How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost?

Where it was once only accessible to the rich and famous, teeth whitening is fast becom

ng popular as an accessible, affordable, and effective cosmetic dental treatment for the average dental patient. Teeth whitening may help remove stains, resulting in a brighter, whiter, and more appealing smile. So, how much does it cost?

In Australia, the cost for professional teeth whitening procedures can range from $550 to $1500, depending on who conducts the treatment, and where. 

Let’s delve into the costs of teeth whitening - including how you can get it done, where you can have your teeth whitened, how much you can expect to pay, and the effectiveness of the treatment.

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that is exactly what it sounds like - it will make your teeth whiter, through the use of bleaching agents that help break down stains on your teeth to reveal a lighter colour underneath. 

How does the process work?

The teeth whitening process makes use of bleaching agents consisting of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to help break down stain molecules from the surface of your teeth. Stains can penetrate different levels of your teeth, which is why some of them are so difficult to remove, even when practising good oral habits. 

These bleaching substances break down stains through a process known as oxidation. Bluff Point Dental offers a personalised at home teeth whitening kit. 

Who is professional teeth whitening suitable for?

Professional teeth whitening is able to produce fast and achieve quality results, especially for individuals with significantly stained teeth or stubborn discolouration. This is mainly due to the fact that the procedure is carried out by an experienced dentist.

However, this procedure is not suitable for pregnant women or those who have sensitive teeth or gums due to the presence of the breaching agents. In addition, the whitening will only work on natural teeth, meaning that it will have minimal impact on dental crowns, veneers and fillings. A comprehensive dental check-up and x-rays are always recommended prior to commencing any bleaching treatments. 

At-home teeth whitening cost

At-home teeth whitening allows individuals to apply the treatment from the comfort of their own homes without the direct supervision of a dentist. 

The dentist will create custom-fitted trays to hold the whitening gel. After receiving detailed instructions from the dentist, these trays can then be taken home by individuals to be self-applied over the course of a prescribed treatment period. 

Treatment periods usually span 2-4 weeks, during which individuals must closely follow the dentist’s instructions for daily application of the whitening gel. Each tray of whitening gel costs from $350 - $500, making the cost of at-home teeth whitening a significantly cheaper option compared to in-chair teeth whitening.

Who is at-home teeth whitening suitable for? 

At-home teeth whitening is suitable for those who want a cheaper way to achieve whiter teeth. However, opting for this treatment method will require careful attention to apply the whitening as instructed by the dentists. Any incorrect or missed application may result in a less-than-satisfactory result. This method will also take longer for results to fully develop. 

As with professional teeth whitening, at-home teeth whitening is not suitable for those who are pregnant, those with sensitive teeth or gums, and those with extensive dental work like crowns, bridges, and fillings. 

Factors that impact the cost of teeth whitening

Apart from the aforementioned difference in teeth whitening treatments, there are also a number of other factors that will impact the cost of teeth whitening. 

Your unique circumstances and dental history

The oral and dental health of an individual can also affect the cost of teeth whitening. Pre-existing dental issues like gum disease or sensitive teeth might require additional procedures as a preparatory step before whitening, adding to the final cost.

How long does teeth whitening last?

At-home teeth whitening can have results that last up to a year after completion. 

To make the most of the cost of teeth whitening, dentists will advise individuals to avoid consuming food or drink that can stain the teeth, such as coffee, wine, or berries. Activities such as smoking are also advised against to avoid discolouration and reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. 

At Bluff Point Dental, our expert team of dentists offer an at-home teeth whitening treatment to individuals in Geraldton. Contact us today to find out how we can transform your smile by giving you whiter and brighter teeth!

Contact us today to find out how we can transform your smile with cosmetic dental treatments like teeth whitening!