One of the first questions regarding any dental treatment is how much it will cost. When it comes to deciding on the best treatment for you, one of the most important variables to consider is the cost of treatment. However, this should not always be the deciding factor in treatment. It is, nonetheless, one of the most crucial aspects.
So, how much does it cost to whiten your teeth? This fluctuates because several factors influence the overall cost. The cost of teeth whitening is not set in stone.
Let us walk you through this guide to assist you in making the best choice for your smile.
When Do I Need Teeth Whitening Treatment?
Teeth whitening treatment isn’t a mandatory obligation, but it is a service that can transform your smiling confidence whilst keeping your teeth and gums healthy. If your teeth are showing signs of deep discolouration, dental plaque build-up and bacteria on your gums, the dentist would recommend you for a deep clean.
With teeth whitening treatment, pores in your teeth can easily allow deep staining. Visiting the dentist to break down those stains to bring the whiteness back into your smile has many lifestyle benefits.
What Teeth Whitening Treatments Are Available?
There are many different treatments available for teeth whitening. Ultimately, how much it costs will be a significant factor when it comes to identifying which treatment is right for you. Let’s take a look at the teeth whitening treatments available.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
When a skilled dentist performs in-office teeth whitening, a specific bleaching gel containing hydrogen peroxide is administered to the teeth after any pigments have been scraped off. The specific gel, along with ultraviolet radiation, will lighten the tint of your teeth, enhancing your smile. Treatment typically takes one hour at a single appointment with long-lasting results.
Teeth Whitening Kits
On custom-made whitening trays, the dentist will prescribe a higher dose of bleaching solution. You take these home and put them in your mouth so the bleaching chemical may work on removing the pigments and lightening your tooth shade. You should expect to see effects in 2 to 3 weeks in most cases.
Teeth Whitening Strips
Teeth-whitening strips are available at your local pharmacy, but they only contain a little amount of peroxide, so the whitening power isn’t as strong as with kits or in-office treatment. If you’re searching for quick results, though, the benefits of whiter teeth are immediate.
Teeth Whitening Toothpastes
Toothpaste with a special abrasive to whiten your teeth is also available. While the concentration on them isn’t as high, it’s an option if you don’t want to use any kind of whitening procedure. Although teeth whitening toothpaste isn’t recommended to be used daily, but should be a few times a week to get the best results for your smile.
What Are The Costs?
As part of these four popular teeth whitening choices, the cost can help you determine if it’s worth the money. Below is a breakdown of the starting costs and the factors to help you.
| TREATMENT | STARTING COST |
| In-Office Teeth Whitening | From $600 |
| Teeth Whitening Trays | From $350 |
| Teeth Whitening Strips | From $10 |
| Teeth Whitening Toothpastes | From $5 |
What Are The Factors That Can Impact Costs?
The above costs are typically starting costs for teeth whitening treatment in Australia. It is important to note that the starting cost doesn’t mean that it’s the final cost, as several factors can determine a cost increase, such as
- Location – If you’re looking for teeth whitening in Sydney or Melbourne, the overall cost of treatment will be higher than in other parts of the country. As a result, the average cost is likely to rise.
- Type of Treatment – If you need professional help, the dentist will lead you through the procedure and explain the expenses. Over-the-counter medicines, for example, are much less expensive than faster treatments.
- Treatment Amount – The cost will be determined by the status of your oral health. If your dentist notices severe discolouration and plaque, for example, you would need to make extra effort to remove these pigments and germs first, which could take longer.
- Procedures Before Whitening – To be eligible for teeth whitening therapy, you may need to undergo some extra procedures beforehand. For example, if you’ve niggling imperfections such as chips and cracks, this may require bonding treatment.
So, Is Teeth Whitening Worth The Money?
There are naturally pros and cons to the cost of any dentistry treatment. However, this can only be determined by you. Teeth whitening has been a very successful form of treatment for many patients. Although, there is a dependency on whether you would like fast short-term results or long-term sustainable results, which would require a visit to the dentist for professional treatment.
Another key factor in answering this question is how well you look after your teeth at home. It is important that you follow proper oral hygiene to keep your teeth and gums clean and strong. This means brushing twice a day, drinking water to keep pigments away from your mouth, and eating the right foods to keep your enamel strong.
If you’d like more information on teeth whitening treatments, then consult your dentist for further information to help you.
