Tooth Whitening
Lighten the natural colour of your teeth

You can browse a list of clinics that provide Teeth Whitening here on RevaHealth.com. If you need any help deciding which clinic to choose, just ask us for help.

Teeth Whitening is one of the easiest ways to improve the overall look of your smile. Once the preserve of movie stars, it is now both affordable and readily available, and there are quite a few options to choose from.

Modern teeth whitening methods are so effective, that almost anyone can get their teeth whitened to a significant degree of brightness, and many treatments can be completed in one visit to the dentist.

What is Tooth Whitening?

Tooth Whitening is the process used to improve the brightness of the teeth, which is achieved by removing as much staining as possible. The techniques used range from natural home remedies to chemical and laser teeth whitening methods performed by cosmetic dentists.

The constant build up of organic pigments on the teeth can cause them to discolour over a period of time. These protein pigments derive from the different kinds of food, drink, tobacco and even antibiotics people consume over the years, and cause the natural whiteness of their teeth to be gradually diminished.

The yellowing of the teeth is also a part of the ageing process, and is determined to some extent by genetic and dietary factors. Some people just have naturally brighter enamel than others.

What different types exist?

There are quite a few options available to choose from. Most artificial methods rely on some form of peroxide to remove stains and bleach your teeth white.

When peroxide compounds are used, oxygen is released and bleaches the pigmented substances present in the enamel the teeth. This method restores the natural colour of the teeth without corroding the surface enamel.

Teeth whitening procedures can be performed at a dentist’s office, or in the comfort of your own home. Here are some of the popular techniques.

Whitening Toothpastes

Whitening toothpastes contain certain mildly abrasive components which help scrub away the surface stains, and leave teeth looking cleaner and whiter. They don’t however have a bleaching action. Whitening toothpastes are generally not as effective as other methods of teeth whitening.

Whitening Strips

Teeth whitening strips come in the form of a sticky tape that may be directly applied across the front the teeth. They contain a bleaching solution that incorporates a peroxide compound, and are usually used twice a day for about half an hour each time. Teeth whitening strips may be bought over-the-counter as well as from your dentist.

Whitening Gels

Teeth whitening gels are also peroxide based, and they are applied over the teeth with a small brush. Self application gel kits are available that can be used at home. The kit usually comes with a peroxide gel-filled mouth tray that is fitted to your teeth. They are simple to use, reasonably affordable, and effective.

Whitening procedures at the Dentist’s Office

A cosmetic dentist can perform this procedure, which involves the direct application of a gel to the teeth under controlled heating, or with the help of a special light or laser, or even a combination of the three.

The procedure will typically last 30 to 60 minutes, and sometimes requires more than one sitting to be properly effective. This procedure will give you quick results, and will be correspondingly more expensive when compared with the home whitening kit.

Gel Treatment under Dental Supervision

This is one of the more popular methods of teeth whitening, and can be slightly more affordable when compared to the procedure performed by a cosmetic dentist.

A custom-made tooth tray containing carbamide peroxide gel is be provided. This is considered to be more effective than treatment using hydrogen peroxide, and reaches virtually every contour of teeth, rendering them as white as possible.

The method of usage is similar to that of a teeth whitening gel kit, and the tray supplied can be reused later as and when required.

How safe are Tooth whitening methods?

A vast body of research has been done on the efficacy and safety aspects of the teeth whitening methods that are in use today, and they have been reported to be quite safe. Modern techniques rarely give rise to sensitive gums or other side effects, and qualified dentists are quite emphatic that tooth whitening is one of the safest cosmetic dental procedures available.

The effects of tooth whitening typically last for one to two years, and sometimes longer depending on your dental hygiene and dietary habits

How much does teeth whitening cost?

The costs can vary depending upon location and the type of whitening treatment selected. Here are some sample prices from the UK.

Teeth whitening toothpastes are priced at £4.50 to £14.50 for a tube of 4.2oz. They contain a protein pellicle to which plaque, stains and bacteria adhere and get eliminated while rinsing.

A tooth whitening gel kit is usually priced at around £100.

Teeth whitening and teeth bleaching procedures cost around about £250 on average.

When having the whitening treatment performed by a cosmetic dentist, the cost depends upon the number of sittings required to get the teeth whitened to a significant degree. Most often, dental insurance will not cover the cost of a teeth whitening procedure.

Laser teeth whitening is likely to be priced at over £500.

Dentists in Costa Rica
Save yourself up to 70% on cosmetic dentistry in Costa Rica

A recent World Health Organization (WHO) report rated Costa Rica’s health system above that of the USA*. A high level of professional training and an impressive public healthcare system reflect in the private care available to Medical Tourists. Once known mainly for its acclaimed promotion of ecotourism, dentistry in Costa Rica is now gaining significant international recognition.

