Teeth Whitening

By Houston Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Craig Mabrito

 

Dr. Mabrito offers teeth whitening solutions for patients who desire to whiten their teeth and brighten their smile.  Everyday use of coffee, tea, sodas, red wine, tobacco, and other staining foods can dull and darken the teeth.  A  whitening treatment prescribed by Dr. Mabrito can remove stains, whiten teeth, and also bring back the natural luster of
your tooth enamel. 

Before Teeth Whitening                       

Though there are many smile whitening products available in stores, only with the expertise of your dentist can your smile be at its whitest.  Most people can benefit from smile whitening; though it is best to consult with your dentist to determine the optimal whitening plan for you.  It is also important to know that whitening your teeth will not change the color of existing fillings or restorations. During your initial visit, Dr. Mabrito will discuss with you options for replacing fillings or restorations so there is a nice shade match after your teeth have been whitened. It is very important that bleaching is discontinued at least two weeks prior to the placement of any restorations.

Custom Fitted Bleach Trays

Patients are given the option of daytime or overnight bleach trays for at-home whitening. There are two concentration levels available, one for sensitive teeth at 7.5% and the other at 9.5%. Custom fitted bleach trays are cost effective and convenient, offering predictable results.

During your appointment, impressions are made of your teeth in order to design a custom whitening tray. You will be instructed on the proper way to fill and wear the thin trays over your teeth for your prescribed at-home procedure.

Daytime Application
For the daytime application, patients will wear whitening trays for 30 minutes to an hour each day for 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the desired results.

This option uses a stronger concentration of the whitening gel and may cause sensitivity to the teeth and gums. If sensitivity does occur, contact Dr. Mabrito’s office immediately so that alterations to your regimen can be made.

Overnight Application
With an overnight whitening regimen, the whitening agent becomes active after 20 minutes in the mouth, and then continues to work while you sleep. Some patients report that wearing the whitening trays overnight causes some jaw discomfort or a sore throat. Because trays are worn for longer periods, a less concentrated solution of whitening gel is used, so there is less chance for tooth and gum sensitivity.

Cost for Custom Fitted Bleach Trays: $263 for one arch, $486 for both arches

Office Teeth Whitening Application

Office whitening applications generally take 2 to 4 visits to achieve the desired results. With the office application no bleach touches the gums or is ingested and you will see an immediate difference in the shade of your teeth.

A stronger whitening agent is used so teeth may be sensitive after the procedure and you may also experience some discomfort from protection that is placed over gums.

Custom fitted bleach trays will be made at no additional cost during upper or lower teeth whitening for at-home touch up regimens.

Cost:
$406 (upper or lower teeth only) per visit*
$760 (upper and lower teeth) per visit*
$128 limited bleaching (1 to 2 teeth) per visit
* Custom fitted bleach trays will be made at no additional cost

Teeth Whitening Results

The best way to evaluate changes in shades is to whiten either the upper or lower teeth one at a time. After the change is noticed, then the other arch can be whitened. Approximately 20% of people experience temporary sensitivity in their teeth or gums during the procedure. If this occurs, contact the office immediately for alterations to the regimen.

After Smile Whitening

The effects of smile whitening will be seen for awhile, up to a year or longer. If you experience a slight regression of shade after a year or so, a supply of whitening gel may be purchased.  Touch up whitening will keep your teeth as bright as when you initially whitened them. Be careful to follow Dr. Mabrito’s instructions when whitening and touching up—over-whitening can cause an unnatural appearance in the teeth.

Dr. Mabrito takes care in giving his patients a bright and white smile about which they can be confident.

Call 713.528.0567 or fill out our contact form, to schedule an initial appointment today to discuss your best teeth whitening options.