Part one of this series, Miami cosmetic dentistry procedures is about teeth whitening. Teeth whitening is the process of restoring stained or discolored teeth back to their natural white color. Whitening also called bleaching can be achieved in several different ways. Teeth whitening techniques include in office tooth whitening, take home whitening kits and store bought whitening kits.

In the office tooth whitening procedure, the cosmetic dentist applies a bleaching gel that contains hydrogen peroxide to the patient’s teeth. The procedure calls the patient to sit through two consecutive sessions each lasting about 15-30 minutes. Throughout the sessions an ultraviolet light (laser light) is used to help speed up the process. This procedure offers the fastest results for Miami teeth whitening but it also the most costly with an average price of $700 per visit.

The main options for take home whitening kits are take home whitening trays and whitening strips. Whitening trays also called teeth bleaching kits can only be obtain from a licensed dentist. These kits can provide the best results because they can be applied to one’s teeth over a prolonged period of time. The results can last for a period of up to six months. These kits contain custom fitting trays with the bleaching gel inside or in syringes that can be added before its used. The trays are made from a flexible material (usually plastic) and they protect the gums from becoming irritated by the bleaching gel. Popular brands include Zoom! Weekender Kit, Nite White Turbo, NiteWhite and DayWhite ACP by Discus Dental and Ultradent’s Opalescence. These products can cost up from $50 to $400.

One of the relatively new products in Miami cosmetic dentistry procedures are tooth whitening strips. Whitening strips are thin, flexible pieces of plastic coated with the hydrogen peroxide bleaching gel. The advantage of whitening strips is the ease of use. One just has to place the strips firmly on their upper and lower teeth. The prices can range from $13 to $60.

Dr. Jorge R. Blanco is a Florida cosmetic dentist that practices in the greater Miami area. You can find Dr. Blanco in the South Miami section of the city. His practice is located near the Shops at Sunset Place, an outdoor shopping mall in South Miami.

Dr. Blanco has been practicing in the Miami area for a period of over 20 years. He is well experienced and is an expert in the field of cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Blanco is one of 286 people in the world to receive accreditation from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). He is the first and only dentist in South Florida to receive this distinguished designation. In addition to being an accredited member, he also serves as a board member for the AACD’s charitable foundation.

The undergrad work of Dr. Blanco was done in pre-dental studies at Loyola University in New Orleans, Louisiana. He then went to dental school at the University of Tennessee School of Dentistry, where he received his DDS degree in 1988. In 1989, he finished a General Practice Residency at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach.

Dr. Blanco has recently opened new state of the art facility for his practice. Amenities include treatment rooms with a spa-like feel, flat screen TVs and music headsets. His new facility has a teaching center to help other dentists improve in the areas of cosmetic and restorative dentistry. Dr Blanco’s practice offers numerous services such as dental implants, porcelain veneers and full mouth restorations.

Before selecting Dr. Blanco or someone else for Miami Cosmetic Dentistry, please be sure to do your research. Dr. Blanco’s website is an excellent resource and can help to educate you about the process.

Please let us know if you have any questions about Miami dentists or dentistry and we will help you as best we can.