TreatmentsTeeth Whitening
Professional in-office teeth whitening in Costa Rica costs $150 versus $600 in the US. Using the same hydrogen peroxide systems as US dental offices, most patients achieve 4 to 8 shades whiter in a single one-hour session.
What makes this different
Same Zoom, Opalescence, and KoR whitening systems used in the US
Professional strength: not available over the counter
4 to 8 shades whiter in a single one-hour session
Completed same day: fits into any dental trip
Take-home trays available for maintenance after in-office treatment
Custom shade matching if combining with veneers or crowns
Detailed pricing
| Procedure variant | Costa Rica | United States | You save |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-office whitening (single session)Same day results | $150 | $600 | 75% less |
| In-office whitening (double session) | $250 | $1,000 | 75% less |
| Take-home whitening trays + gel | $100 | $400 | 75% less |
| In-office + take-home combination packageBest results | $220 | $900 | 76% less |
Starting prices from verified clinics. Final cost depends on case complexity and materials. All clinics provide a written itemized quote before treatment begins.
Eligibility
Good candidates
Patients with naturally yellow or extrinsically stained teeth
Coffee, tea, or wine drinkers with accumulated staining
Patients preparing for veneers wanting to establish a target shade first
Patients combining whitening with a dental check-up or other treatment trip
May not be ideal
Patients with tetracycline staining: whitening has limited effect
Patients with fluorosis: whitening rarely effective for white spots
Patients with crowns or veneers on front teeth: ceramic does not whiten
Pregnant or breastfeeding patients
The process
Shade assessment and gum protection
Day 1, 15 minCurrent shade recorded and target shade discussed. Protective barrier applied to gums. Whitening gel applied to all visible teeth.
Whitening activation
Day 1, 45-60 minLED or laser light activates the whitening gel. Three to four 15-minute activation cycles. Most patients notice significant whitening within the first cycle.
Final shade assessment and home care
Day 1, 10 minFinal shade compared to initial photo. Home care instructions given: foods to avoid for 48 hours, maintenance schedule.
What is included
Typically included
Shade assessment before and after treatment
Gum protection barrier application
Professional-strength whitening gel
LED or laser activation
Post-whitening sensitivity care instructions
Ask about separately
Take-home maintenance trays: available as add-on for $100
Treatment of decay or gum disease that may preclude whitening
After you return home
Avoid dark foods and beverages for 48 hours after treatment
Use a straw for dark beverages during the first week
Whitening toothpaste daily helps maintain results
Touch-up sessions once or twice per year for best long-term results
Traveling from
From Miami
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From New York
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From Los Angeles
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From Chicago
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Get matched
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FAQ
Most patients achieve 4 to 8 shades whiter in a single one-hour session. Extrinsic staining from coffee, tea, and wine responds very well. Intrinsic staining from tetracycline or fluorosis responds less and may require veneers.
Some patients experience temporary tooth sensitivity during and for 24 to 48 hours after whitening. This is normal and resolves on its own. Patients with pre-existing sensitivity can take ibuprofen 30 minutes before treatment.
Professional whitening results last 6 months to 2 years depending on diet and habits. Coffee, tea, red wine, and smoking cause re-staining. Using whitening toothpaste daily and doing touch-up sessions with take-home trays extends the results.
Always whiten before getting veneers or crowns. Whiten first, wait 2 weeks for color to stabilize, then have your new restorations fabricated to match the new lighter shade.