Tooth Whitening

Tooth whitening (or bleaching) is a simple, non-invasive dental treatment used to change the color of natural tooth enamel and is an ideal way to enhance the beauty of your smile.

Because having whiter teeth has now become the number one aesthetic concern of most patients, there are a number of ways to whiten teeth.  The most popular method is using a home tooth whitening system that will whiten teeth dramatically.  Since tooth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel, it is important to evaluate replacement of any old fillings, crowns, etc.  Replacement of any restorations will be done after bleaching so they will match the newly bleached teeth.

Tooth whitening is not permanent.  A touch-up maybe needed every several years, and more often if you smoke, drink coffee, tea, or wine.

Reasons for tooth whitening:

  • Fluorosis (excessive fluoridation during tooth development).
  • Normal wear of outer tooth layer.
  • Stained teeth due to medications (tetracycline, etc.).
  • Yellow, brown stained teeth.

What does tooth whitening involve?

This type of tooth whitening usually requires two visits.  At the first appointment, impressions (molds) will be made of your teeth to fabricate custom, clear plastic, trays.

At your second appointment, you will try on the trays for proper fit, and adjustments will be made if necessary.  The trays are worn with special whitening solution either twice a day for 30 minutes or overnight for a couple of weeks depending on the degree of staining and desired level of whitening.  It is normal to experience tooth sensitivity during the time you are whitening your teeth, but it will subside shortly after you have stopped bleaching.

You will receive care instructions for your teeth and trays, and be encouraged to visit your dentist regularly to help maintain a beautiful, healthy, white smile.

Testimonials.

Read what people are saying about us.

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Testimonials

Dr. Loughlin had a great chairside manner! He explained all my options and didn't talk down to me. I like that his treatment plan started from the simplest, least expensive solution instead going with the most expensive and extensive option.

Charlene B.

Dr. Laughlin is amazing. He is kind, patient, gentle and honest! I had a previous dentist talk me into a bunch of cosmetic dentistry I didn’t need and the work was done poorly. At the time, I was very self conscious about my smile. I wanted some bonding and needed a couple implants due to bruxism. My previous dentist talked me into getting crowns on all my healthy upper teeth to “improve my bite.” The work was so bad another dentist told me to hire an attorney and recommended I see Dr. Laughlin. I‘m so grateful I did.

Unlike other dentists who have acted like I’m being a diva for feeling like the bite or the color is off, Dr. Laughlin ordered a new crown when he noticed the color was not quite the shade we spoke about. I told him I thought it would be ok but he said we are striving for perfection. I’ve never had this kind of experience in a dental chair. He placed the other crown for me as a temp and swapped them out when the new one arrived. He is so generous with his time and his staff is wonderful. I’ll be redoing all my previous work with him.

I also love that it is a private office. I hate going to dentists with a somewhat open floor plan. Who wants a bunch of people walking by looking at you while you are having dental work done?!

Unfortunately, he is out of my network but I would have saved money in the long run if I had gone to him first. To anyone looking for high quality cosmetic dentistry, I can not say enough about Alamo Prosthodontics!

Cristine K.

It was my great surprise and relief when I was worked in as an emergency for the loss of a filling in my tooth due to lighting down on bread at a local restaurant. Dianne the receptionist of many years was so understanding and concerned to help me get worked in rapidly the staff of Ci Ci and others was most sympathetic about my condition. I had to leave town the next day for 2 days and they worked me in before I had to leave town.
They explained the needed procedure after the dentist's evaluation and friendly manner of describing what needs to be done and putting my mind at ease that repair would be uncomplicated.

What a great place to trust your dental care to!! Caring, concern, sympathetic listening, and desire to let me know the alternatives of care make me a return patient for years to come.

David T.

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