Frequently Asked Questions

General FAQ

Yes. Studies have shown that a good electric toothbrush reduced plaque by 11% and symptoms of gingivitis and periodontal disease by 6%. “Brushes with a rotation oscillation action removed plaque and reduced gingivitis more effectively than manual brushes in the short term and reduced gingivitis scores in studies over 3 months.” ² In our office, we recommend Phillips Sonicare Diamond Clean.

We do recommend and offer an incredible mouth rinse that was designed and manufactured by dentists and scientists and can only be purchase through your dentist. It is Oracare and is an activated dichloride rinse that kills bacteria, viruses and fungi. By killing these pathogens our patients have experienced significant change in their oral health and say they have never felt better. We can not keep it in stock!

Many dentists will tell you that the way you brush is more important than the toothpaste you use. We believe that it is all important, but that different products work better for different people. During your initial oral wellness exam, we can suggest several toothpaste options for you to try, depending on your overall oral health. If you live in the Houston Texas area, come on in to our Galleria office for a comprehensive wellness exam.

Yes, studies show that roughly 50% of the population is susceptible to periodontal disease. That is one out of every two adults aged 30 years and over! That does not mean that periodontal disease is inevitable! It just means that more education and care will be needed in order to keep your gums (and teeth) in top shape for your entire life. Learn more about our Periodontal Protocol here.

At Cosmetic Dentists of Houston, we use advanced technology and sedation to minimize the discomfort during your periodontal treatment. We use various methods of anesthesia and sedation as needed, as well as gentle ultrasonic equipment and lasers.

Yes, in many ways. A healthy diet high in antioxidants and low in acid producing foods (such as sugar) can help to balance out the pH level of your blood. Studies have shown that a more alkaline diet and oral environment can inhibit the buildup of plaque and reduce systemic inflammation, which can cause periodontal disease and many other health problems.

Gingivitis is simply the first, reversible stage of periodontitis, or periodontal (gum) disease. The symptoms are treatable, but they can be an indicator of potential future health problems that are important to take into account.

Periodontal disease is a more advanced and serious problem, which can have important implications for both your oral and overall health. Read more about both at Gingivitis, Periodontal Disease and Your Healthy Gums.

Oral Cancer FAQ

Oral cancer can be treatable with early diagnosis: the survival rate for oral cancer is very high if detected early – up to 80 – 90% and the treatment and procedures for removal are much easier and less disfiguring the earlier it is detected. The later the stage, the worse the statistics: late stage detection can carry as low as a 20% survival rate.

Oral Cancer can be deadly with delayed diagnosis: patients with advanced oral cancers have only a 19% survival rate. Oral cancer is responsible for approximately 8,000 deaths each year (even more than melanoma or cervical cancer.) Every hour of every day, an American dies of oral cancer.

Oral cancer affects more than 30,000 people in the US each year. Oral cancer is one of the fastest growing cancers in the USA, especially among young people. Men are significantly more likely to have oral cancer than women and rates are higher among Hispanic and black men than among white men. It is also worth noting that oral cancer rates increase rapidly with age between the ages of 50 and 70.

The spread of oral cancer has been linked with oral sex and the HPV virus.

Teeth Whitening FAQ

In fact, teeth whitening, or “teeth bleaching” is not the best option for everyone.

  • If you have dark stained or grey teeth you may see limited results.
  • Some people may experience extreme sensitivity to the bleaching product. In many cases we can help you by desensitizing your teeth first.
  • If you have had bonded or tooth-colored fillings placed in your front teeth, then other options like crowns or veneers might be a better option for you.

Over the counter teeth whitening products can sometimes create hypersensitivity in the teeth which can reduce the effectiveness of professional teeth whitening procedures. It is also essential to insure that you are decay free and that your gums are healthy before starting any bleaching treatment. A visit to the dentist is recommended before beginning an over the counter treatment.

Yes. Dr. Canto performs an in-depth clinical examination in order to advise you on the best tooth whitening solutions and protocol for your teeth. She custom crafts the at-home whitening dental trays to your individual bite as they are required for the process.

Teeth Whitening is most effective as a combination of in-office and at-home treatments. However the option to do the treatment at home is available for your convenience.

We offer several types of tooth desensitizing procedures in our Houston office. Everyone has a different level of tooth sensitivity and we take precaution to ensure your dental work is as comfortable as possible.

Tooth whitening is safe. Cosmetic Dentists of Houston only uses the highest quality, FDA approved tooth bleaching products for your teeth. Dr. Amanda Canto takes great care to find the perfect product that works for you.

No. It is important to know that your teeth will only bleach to their individual full potential.

