Hygienist will build a smile-care plan after your visit with recommendations on how often you should return for a cleaning.

Do you take x-rays?

We do not take x-rays at The Gleamery. We focus on proactive and preventative dental care and to make it easy and inspiring for you to keep up regular and consistent care.


We recommend that you still see your general dentist for annual exams and x-rays, as some issues are not visibly apparent to the naked eye without it.

Whitenings

Are there any pre-appointment instructions for teeth whitening at The Gleamery?

There are a few things we ask that you do leading up to your teeth whitening. First and most importantly, we recommend you get a professional cleaning with us within one week of your whitening to maximize your whitening results (you can book a cleaning and whitening combo HERE). For the day of your appointment, re recommend you:

- Do not eat for at least one hour leading up to your appointment
- Brush and floss the morning of your appointment
- Plan to not eat or drink darker foods (like tomato soup) or liquids (like coffee) after your appointment

Outside of these, we just ask that you arrive 5-10 minutes before your appointment starts to allow for enough time to complete your appointment with care.

What results should I expect after a teeth whitening?

Our whitening system is specifically designed for immediate results. If it's your first whitening session, we recommend a 60- or 90-minute whitening to see a strong shade lift (3+ shades). If you're a whitening pro and returning for a touch-up. a 30-minute whitening is optimal for a light shade lift to maintain your shade (best if paired with a cleaning). Naturally, whitening results vary for every client based on a wide variety of factors - including age, coffee/tea/red wine consumption, smoking, and overall tooth enamel health. After your treatment, your Hygienist will discuss your whitening goals and craft a treatment plan to achieve your dream smile. No matter what - we guarantee that you will leave our studio happy and excited about your bright smile.

Should I get a cleaning before I get my teeth whitened?

Yes, we recommend having a professional cleaning with us within one week of your whitening at The Gleamery (ideally as a Cleaning & Whitening combo treatment as your one visit in the studio). We also offer standalone cleanings if you would like to come in only for a cleaning before your whitening.

As our Founder, Dr. Tina, says, “You wouldn’t wax your car without getting it cleaned first”. The same applies to our teeth. Though our whitening will still get results, plaque and tartar buildup can reduce the effectiveness of your whitening treatment without a cleaning prior.

What types of stains can be effectively removed through teeth whitening at The Gleamery?

Our whitening is generally effective in removing common extrinsic and intrinsic stains caused by factors like:

- Aging-related discoloration
- Coffee and tea stains
- Red wine stains
- Tobacco stains
- Medication induced stains
- Discoloration related to tooth trauma

However, results may be less effective against intrinsic stains caused by factors like medications or tooth trauma. We recommend booking a free consultation with us in advance of your appointment if you have personal questions.

How often should I whiten my teeth?

Your whitening frequency depends on your personal whitening goals and how bright you would like your smile to be. While you’re in the studio, our Hygienists will discuss your whitening goals with you and help create a plan to achieve your desired smile.

As a general rule, we recommend a Signature or AirFlow Cleaning & Whitening service once every three months to keep your smile healthy and shining bright.

Can I whiten veneers, crowns, or composites with cleaning & whitenings?

We cannot lift shade on veneers, crowns, or composites - but it is still 100% safe to apply our whitening treatment to them if you would like to lift the shade of your natural teeth.

Why should I get a cleaning before I get my teeth whitened?

As our founder Dr. Tina, says, “You wouldn’t wax your car without getting it cleaned first”. The same applies to our teeth. Though our whitening will still get results, plaque and tartar buildup can reduce the effectiveness of your whitening treatment without a clean canvas. We recommend opting for one of our Cleaning & Whitening duos to reveal your best smile in one visit, or booking a standalone cleaning within one week of your whitening appointment.

Will my insurance cover Cleaning & Whitening?

Most insurance covers most or all of the cost of teeth cleanings. Whitenings are considered cosmetic and are not covered by insurance. If you purchase a Cleaning & Whitening, we will provide you with the relevant materials to submit your cleaning to your insurance for reimbursement.

