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Dental Cost for Teeth Whitening – All Your Options Listed

Dental costs teeth whitening feature image dental aware

Teeth whitening has become more and more popular. Everybody wants the perfect celebrity smile, and whitening kits you can do at home have become more readily available.

So, what is the cost for professional teeth whitening?

On average, a Dentist will charge $500 – $1000 for a professional tooth whitening treatment.

In this blog we will discuss how teeth whitening works in the dental chair, including;

  • What options are there for in-house teeth whitening?
  • What are the steps for in-house whitening and their costs?
  • Why do different dental practices charge more than others?
  • Are there follow-up visits and how much do they cost?
  • Can you do whitening in only one visit?
  • Can you buy take-home kits from a dental practice?
  • How much are they?

What Options are There for Professional Teeth Whitening

Dentists’ often use these two different treatment products when whitening your teeth in-house;

  1. Zoom Advanced Teeth Whitening, or
  2. Opalescence Boost Teeth Whitening.

Although some Dentists believe that;

  • Opalescence gets a superior and lasting outcome, but results in higher sensitivity, or
  • Zoom requires at least two treatments, but sensitivity will be minimised with each treatment.

However, clinical research has been done, and it shows there is little difference between these two brands.

It is worth noting that the level of sensitivity that you may feel after professional whitening will be different than another’s.

Having a zoom whitening treatment at the Dental Suite

Trialling the Zoom Advanced Whitening at The Dental Suite

What Are the Steps for In-House Whitening and Their Costs

A professional tooth whitening treatment that is done in-house may cost more than any DIY whitening kit that you can buy from your local supermarket.

However, you will get a first-class result, in a far shorter time, because;

  • A professionally trained, skilled Dentist will check over your teeth, before applying the treatment.
  • Their depth of knowledge helps when calculating how much Hydrogen Peroxide (HP) to put on your teeth.
  • Only a licensed Dentist can use the amount of Hydrogen Peroxide (6%) that will give you excellent results.
  • DIY whitening kits you buy at a store will only contain half of this amount.

A Dentist will also ensure that you are safe during the procedure.

I suggest doing your research and finding a Dentist who has;

  • Several years’ experience performing teeth whitening, and
  • Gained considerable respect and developed an exceptional reputation within their region.

If you look around, you will also find the cost varies, depending on the location.

A Dentist can charge anywhere between $500 – $1000 for the entire tooth whitening procedure.

Though, at times you may come across a sale, where the price has been lowered to as little as $250.

If you have chosen a Dentist, you should follow the below steps to prepare yourself for the procedure.

After the first treatment of Zoom Whitening

Me after the first treatment of Zoom Whitening

Avoiding Sensitivity

As the percentage of Hydrogen Peroxide is higher in an in-house whitening treatment, there is a chance you will feel a greater level of sensitivity.

This really depends on the person – you may be lucky and not feel any soreness at all.

Though, common complaints that we hear from people include;

  • Standard feelings of sensitivity and pain to their teeth and gums.
  • A small burning sensation around the edge of their gums.
  • Short, sharp, stabbing pains.

Fear not – these aches are known to only last temporarily.

Generally, you might feel the occasional pain within the first 24 hours, but it should start to dull down when the treatment ends.

These elements will typically decide if/how much sensitivity you will feel when whitening your teeth;

  • If your teeth are already sensitive, and if so, how much so.
  • If you have any tooth decay.
  • If any surfaces of your roots are exposed.
  • How much Hydrogen Peroxide is being used.
short sharp stabbing pains around your teeth and gums after teeth whitening at the dentist

You may experience some short, sharp, stabbing pains after the whitening treatment.

There are also ways that you can prepare yourself for the treatment, to avoid these issues;

  • Have good oral hygiene – Ensuring you routinely brush and floss your teeth will make a difference.
  • Go to your regular dental check-ups – Visit your Dentist every 6 months, so they can look at your teeth and fix any potential problems.
  • If you have decay or exposed roots, fix these ASAP – As discussed, these can cause sensitivity. Fix these before getting the treatment.
  • Drink more water – Drinking water increases your saliva. This is the best way to add protection to your mouth, increasing your oral defence!

