It’s crucial to maintain your teeth and keep them looking their best. We all like to feel confident and have beautiful smiles, but that can be difficult when your teeth are not as white as they used to be. Tooth whitening may be the solution to your dilemma. It is a cosmetic dental procedure that can help you to get your teeth several shades whiter.
If you are considering getting your teeth whitened, it is essential to understand the cost of the teeth whitening procedure. The cost of this professional whitening treatment will depend on several factors. For tooth whitening treatments to be effective, they must be done by a qualified dentist or dental hygienist who has been trained in tooth bleaching techniques.
Make sure you take the time to choose which licensed dentist or dental hygienist you want, as some are better than others when it comes to providing effective results and amazing customer service. There are also different methods that cosmetic dentists use, so make sure you do your research before deciding what treatment is right for you.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the different options available in Australia and what they usually range from, as well as practical tips on how to get them done without putting stress on your budget.
What is Teeth Whitening?
For centuries now, tooth bleaching has been used in various ways and for different purposes, all with the same goal: lightening discoloured teeth. It has become a common and popular cosmetic dental procedure since it is usually inexpensive and painless.
Whitening your teeth can have a significant impact on your appearance and confidence. The process is also quick, affordable, and can be done in the comfort of your own home or at a dental clinic.
Moreover, each person’s teeth are different in terms of opacity, transparency, gloss, and fluorescence. Some patients’ treatments will have great success after a few sessions, while others may need more sessions.
The most common dental office teeth whitening procedures are Zoom Whitening, BOOST, and Kor Whitening. The professional treatment is quick and typically lasts only 30 minutes.
If you wish to have intensive whitening treatment in the comfort of your own home, you can get take-home teeth whitening kits. You’ll be given six months’ worth of custom trays and whitening gel by your dentist.
A more affordable option would be over-the-counter whitening products. There’s a wide array of products to choose from at your nearest pharmacy. If your stained teeth are due to pigmented foods and beverages, this option could give you a brighter smile.
Learn More: What Is Teeth Whitening: Everything You Need To Know
The Cost of Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening treatments vary by person, but here are the prices according to the Australian National Dental Fee Survey:
- In-chair teeth whitening cost (professional)
The average cost of in-chair treatments is around $260 per tooth.
- Take-home teeth whitening kit cost (professional)
The average cost of take-home whitening trays in Australia is $610. Additional gel refills may be purchased when needed.
- Teeth whitening kits
Over-the-counter teeth whitening kits typically cost between $29.99 and $99, depending on the brand that you choose.
- Over the counter teeth whitening products
For those looking for an inexpensive method to whiten teeth, over-the-counter products are available. Unfortunately, these treatments are time-consuming options and do wear off after a few months, so you will likely need to repeat the process from time to time.
Many over-the-counter whitening treatments are available, like strips, mouthwashes, gels, pens, and toothpaste.
Whitening strips are a convenient way to whiten teeth. They contain low concentrations of bleaching agents such as hydrogen peroxide gel, which seeps into the enamel over time and results in whiter teeth. Just don’t expect dramatic results right away, because it can take days for this product’s effects to be seen. Some people have to use them for up to five days before any noticeable change is seen, but others have reported results after just one day.
One of the most intriguing things about whitening strips is how they vary in their active ingredients. That being said, because these products are often applied more than once a day, one must consider how many bleaching agents are being introduced into your teeth every single day when assessing their effectiveness.
- Teeth Whitening Toothpaste
The teeth whitening industry is growing quickly, with new products constantly being introduced to the market. Pharmacies and stores are stocked with numerous different toothpaste options, promising whiter teeth and fresher breath in just days or weeks!
Whitening toothpaste is not the answer to every type of stain. Though they are scientifically validated to improve your teeth’s shade, they are only suitable for removing surface stains or extrinsic stains. For example, if your teeth have intrinsic stains caused by aging and trauma, whitening toothpaste can’t help you.
Does Medicare Cover Teeth Whitening?
The Australian government does not provide dental coverage for most dental services. It covers other health care expenses, such as dental check-ups for children under the Child Dental Benefit Scheme.
Though Medicare does not cover any dental care as a general rule, it does cover some essential services for eligible children and adults. Since teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure, it’s not covered by Medicare.
Does Private Health Insurance Cover Teeth Whitening?
Private health funds cover many procedures for their members, including major dental treatments like crowns and veneers. However, some cosmetic work, such as teeth whitening, may or may not be covered by your fund, which is why it’s essential to check before you go ahead with any procedure.
Ways to Help Pay for the Cost of Professional Teeth Whitening
Don’t let a hefty fee for treatment get in the way of your dental health and a whiter smile. If you’re unable to pay the entire fee upfront, consider a payment plan so that it won’t put too much strain on your bank account, and it would be more manageable.
- In-house finance options
Most dental practices have excellent flexible payment options that will allow you to get your bright smile right away while spreading the payments over time for several years.
- Third-Party Payment Plans
Afterpay
Afterpay is the perfect solution to help you make your dental treatment more affordable. It is a way to pay for dental treatment over four equal instalments. Interest-free credit means you can book your appointment without any risk of incurring additional fees as long as all payments are settled on time and within the two-week pay period. Moreover, you can use Afterpay to get dental treatments worth up to $1,400.
Zippay
Zip Pay is used when patients get minor treatments for less than $1000. On the other hand, they also offer Zip Money to cover procedures worth more than $1000. The flexible repayment plans allow payments to be made weekly, fortnightly or monthly. However, a minimum of $40 every month is needed for the repayment.
If you stick with only making the minimum monthly payments, you won’t be able to pay off your balance in full before the interest-free period expires. After that point, 19.90% APR plus a $6 monthly account fee will be charged on your outstanding balance.
Humm
There are two types of plans from Humm; Buy Little Things and Buy Big Things.
Buy Big Things: Once approved online or through the app, you will be granted up to $5,000. Repayments can be made over 6, 12 or 24 months, or in monthly instalments up to 60 months.
Buy Little Things: You may be eligible for up to $2,000. Repayment is made in either five fortnightly or ten weekly instalments. Additionally, once you have paid off your balance, you can spend it again.
Final Thoughts
With a range of teeth whitening products and treatments out there, it’s essential to know your options before making a purchase or starting your treatment plan. Finding a teeth whitening treatment that fits your budget can be challenging, and you’re not alone. If you’ve been thinking about getting your teeth whitened but have hesitated because of the cost or time commitment, we want to help.
We at Byford Smiles offer flexible finance options and payment plans. If you want to find out more about how much our services will set you back, call us at 08 9532 0247 today. Our qualified dentists will ensure that all of your questions are answered and help you decide which service suits you best.
