Cosmetic dentistry
General Dentistry at Brazos Street Dental
Professional whitening, tooth-colored fillings and crowns that match the teeth around them.
01What we mean by cosmetic
What we mean by cosmetic
Cosmetic dentistry changes how teeth look, often while protecting how they work. At Brazos Street Dental it is part of general dentistry, provided by general dentists. We do not practice a cosmetic specialty, because there is no such dental specialty.
02Professional whitening
Professional whitening
Whitening lightens the color of teeth. Our in-office session is one visit: your teeth and gums are protected, a whitening gel is applied and activated, and we check the result with you before you leave. We start with an exam, because whitening is not suitable for everyone. Decay, gum problems and some kinds of staining need different treatment first.
How much a tooth lightens varies from person to person, and results are not guaranteed or permanent. Some people have temporary sensitivity afterward. Whitening does not change the color of crowns or fillings.
Take-home trays are not part of the in-office session and are quoted separately.
03Tooth-colored fillings and crowns
Tooth-colored fillings and crowns
If a tooth needs a filling or a crown, we use materials that match the color of the teeth around it. A crown can also cover a tooth that is discolored or poorly shaped, or protect a weak one. See Does getting a crown hurt? for what to expect.
04Straightening with clear aligners
Straightening with clear aligners
Clear aligners are removable plastic trays that move teeth gradually. They are covered on their own page.
05What we discuss before treatment
What we discuss before treatment
We do not show before-and-after photos, because results differ for every mouth.
- Whether the change you want is possible, and what it would involve.
- What else needs treatment first, such as cavities or gum disease.
- What the options cost, and what each price includes and leaves out.
- Whether a change would improve dental health or change appearance only. Either can be a good reason, and the decision is yours.
06Cost
Cost
The illustrative price range for professional whitening is on the costs page, with what is and is not included. Cosmetic treatment is usually not covered by dental insurance. Your plan's benefits decide what you pay, and we check them with you before any treatment. Brazos Street membership takes 15% off cosmetic treatments.
Illustrative prices for a fictional practice. A dentist confirms your treatment and cost after an exam.
Example fees
What the price includes
Illustrative assumptions, October 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027. A dentist confirms the scope after an exam.
Tooth-colored filling, one surface
USD 180–260Includes: Filling and numbing. Does not include: Additional surfaces. Number of surfaces, tooth and findings at examination.
Crown
USD 1,200–1,600Includes: Crown, preparation and fitting visits. Does not include: Root canal, core build-up. Material, core build-up or root canal; separate work quoted first.
Professional whitening
USD 450–650Includes: One in-office session. Does not include: Take-home trays. Suitability, number of sessions and separately priced take-home trays.
Questions
A few clear answers
Do I need an exam before whitening?
Yes. Whitening is not suitable for everyone. Decay, gum problems and some kinds of staining need different treatment first. We discuss whether the change you want is possible and what it would involve.
Will whitening change the color of my crowns or fillings?
No. Whitening does not change the color of crowns or fillings. How much natural teeth lighten varies from person to person, and results are not guaranteed or permanent. Some people have temporary sensitivity afterward.
Are take-home trays included in in-office whitening?
No. The in-office whitening session is one visit. Take-home trays are not part of that session and are quoted separately.
Related
Read it with an example
A crown and a filling, no insurance
How often do I need a cleaning? · The team
Clinical review: Not reviewed by a dentist and not medical advice
Choose the next step.
This fictional demo sends nothing.