Teeth whitening

What is teeth whitening?

Whitening lightens the natural color of your teeth with a bleaching gel. It works well on stains from coffee, tea, wine or tobacco, and on the normal darkening that comes with age.

Whitening does not change the color of fillings, crowns or veneers. If you have one on a tooth that shows when you smile, the doctor will mention it before you start.

Before whitening

The doctor checks your teeth and gums. Any cavities, tartar or inflamed gums are treated first. A dental cleaning before whitening is often a good idea.

Options

• At home: the doctor makes custom trays and you apply the gel at home, following her instructions.
• In the office: the gel is applied in the dental chair, with your gums protected.
• Combined: one session in the office, followed by trays at home.
• Internal: for a single tooth that darkened after a root canal. Includes 2 visits.

How long does it take?

In-office whitening is done in one visit. At home, you wear the trays for as long as the doctor recommends, usually a few weeks. She will tell you which option and timeline suit you.

Does it hurt?

It does not hurt, but it is common for teeth to feel sensitive during treatment and for a few days afterward. If the sensitivity bothers you, let the doctor know.

Aftercare

• For the first few days, avoid coffee, tea, red wine, dark sodas and tobacco.
• Brush twice a day and floss.
• Results are not permanent. Touch-ups can be done over time.

Approximate prices

The doctor's fees follow the minimum fee schedule of the Colegio de Cirujanos Dentistas de Costa Rica, the national dental board (published January 2025). These are the minimum fees for this treatment, in US dollars:

Every first visit includes a general oral exam and X-rays. From there, we prepare a treatment plan and a quote.

Dollar amounts are converted at ₡450 per US dollar. The official fees are in Costa Rican colones, so the amount in dollars can change slightly with the exchange rate. The final price depends on your case, and the doctor confirms it after examining you. You can pay in cash, by card or with SINPE Móvil.