Teeth whitening costs can range from $350 to $650 depending on the protocol you choose. Significant discounts are offered with our “Courtesy Whitening for Life With Continued Care Visits”. This is our special teeth whitening offer that combines with your regular dental care visits.

Invisalign FAQ

Invisalign treatment is usually covered by both orthodontic insurance and FSA plans, and is generally comparable with the cost of traditional metal braces. Cosmetic Dentists of Houston also offers flexible and affordable payment plans. Read more! Find out more about the cost of Invisalign.

At Cosmetic Dentists of Houston, our Invisalign process is quick and convenient. You place a new set of aligners approximately every two weeks until your treatment is complete. As with all dentistry procedures the total length of treatment time is individual to you. but the average Invisalign treatment takes less than 12 months.

Your aligners may be removed for special occasions, meals and cleaning your teeth. For best results we recommend you wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day.

Invisalign takes a modern approach to straightening teeth using a custom-made series of aligners custom-created for you. These aligner trays are made of a smooth, comfortable and invisible plastic that is worn over your teeth. Wearing the aligners will gradually and gently shift your teeth into place based on the exact movements that Dr. Canto will plan out for you.

Porcelain Veneers FAQ

Porcelain veneers are a cosmetic solution used to repair a number of different dental issues. Do you have crooked teeth? Veneers can be arranged so that your teeth look perfectly straight. Do you have gapped teeth? They can be placed so that there are no gaps in your smile. Do you have an overbite or underbite? Your porcelain veneers dentist can rebuild your smile so that you have a more natural, efficient bite. Still not sure? Take a look at the before and after pictures to see for yourself what they can do! Porcelain veneers can be used on a single tooth or multiple teeth. They’re a versatile tool for cosmetic dentists to use in a number of different cases. Whether you only have one problem tooth or need a full mouth reconstruction, veneers are an amazing tool in your dentist’s arsenal.

This dental solution, like any other, has its advantages and disadvantages. However, you’ll see that the pros heavily outweigh the cons. The main benefits of veneers are that they can last you a lifetime and allow you to completely redesign your smile. With the right dentist, you can build the smile of your dreams. However, it won’t help with problems like gum recession. In fact, gum recession is typically related to gum disease and bone loss. This means that gum recession of any kind needs to be addressed beforehand. The biggest disadvantage for most people is the cost. If you only need to replace one tooth, veneers won’t be that expensive. However, if you require extensive dental work, the average cost of your procedure might be much higher than you’d like it to be. Another thing that concerns some people is the fact that they are permanent. The porcelain veneers process requires the removal of the outer layer, so you can’t take the veneer off. Your tooth would simply be too weak and too open to infection. It’s important to note that you will have a beautiful, straight smile. Some of the biggest advantages of veneers are increased confidence and self-esteem!

The short answer is no. They can be removed, but porcelain veneers are not reversible. During the process of prepping your teeth for dental veneers, enamel is removed from your teeth so that the caps can properly fit over them. This material cannot be restored once it is removed from your teeth. This means that while porcelain veneers can be removed, they must be replaced by a new veneer, meaning that they are not reversible.

That’s the downside of porcelain veneers. Find out more about the benefits and uses of veneers here in Houston.

The lifespan of dental veneers depends on whether you have porcelain or composite veneers, and how well you care for them. Porcelain laminate veneers can last from 10 to 12 years. Composite resin veneers need to be replaced sooner, since they last for around 4 to 8 years.

One of the most asked questions we receive at Cosmetic Dentists Houston about porcelain veneers is if they ruin your teeth. As one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments, we receive this question quite often. Simply put, the answer is no. Porcelain veneers don’t ruin your teeth.

No! Most patients report no pain or discomfort at all during treatment. This is because the procedure is minimally-invasive. The only preparation required for veneers is the removal of a thin layer of enamel from your teeth.

With proper care, your porcelain veneers will stay pearly white for as long as ten years, and by then, it will be time for the recommend repair or replacement of your veneer.

Yes, the dentist must shave your enamel for porcelain or composite veneers. Enamel is the hard, white outer layer of your tooth. Getting shaved teeth for veneers is a permanent process because enamel can’t regrow—once enamel is removed, it’s gone forever.

Porcelain veneers are durable and stain-resistant, allowing patients to drink their favorite tea or coffee in moderation. We still recommend maintaining a healthy diet, keeping up with your daily oral hygiene, and consuming darker liquids in moderation.

For many veneers, about 1/2 mm of enamel must be removed. For perspective, that’s about the thickness of a fingernail. A fraction of a millimeter may not be much much, but for some patients, it’s too much tooth structure to lose.