Lifestyle Changes

If you are serious about whitening your teeth, there are many things you can do to ensure the process goes as good as it possibly can.

This includes removing things from your diet and lifestyle that will set back the effects, including;

  • Coffee or tea.
  • Red wine.
  • Other flavoured drinks.
  • Any foods that stain with ease.
  • Cigarettes.

Not an easy task, we know. For advice on how you can begin to extract these, see our post – Your Teeth Whitening Guide.

The procedure will go as follows;

  1. Your dentist will apply the whitening gel which has especially been made with the amount of HP, for the shade you want your teeth.
  2. This will be activated with a UV light and left for approximately 45 minutes.
  3. will see the results instantly.

To sum it up, having your teeth-whitening done by a professional has both its pros and cons.

Advantages

  • Get a quality result, in a shorter time, because only a licensed Dentist can use 6% Hydrogen Peroxide (6%).
  • Be in safe hands, and the treatment is custom-designed for you, your teeth, and the results you want to see.
  • See the results immediately.

Disadvantages

  • It will cost you more than any DIY whitening kit.
  • The sensitivity you feel may be higher, as the Hydrogen Peroxide is stronger.

However, to prepare yourself for the treatment, which will reduce any issues with sensitivity, you can;

  • Maintain good dental hygiene.
  • Visit your dentist regularly.
  • Have any dental issues fixed, and
  • Make changes to your diet and lifestyle, such as cutting out certain foods and drinks.

Why Do Different Dental Practices Charge More than Others

The cost of a professional teeth whitening session will vary between dental clinics.

This is because a Doctor has a standard fee, but there are no such fees for Dentists.

So, Dentists can charge different amounts. They generally set these amounts depending on their location and what methods they use.

You will typically find that a Dentist in a wealthier suburb will charge more than a Dentist in a lower socio-economic area.

Are There Follow-Up Visits and How Much Do They Cost

How many treatments you will require really depends on your expectations.

If you want a celebrity smile, for example, you will probably need a follow-up visit.

Unfortunately, not all of us are even able to achieve this perfect white smile.

Speaking to your Dentist about what you expect the result to be is a good place to start.

They will be able to then advise you of your options for treatments, and how many times you will need to the procedure done.

Can You Do Whitening in Only One Visit

As above, this may be possible – it really depends upon what you want to achieve from the procedure, and what condition your teeth are already in.

However, it will be recommended that you visit your dentist, for your six-monthly check-ups, as you may need a touch-up.

It is also worth noting that, if using ‘Zoom’, you will need more than one session.

Can You Buy Take-Home Kits From a Dental Practice

There is a short answer to this question – yes.

A Dentist can provide you with what is known as a “tray whitening” product.

This is something that the Dentist has customised to suit your requirements, but that you can use yourself at home.

As per the Australian law, it contains a lower percentage of Hydrogen Peroxide than what they would use in-house.

The whitening kit typically includes a tray that is custom-made to fit your teeth and avoid your gums.

You should only have to use this kit for several hours a day, for 7 – 14 days, before you start to see the results.

They will last for 3 – 6 months before they need to be touched-up.

How Much Are They

The tray whitening products cost, on average, roughly $350 – $500.

Conclusion

A Dentist will charge, on average, $500 – $1000 for an in-house tooth whitening treatment.

But if you are ready to open your wallet, and want the absolute best of the best, the whitest smile you can get, then consider visiting your Dentist.

A professional tooth whitening service will easily defeat any other whitening product on the market.

However, you still may achieve slight whitening by using some DIY whitening products, it just won’t be as bold and bright that lasts.

Below are a few posts in relation to whitening;

Does Charcoal Toothpaste Work?

Teeth Whitening Kits You Can Buy in Australia

Best Whitening Toothpaste for 2020

Teeth Whitening Pens: The Complete Guide

Teeth Whitening Kits: Do They Work?

What Is The Best Tooth Whitening Toothpaste

Teeth Whitening Review: 4 Types Tested, Which is Best for You?

You can also read about Whitening for Kids – The Dangers and Pitfalls.

Have you tried Professional Teeth Whitening by a Dentist?

By Andrew Adams

Created at October 30, 2020, Updated at September 10, 2021

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