Our three most popular dental clinics are:

A study at the University of Costa Rica showed that almost 14% of visitors to the country come in search of its medical expertise. The well-educated, tech-savvy population is gaining Costa Rica the reputation of a Central American 'Singapore', with industry analysts putting it in the top three offshore development destinations for American companies along with China and India.

Professional Aftercare

One of the most interesting aspects of the Medical Tourism industry in Costa Rica is in the area of recuperation facilities. While other destinations offer high quality hotels and accommodation, Costa Rica goes a bit further. Once a treatment has been completed, patients are able to check into dedicated recuperation centres. These centres have excellent accommodation and relaxation facilities but also provide qualified nurses and medical workers to help monitor their client’s condition and keep doctors updated on the recovery progress.

Regional benefits

Most doctors in Costa Rica spend much of their time maintaining the country’s excellent public healthcare system. Revenue from the treatment of foreign patients enables local medical specialists to continue devoting their resources to the local healthcare. Benefits are mutual, with skills passing between the two sectors. In addition to dental and cosmetic practice the Medical Tourism boom is enabling corrective eye surgery clinics to open and encourage hospitals — such as CIMA Hospital San Jose — to seek Joint Commission International certification.

Dentists in Costa Rica have the advantage of being able to offer patients dedicated recuperation centres in sun-filled tropical surroundings. As the regions leading healthcare destination it attracts patients from the U.S as well as neighbouring countries to take advantage of the low-cost, high-quality dental care available.

The Colegio De Cirujanos Dentistas overseas all Costa Rica's dental practices. It's practices conform to the very highest standards represented in world dentistry. A lengthy college career of 6 years is followed by a commitment to continuing education over the entire course of a dentist's career. To benefit from research and developments in US dentistry many Costa Rican dentists maintain not only local affiliations but membership of the American Dental Association (ADA) and of those US dental associations connected to the specialties they practice.

A combination of lower local wages and costs allow Costa Rican dentists to operate with the same materials and equipment as their North American counterparts at far lower prices. The same implant that might cost $2000 or more in the US can cost under $1000 in Costa Rica. Our most popular destination in Costa Rica is San Jose.

Dentists in Costa Rica - Prices

The following price guide indicates estimated cost of Dentistry in Costa Rica. Please note that this is a guide only and you should always check with your dentist directly.

*Exchange rates from 08/2007

Dentists in Costa Rica - Qualifications

Costa Rica’s Board of Dental Surgeons, Public and Private Dental Universities, Professional Associations and Specialist Boards, all work together to oversee and maintain the high quality of dentistry in Costa Rica. The Board of Dental Surgeons governs all practising dentists in the country with continuing education required for all members. Regular inspections of clinics are carried out by the National Health Department to ensure strict standards of sterilisation and health are maintained.

Formal training for all Costa Rican dentists begins in university where students undergo six years of education from the University of Costa Rica or similar courses from various private universities. Many graduates then travel abroad to further their dental knowledge in a specific area of dentistry.

Practicing dentists in Costa Rica receive the same education, have access to the same hi-tech medical equipment and follow the same Board Certification Requirements as a dentist in the United States, Canada or Europe. A reputable dental practice in Costa Rica will be a member of the American Dental Association, the international authority providing continuing education and teaching in the advancement of Dental Science.

For those interested in cosmetic dental treatment, look for clinics who belong to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, an organisation which sets standards of excellence in cosmetic dentistry. This is the largest association of its kind in the world with over 7000 practitioners in 60 countries.

Dentists in Costa Rica - Additional Information

Organizations

The Colegio De Cirujanos Dentistas (CCD) De Costa Rica is the dental regulatory body created by the legislative assembly of Costa Rica. All dentists operating in Costa Rica must be members of the CCD.

Dental Ethics

Members of the Colegio De Cirujanos Dentistas are required to abide by its ethics and requlations as stipulated in the legislative act that created the Colegio. The Colegio publishes its own code of ethics that places the Dentist's reponsibility to the health of the patient at the core of the profession.

Complaints

Complaints directed to the Colegio are dealt with by the Tribunal de Honor. It has powers to issue warnings, suspend members, expel members. In addition the Tribunal will refer complaints addressed to it that relate to non-members, suspended or expelled members to the civil courts.

Acts commited during professional practice that might be judged illegal will become the responsibility of the civil courts.

Continuing education

The code of ethics of the CCD states that the surgeon dentist should update his technical and scientific knowledge in a process of continual learning. This process is covered by the dental legislative act and is an enforced element of the CCD's membership requirements.

Data Protection

Dentists in Costa Rica have an obligation to protect and preserve the dental records of their patients, past and present, under the code of ethics of the CCD.

Resources

El Colegio De Cirujanos Dentistas
Colegio De Cirujanos Dentistas

Provisions of the Legislative Act (Spanish)
Directive 5784

Code of ethics (Spanish)
CCD code of ethics