How much is a scale and clean?

A scale and clean costs between $150 and $350 if you don't have health insurance. Luckily, it's included in most basic extras policies which cost about $3 a week and can cover 100% of the costs.

What is a scale and clean?

A scale and clean removes plaque, calculus and some stains from all the nooks and crannies in your mouth that your toothbrush or dental floss may miss. The whole procedure normally takes about 30 minutes in a dentist chair and can be booked as part of a check-up. It can sometimes include deep cleaning which generally consists of 2 parts:

• Scaling – this involves removing plaque from under the gumline.
• Root planing – this involves removing plaque and build-up from the roots of your teeth.

What does a scale and clean cost?

With a $3-a-week extras insurance policy, a scale and clean is unlikely to cost you anything. Here's a breakdown of scale and clean costs with and without insurance.

With extras cover

General dental covers a scale and clean, and costs around $12 per month. Many health funds offer no gap dental check-ups (which includes a clean and polish or scale and clean) – so you won't have any out-of-pocket expenses.

Without extras cover

Scale and clean costs between $150 and $350 without health insurance, though prices vary depending on the dentist you go to.

Extras cover that includes deep cleaning

Here are some Finder partners that offer a no gap check up with scale and clean:

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Name	Product	Detail	Limit	Price Per Month	Hide CompareBox	Apply
HCF Starter Extras		100% back on one dental check per year	$350	$12.70		Go to Site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
ahm black 50 saver		Includes no gap dental check-ups	$400	$12.60		1300 670 233 Go to Site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Frank Basic Extras		Get the same amount back each time you visit	$350	$13.55		Go to Site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
HBF Flex 50		75% Extras claim back	No limit	$27.59		Go to Site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Qantas Basic Extras		60% rebate up to your limit	No limit	$33.05		1300 641 719 Go to Site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...

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Find an extras policy that covers routine dental

Explore your dental insurance options from over 30 Australian health funds. For dental, just compare extras cover then simply filter for general dental.

How does a scale and clean work?

A dental scale and clean can help you keep gum disease, tooth decay and other oral health problems at bay. It involves the dentist removing the plaque and calculus that has built up on your teeth with an electric instrument called a scaler.

The scaler moves along your teeth and gums with fast vibrations that loosen the plaque and calculus without damaging your teeth. It removes the plaque, calculus and stains not just on the part of the tooth that you can see, but also just under your gum line. This can pick up any bacteria that may potentially start to damage the root of your teeth.

A scale and clean can also protect your teeth and gums, especially if you already have gum disease that has advanced below your gum line. After the scaler has removed the build-up, the dentist will then use a rotating toothbrush and paste to polish your teeth.

How often you should have a scale and clean really depends on how frequently you brush your teeth and how quickly they accumulate plaque, calculus and stains. As a rule of thumb, most people need a scale and clean once every 3 to 6 months.

FAQs

• How much does deep cleaning teeth cost?

  Deep cleaning teeth costs between $150 and $350 depending on the dentist you go to. You'll generally pay around $200 unless you get extras insurance – in which case you're unlikely to have any out-of-pocket fees.

• What is a scale and clean?

  A scale and clean removes plaque, calculus and stains from your teeth. The procedure is fairly straightforward and usually takes around 30 minutes.

• What is a scale and clean?

  A scale and clean removes plaque, calculus and stains from your teeth. The procedure is fairly straightforward and usually takes around 30 minutes.

• How often should I get a deep tooth clean?

  It's recommended that you get a dental tooth clean at least 2 times a year. Most basic extras policies can cover you for this.

• What private health insurance will cover deep teeth cleaning?

  Most basic extras policies can cover a clean and polish for around $3 a week. You'll generally have a 2-month waiting period before you're covered.