For over 20 years Dr. Loshin has offered teeth whitening to patients seeking a "brighter" smile. Whitening has become easier, quicker and a better value as methods improved and costs came down from "thousands" to "hundreds" of dollars. Although whitening may be new to you, we are very experienced with this at Lasting Impressions Dentistry. We have all the major techniques available, so that we can help you choose the best method for your particular teeth and budget.

Laser Whitening
Laser whitening is most appropriate for people "in a hurry" due to an upcoming event (like a wedding) or people who cannot tolerate wearing a bleaching tray to sleep, or those who simply "don't want to mess" with anything at home.

Laser whitening is done in the dental office. The teeth to be bleached are isolated. Special gels are applied and "activated" by light energy. The experience resembles going to the "sunbooth" for your teeth. Although results vary, most people will attain several shades of lightening in a single treatment of about an hour.

Take-home Tray Whitening
During a 20 minute appointment, impressions (same as for braces) are taken. In our on-site lab, these impressions are used to make a personalized set of soft, pliable, clear plastic trays that precisely fit only your teeth and hold the bleaching gel in the right places. For 2-4 weeks you apply the gel in the trays and wear them to bed at night. This method is comfortable and easy to use. The trays are thin and soft and fit well. The material tastes good and stays in contact with the teeth for many hours. This LONG CONTACT TIME is the key to success! It enables the use of a material that causes almost no sensitivity and yet is very effective.

Because whitening occurs over several days or weeks, it is easy to monitor and control the result. You can decide which teeth may need a little more whitening and then just bleach those teeth for a couple nights. You can stop and restart the process if necessary. You decide on the endpoint. There is no harm in bleaching longer than two weeks if you desire.

Over-the-counter teeth whitening products
There is a large variety of ill-fitting, self-fitting trays, swabs, gels and strips - These all suffer from the same pitfalls. They are messy and uncomfortable. They stimulate saliva overdrive. And they cannot be worn while sleeping, so the contact time with the teeth is insufficient. Some are effective, but harsh on the gum tissue. Others are mild, but ineffectual. Most of our whitening patients have tried over-the-counter products first and then turned to us for an effective, safe alternative.

Contact us today by calling 206.682.3093 or online