How much does teeth whitening cost?
Prices can start as low as $5 - but what does that get you?
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Stains and discolouration happen to all of us. Thankfully, there are several options available to brighten up your smile. There are toothpastes and DIY kits you can use at home or professional services at the dentist or beauty centres.
Here's a breakdown of each and how much you can expect to pay.
What are the different teeth whitening options and what do they cost?
- Teeth whitening at the dentist: Dentists can offer two teeth whitening options. The first is an in-chair whitening with a bleach that's activated by light or heat over the course of around an hour. Prices are upwards of $1,000. The other is a take-home kit where you'll receive a custom-molded tray and syringes of a peroxide solution to apply to your teeth. Prices start from $400.
- Cosmetic whitening at a beauty therapist: Similar to what a dentist would offer as an in-chair service, bleach is applied to your teeth and is activated by a light. This option is cheaper than at the dentist but isn't administered by a trained and qualified oral health professional. Prices start from $300.
- Teeth whitening kits: These do-it-yourself kits include a mouth tray, application syringes, bleaching solution and an LED light. Brands include Smilie and Advance Whitening. Prices start from $89.95.
- Teeth whitening pens: Portable pens with the whitening solution inside. These can be used on-the-go and are generally for quick touch ups. Prices start from $29.95.
- Teeth whitening toothpaste: Toothpaste treated with a bleaching agent such as peroxide or an abrasive material such as charcoal. Prices start from $5.
- Teeth whitening strips: Strips infused with a bleaching agent to place on your teeth to whiten them. These can be purchased at supermarkets, pharmacies and health stores. Prices start from $19.95.
Coconut oil: This is a natural way to clean your teeth as it can help reduce plaque. That being said, there's no scientific evidence that it improves oral health. Prices start from $15.
Compare teeth whitening treatments and what they cost
| Teeth whitening treatment | Starting cost | Where is it done? | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teeth whitening at the dentist | $400 | At the dentist, at home |
|
| Teeth whitening at a beauty therapist | $300 | At the clinic |
|
| Teeth whitening kits | $89.95 | At home |
|
| Teeth whitening pens | $29.95 | At home |
|
| Toothpastes | $5 | At home |
|
| Teeth whitening strips | $19.95 | At home |
|
| Coconut oil | $15 | At home |
|
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What does teeth whitening at the dentist cost?
Exact costs depend on your dentist and their specific charges. For an idea of cost, in-chair whitening costs in excess of $1,000. This is because of the time it takes (roughly an hour) and the equipment required.
A cheaper alternative dentists offer are take-home kits. These start at around $400 and involve taking a mould of your mouth to create a custom whitening tray. You'll then be sent home with syringes of whitening gel (often a week's supply) to apply in the evenings. If you run out and wish to rebleach you can purchase more syringes.
The beauty about going through your dentist is that you'll receive a custom tray where with shop-bought kits it's a one-size-fits-all. If these trays don't sit well you could over bleach your gums.
Dental treatments often last longer as well with chairside dental lasting anywhere from six-months to three-years. Conversely, at home kits, for example HiSmile, says first results last for up to four weeks.
Whichever option you choose, maintaining good teeth hygiene can go a long way in maintaining results for longer.
How much does Zoom teeth whitening cost?
Zoom is an in-chair teeth whitening service offered by dentists and beauty therapists. Prices start from $300 and trays are customised to fit your mouth.
How much does laser whitening cost?
In-chair teeth whitening such as Zoom and Pola use lasers/lights to whiten your teeth. Depending on who you see prices can start from as little as $100 for a short session.
Discounted whitening deals are often featured on Groupon and Scoopon which can significantly bring the cost down.
At home kits from Advance Whitening, Billionaire Teeth Whitening, Gowhite and HiSmile also use a form of laser/light to brighten your teeth. Full kits start from $89.95.
Is teeth whitening covered by health insurance?
As teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure, many health insurance providers do not cover it.
One that does is Medibank. Depending on your level of cover, members can receive rebates on their in-chair treatments and take-home kits.
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