How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost in Australia?
Your smile is often one of the first things people notice about you, which can make your teeth a key feature, but also a source of insecurity. It’s one reason why cosmetic dental procedures, such as teeth whitening, are now so popular.
There are several dental clinics in Australia that provide professional teeth whitening services if you’re looking for one close to you. By considering the factors mentioned in this article and exploring local options, you can achieve a whiter, more confident smile in 2023.
What is Teeth Whitening?
Professional whitening is a common procedure that involves bleaching teeth to lighten their colour, according to government-funded website Healthdirect. After treatment, the teeth look a few shades whiter, but not usually brilliant white. Moreover, our advises that teeth whitening is optional and rarely a necessity.
If you’re interested in teeth whitening, our recommends speaking to your dentist to see if your teeth are suitable. Teeth whitening is not recommended for some people – for example pregnant women or those who have sensitive teeth, and it won’t work on crowns, veneers and fillings.
Healthdirect warns that teeth whitening may be offered by businesses that aren’t dentists, such as beauty and hair salons. However, teeth whitening treatments that can be sold over the counter or performed by non-dentists are not as strong (and not always as effective) as those you’ll get from a dentist.
In addition, the Australian Dental Association (ADA) says teeth whitening services involve the use of strong chemicals, and this can bring risks. These include chemical burns to the gums and lips, and sensitivity or pain affecting the teeth. As only registered dentists can legally use the most concentrated — and therefore most effective — whitening solutions, tooth whitening may be a procedure best left to professional dentists.
The upshot is that it’s worth speaking with a qualified dentist to determine if tooth whitening is safe for you, as well as giving you access to the most effective treatment options.
How are teeth whitened?
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure that results in lightening the colour of the teeth and removing stains and discoloration. It involves the use of bleaching agents to break down the stains and restore the natural whiteness of the teeth. Teeth whitening can be performed in different ways, including in-chair teeth whitening at a dentist’s office or using at-home whitening kits prescribed by a dental professional.
How much does teeth whitening cost?
Teeth whitening treatments vary by person, but here are the prices according to the Australian National Dental Fee Survey:
- In-chair teeth whitening cost (professional)
The average cost of in-chair treatments is around $150 per tooth.
- Take-home teeth whitening kit cost (professional)
The average cost of take-home whitening trays in Australia is $610. Additional gel refills may be purchased when needed.
- Teeth whitening kits
Over-the-counter teeth whitening kits typically cost between $29.99 and $99, depending on the brand that you choose.
- Over the counter teeth whitening products
For those looking for an inexpensive method to whiten teeth, over-the-counter products are available. Unfortunately, these treatments are time-consuming options and do wear off after a few months, so you will likely need to repeat the process from time to time.
Many over-the-counter whitening treatments are available, like strips, mouthwashes, gels, pens, and toothpaste.
When we consider teeth whitening costs, it’s important to remember that methods used for teeth whitening can vary enormously; resulting in a variation of effectiveness of each treatment. Here are the factors that ultimately influence teeth whitening costs and how effective each treatment is for teeth whitening.
Strength of Chemicals
For teeth whitening solutions to be effective, staining is combatted with solutions that contain bleaching agents. Most professional teeth whitening products will contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to whiten teeth. The majority of teeth whitening treatments bought from supermarkets, pharmacies and online retailers will also contain carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide to some extent. However, the bleaching agents in professional whitening practices are more than ten times stronger. The strength of the chemicals used in a controlled, professional environment is one of the main reasons that professional teeth whitening costs can be much higher than over the counter products.
Type of Treatment
Teeth whitening can be performed in different ways, including in-chair teeth whitening at a dentist’s office or using at-home whitening kits prescribed by a dental professional. With at-home teeth whitening, your dentist or dental practitioner will custom-make thin, plastic trays that fit over your teeth. They also give you some gel in the correct strength to suit your needs. At home, you place the teeth whitening gel in the trays. Your dentist or dental practitioner will tell you how much whitening gel to use each time and how long to wear the trays for.
This method of teeth whitening takes longer to achieve results than in-chair treatment. This doesn’t mean that the final result is better or worse. The method of teeth whitening chosen will impact the cost. In-chair teeth whitening treatments, which are performed by a dental professional, tend to be more expensive compared to at-home whitening kits.
Not all teeth are the same
In Sunrise Dental Chastwood, we’ve experienced that some people with a bit of yellowing might only need one or two whitening sessions. But others with severely stained teeth could need more sessions to get their desired look.
In other words, everyone’s teeth are different, and how much they’re discolored varies. So, how much your teeth need whitening determines how complicated and expensive the process will be.
Additional or pre-whitening procedures
Your dentist might recommend additional or pre-whitening procedures to ensure optimal results and safety. Most of the time, these extra procedures contribute to higher overall teeth whitening costs.
For instance, professional teeth cleaning and scaling may be necessary to remove any plaque, tartar, or surface stains that could affect the whitening process. This step may be recommended so whitening agents can work more effectively on the teeth.
The procedure can cost anywhere from $400 to $4000. And the price may also vary depending on the location and the extent of cleaning required.
The Benefits Of Professional Teeth Whitening
A whiter smile can do wonders for your self-confidence, and there are a variety of teeth whitening methods available to help you achieve your desired level of whiteness. While some teeth stains can be removed with regular brushing, others may require more intensive teeth whitening treatments.
There are several benefits to professional teeth whitening that make it worth the effort. Here are some of them:
Better Results
A Sunrise Dental Chatswood expert’s office is the best place to get excellent, brighter, and more uniform results from your teeth whitening treatment. Suppose you want a more thorough whitening or want to improve moderate to severe stains or discolouration on your teeth. In that case, a professional tooth whitening treatment is superior to any over-the-counter product, which is typically only suitable for minor stains.
Customised Treatments
Over-the-counter whitening products follow a one-size-fits-all approach to teeth whitening. A patient cannot customize the treatment according to their needs and preference.
Whitening your teeth in a professional setting allow you to achieve the exact shade of whiteness you desire and the areas where you need it most.
Faster, More Reliable Results
In around an hour, a professional tooth whitening procedure can make your teeth seem whiter. Other treatments need a series of sessions. Furthermore, the outcomes are dependable and long-lasting when home care recommendations are followed. Despite how much you use over-the-counter treatments, many of them have a poor reputation for not whitening your teeth.
Safety
Because you have an experienced dental professional performing the procedure and monitoring every step of your progress, a professional whitening treatment is considerably safer and more pleasant.
Over-the-counter teeth whitening treatments may harm gum tissue. This can cause irritation and teeth sensitivity to certain foods and beverages.
Final Thoughts
Professional teeth whitening can be a great way to achieve brighter, whiter teeth. There are different types of teeth whitening treatments available, each with its own benefits and risks. It is important to understand the ins and outs of dental procedures before booking an appointment to ensure optimum oral health.
If you are considering professional teeth whitening, please call Sunrise Dental Chatswood at (02) 9419 5412 for more information. You may also book a consultation here online https://healthengine.com.au/book/74234. We would be happy to discuss effective and affordable dental health options and help you find the best solution for your needs.
