1. What is tooth whitening?
Tooth whitening1 has become one of the most popular and sought-after cosmetic treatments worldwide. It helps remove stains and discolouration with bleaching agents, usually hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide2. These break down stain compounds and clear them out from inside the porous surface of your tooth enamel.
2. Having a bright smile can make a big difference
When you see someone with a healthy and white smile, it’s hard not to think they’re feeling great. A white smile is attractive for a reason; it indicates health and youth and goes a long way in personal relationships. People who have whiter teeth are even believed to have better professional opportunities. This demand for white teeth has made teeth whitening an extremely successful industry.
3. Costs that come with Teeth Whitening
3.1 Different Types of Treatments
There are many different options for teeth whitening today, ranging from cheap over-the-counter kits to expensive licensed dentists’ treatments. The path you choose can greatly impact how much you end up paying.
3.2 Professional vs At-Home Whitening
While professional sessions are generally more costly than at-home kits, they offer faster results with stronger differences in appearance. You can also trust professionals more than you trust yourself when protecting your pearly whites!
3.3 Location and Reputation
The location of a dentist’s clinic will affect how much their services will cost you in terms of travel expenses and reputation. Some places may charge just as much as others but bring way less experience to the table.
4. Average Costs in Australia
4.1 Price Range for In-Chair Whitening Sessions
In Australia, prices for sessions held at clinics vary greatly from place to place but should typically fall between $500 – $1,500 per session depending on location and treatment specifics.
4.2 Cost of At-Home Kits
Kits given out by licensed professionals typically range from AUD 300 – to AUD 600 each. They bring similar results to getting in-chair treatments and are much more convenient since you can do them on your own time.
4.3 Factors That Lead to Different Costs
There are a lot of things that will change how much you end up paying for teeth whitening. The shade of the teeth, the number of sessions needed, and any extra work needed before starting treatment play a big part in the pricing.
5. How Long Teeth Whitening Lasts
The answer depends on the person. The technique used to whiten teeth does play a role in determining how long it lasts. In-office treatments might hold more longevity because the products have higher concentrations of whitening agents and because the procedure is done under expert supervision.
Though professional-grade, at-home kits may not last as long since the agents are diluted, they can be safely used without a dentist’s guidance.
An individual’s choices and habits also matter. Drinking coffee, tea, or red wine, using tobacco, and other activities that lead to stains shorten the lifespan of brightened teeth. Additionally, some people’s natural tooth qualities and reactions cause discolouration to return sooner after each treatment.
Follow strict oral hygiene practices to make results last as long as possible. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste regularly, flossing daily, and other good habits maintain brightness after any type of treatment.
5.1 The Duration of Results
Once again, this is all about how well you care for yourself. How long your teeth stay white depends on what you eat, whether smoking is involved, and how often you brush.
5.2 Oral Hygiene Practices
This shouldn’t be a shock, but taking care of your mouth is just as important as any other body part. Brushing regularly, flossing, using mouthwash, and scheduling dentist check-ups are crucial for keeping anyone’s smile white and beautiful.
5.3 Follow-Up Care
Even after finishing treatment, it’s important to keep up good habits so that they stay white for as long as possible. Touch-up treatments are great for consistency over time. Just try not to consume foods and drinks that cause staining because everything gets thrown out the window!
Carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide gels are used in custom trays that fit over each tooth and apply an even amount of product. Though it takes longer to show results than an in-office treatment, the waiting period is worth it.
Before committing to any teeth whitening option, a dental consultation is necessary. The dentist will check if patients have conditions like gum disease 3or cavities they should treat first. They can also advise how much improvement clients should expect based on their type of discolouration or staining.
Not all stains respond the same way to treatments. Yellow hues usually lighten dramatically, while brown and grey shades may not change as much.
6. How to Choose the Best Teeth Whitening Method
6.1 Considering Budget and Preferences
Deciding which teeth whitening product is best depends on your budget and desired outcome. A cheaper at-home kit might be fine if you’re unwilling to spend too much money. But if you want immediate results, it may be worth splurging on a more expensive professional treatment.
6.2 Talking to a Qualified Dentist
Don’t decide about whitening treatments without consulting a qualified dentist first. They’ll be able to explain the methods in detail and recommend the most suitable one for you.
When researching different dentists, choose one who’s received great reviews from past customers, has been referred by friends or family members, or has verifiably impressive credentials.
7. Getting Professional Teeth Whitening Services
7.1 The Benefits of Professional Whitening
While it’s easier — and often cheaper — to order an at-home kit online, getting professional teeth whitening services offers plenty of benefits. These include customized treatments for specific needs, faster results and closer monitoring by dental health experts4.
7.2 Finding a Reputable Dental Clinic
Research clinics thoroughly before booking consultations or appointments to ensure quality service and results when opting for professional treatments.
Knowing what types of teeth whitening options are available and how expensive they are is essential to achieving that perfect smile. By keeping personal needs in mind while listening to dentists’ advice, anyone can find an effective yet affordable route to enhance their smile.
8. Medicare
In most cases, Medicare does not include teeth whitening in its coverage. Why? This service is considered pure aesthetics and not medically necessary. The federal health insurance program created for seniors 65 and over focuses on covering prescribed treatments deemed medically necessary by professionals. Cosmetic procedures don’t heal patients; they only improve their appearance.
There are exceptions where Medicare will cover dental services, but they are rare. If a dental treatment is vital to a covered procedure (for example, the reconstruction of a jaw after an accident), it might be covered under the plan. However, teeth whitening remains excluded from their list of services.
What can you do to alter your smile cosmetically? You have other options! Some plans offer coverage for certain aesthetic procedures (although usually limited). Another option is looking into clinic payment plans or using a healthcare credit card that gives special financing for medical and cosmetic treatments.
- Carey, Clifton M. “Tooth whitening: what we now know.” Journal of Evidence Based Dental Practice 14 (2014): 70-76. ↩︎
- Shannon, Heather, et al. “Characterization of enamel exposed to 10% carbamide peroxide bleaching agents.” Quintessence international 24.1 (1993). ↩︎
- Seymour, R. A. “Is gum disease killing your patient?.” British Dental Journal 206.10 (2009). ↩︎
- Foley, M., and H. F. Akers. “Does poverty cause dental caries?.” Australian dental journal 64.1 (2019): 96-102. ↩︎
Last Updated on March 22, 2024 by namitasoren
