Who can use it? Only patients who are free of all dental disease qualify. It is very damaging to those with decay or gum disease and should not be used until these problems are treated and corrected.

 

 

What are the side effects? The rare side effects are tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, and sore throat. That is why we approach in a slow and gentle manner to avoid this. This assures us that we can complete the procedure with minimal side effects. Patients with filling that show may need them re-colored or replaced, since filling material and tooth structure do not whiten to the same brightness. This will allow all the teeth to be the same color. Prosthetic teeth cannot be whitened and must be replaced when the process is complete. This includes partial denture teeth, crowns, and bridges.

How much does it cost? Currently, the cost is $180 for the top or bottom; or $306 to do both at the same time. It includes tray construction, one tube of solution, and shade progress visits. Additional solution is $48 per tube and new trays are $122 per tray, if they should be lost or worn out. The cost of re-coloring or replacement of restorations varies by size and position.

Is it covered by insurance? The whitening process is not covered by insurance. Some of the restorations that need to be changed may or may not be covered, depending on your insurance carrier.

How does it compare to systems purchased outside our office?
Dr. Parenti has looked at many systems which can be obtained from a dental professional or purchased outside of the dental office.

Among the type purchased from the dentist, the process we use is the one most gentle to the teeth and soft tissue, while obtaining the best result. Compared to those available outside of our office, our system has custom-fitted trays which do not cause shifting of teeth. They fit snugly, with room for the whitening solution, and you are monitored by the dentist to prevent serious side effects. While the initial expense may be just a bit higher, the overall cost is lower over the course of whitening (as mentioned before, whitening is a continuous process) when compared to systems purchased outside the dental office.

We hope this answers all of your questions about whitening. If you are interested, please call our office for an appointment. If it has been more than 6 months since your last check-up, this will have to be completed first to ensure good oral health before whitening can be attempted.

If you have any additional questions, e-mail Dr. Parenti.