Is teeth whitening safe?

In our hands, yes. Our licensed Hygienists follow strict safety protocols, and will customize the whitening treatment to your sensitivity (multiple whitening concentrations available) and preferences. We use a combination of ADA-approved, dentist-developed whitening products known for their safety and effectiveness. We combine these products with a complementary fluoride polish - effectively lifting your shade while strengthening and protecting your enamel.

How long will my teeth whitening results last after a session?

Whitening is a spectrum, and your whitest shade as well as your results will vary based on a lot of factors such as your skintone, lifestyle (smoking, consumption of staining foods, etc.), and genetics. Most of our results last somewhere between 3 to 6 months; your Hygienist will provide tips after your session on how to best maintain your smile and suggest when would be best to come back in for a touch-up.

If my teeth are sensitive after whitening, how long will it last?

While our whitening treatments are sensitivity-minded, if you experience or are prone to sensitivity it should go away in a couple days. Your Hygienist can provide you with tips as well as recommended products to help keep sensitivity at bay.

Can I receive a whitening treatment if I'm pregnant or nursing?

Although teeth whitening is safe and FDA-approved, it is not recommended if pregnant or nursing.

Can I whiten if pregnant or nursing?

Although teeth whitening is safe and ADA-approved, it is not recommended if pregnant or nursing.

Billing

Do you take insurance?

Yes, we accept dental insurance for teeth cleanings (both Standard & AirFlow).

While in the studio, we will provide you with all of the paperwork and materials to submit your cleaning for reimbursement to your insurance provider. We cannot guarantee that the full cost of your cleaning will be covered by insurance, but insurance typically covers most of the cost of your cleaning.

What if I don’t have dental insurance?

No insurance, no problem. Our pricing is structured to be able to offer affordable treatments at exceptional levels of care, so you never have to sacrifice smile-care when you don’t have insurance. Our pricing is listed online and in your appointment confirmation so you know exactly how much your visit will cost before you head in to the studio.

What insurance do you accept?

Though we do not bill your insurance directly, almost all dental insurance plans will reimburse you for most of the cost of your dental cleaning by submitting a superbill after your visit. Providers that typically reimburse following a visit with The Gleamery are: Aetna, Ameritas, Blue Cross Blue Shield, CIGNA, Dominion, Geha, Guardian, Humana, Kaiser PPO, Lincoln Financial Group, MetLife, Mutual of Omaha, Pacific source, Premera, Principal, Sunlife, United Concordia, and United Healthcare.

Referrals

What are the perks for referring new clients?

Every friend you refer will get $75 off their visit, and you'll get $75 of credit added to your account as well. These stack up fast and can be used on all treatments on future visits.

I got referred. What next?

To get $75 off your first visit, mention the name of the existing client who referred you. You can put their name in the "Referred by a friend? Enter their name" field when right after you book online, or let Guest Services know on the day of your appointment.

The $75 credit will be taken off in-studio when your service is complete for qualifying services which includes AirFlow Cleanings, Whitenings (30, 60, or 90 min) and all Cleaning & Whitening treatments.

Other discounts, promotions, and insurance will not be accepted on top of this referral credit.

Is there a limit for how many referral credits I can earn?

Referral credits are unlimited and never expire! However, they are just for your use only and cannot be shared or transferred to others.

How do I find my referral credit balance?

At this time you can call, email, text, or speak in-person to Guest Services to find out your referral balance. We’ll also send you periodic updates via email to let you know your referral credit balance.

Can I apply partial credit towards a standard 30-minute teeth cleaning?

Referral credits can only be applied to standalone teeth cleaning services if you have enough credit to cover the entire cost of the service (2 referrals covers the whole $149 cost of service)

Can I apply partial credit towards teeth whitening?

Yes! Partial credit can be used towards all AirFlow Cleaning, Whitening, and Cleaning & Whitening services.

Can I use insurance with a referral?

Yes. If your visit is just for a cleaning, only one referral can be applied if you’re using insurance. If you book a Cleaning & Whitening, more than one referral credit ($75) can be applied.