Cosmetic dentistry and whitening
Cosmetic dentistry and teeth whitening in Bradenton
Whitening and bonding often get you most of what you want, at a fraction of the cost of a full cosmetic case.
Straight answers
What people actually want to know
How much does whitening cost?+
Take-home whitening with custom trays and gel starts at around $350. Refill gel costs much less because you keep the trays. Insurance does not contribute to cosmetic treatment.
Will whitening work on my teeth?+
It depends what is causing the colour. Whitening lifts staining inside natural enamel, so it works on coffee, tea and age-related yellowing. It does nothing to crowns, veneers, white fillings or internal discolouration.
What is cosmetic bonding?+
Tooth-coloured composite shaped directly onto the tooth to repair a chip or close a small gap. One visit, little or no drilling, far cheaper than porcelain, and reversible.
Whiten before or after a crown?+
Before, always. Crowns and white fillings do not lighten. Whiten first, let the shade settle for two weeks, then match the restoration.
The longer answer on cosmetic dentistry and whitening
Whitening, bonding or a crown?
Whitening changes colour only and is the cheapest option by a wide margin. Bonding changes shape in a small way: a chip, a short tooth, a narrow gap. A crown covers the whole tooth and is a restoration first, right when the tooth is already heavily filled or cracked.
Making whitening last
- The first 48 hours matter most. Coffee, tea, red wine and tomato sauce go straight back into freshly opened enamel.
- Expect a top-up of a few nights once or twice a year.
- Have a cleaning first. Surface stain comes off mechanically.
What we will talk you out of
A full set of veneers on teeth that are healthy, well aligned and simply a bit yellow. That is a whitening case.
Step by step
How it works
Talk it through
What matters to you, and which option actually fits.
Look properly
Examination, records and x-rays where indicated.
Agree the plan
Written costs before anything starts.
Treat
Booked at a time that suits the family.
Questions about cosmetic dentistry and whitening
Asked and answered
Is whitening safe for enamel?+
Professionally supervised whitening does not damage enamel. Unsupervised high-strength gel in an ill-fitting tray is what causes trouble.
Will it make my teeth sensitive?+
Often, mildly, for a day or two, and it settles. Sensitivity toothpaste beforehand helps.
Do you offer veneers?+
We will discuss them and be honest about whether your case needs them.
Want to know your options?
We will tell you the cheapest treatment that gets you what you want, before we mention any others.