Teeth Whitening Cost – Is It Worth What I Pay For?
A stained or discoloured smile can leave anyone feeling less than their best. While some discolouration is a normal aspect of getting older, certain lifestyle habits and dietary patterns can contribute to the stained teeth. Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that restores whiteness in the teeth by removing stains and discolourations.
Although there are many over-the-counter options for teeth whitening available, seeking a dental professional trained in teeth whitening is the best way to ensure your safety and the efficacy of the treatment.
Teeth whitening cost at a dental practice may cost more in the short-term, but the long-term quality of a professional teeth whitening treatment saves you money over time.
Teeth Whitening Services
At Dentistry on Solent in Bella Vista, we are proud to offer our patients two variations of teeth whitening services. Understanding how teeth whitening works is critical when deciding which choice is right for you. The first option is a chairside laser teeth whitening.
In what usually amounts to an hour-long appointment, your teeth can be whitened up to several shades. A bleaching gel is applied to your teeth, and a special laser-type light is then applied. This process is repeated until the desired level of white is achieved.
The second service we offer is a take-home whitening kit. Take-home whitening kits are cost-effective and straightforward. Bespoke dental trays custom-fitted to your mouth are provided to you, along with a teeth whitening gel.
Your dentist provides specific directions on how and when to use the trays and the gel. The process usually takes 10-14 days, depending on the level of discolouration on your teeth. When the process is complete, your teeth will be several shades whiter, and the trays and teeth whitening gel are yours to keep for maintenance.
Over-the-Counter vs Professional Teeth Whitening
Many people are tempted to purchase over-the-counter teeth whitening kits, simply because they are more affordable upfront. What feels like a cost-effective and quick way to whiten your teeth, involves some risks.
The Australian Dental Association strongly advocates for teeth whitening to be performed by a dental professional. Dentists have reported concerns to the organisation in regard to the number of chemical burns and ulcers in their patients’ mouths after trying a teeth whitening kit they found online. Bleaching agents are also harmful if swallowed, and charcoal products can erode the enamel of the teeth.
Preventing Further Discolouration
Following your teeth whitening treatment, there are ways that you can ensure that your teeth will remain pearly white for as long as possible.
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Avoid Certain Foods and Beverages
Coffee, tea, wine, dark soda and sugary drinks, and certain acidic fruits can all contribute to staining and discolouration.
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Quit Smoking
Cigarettes and tobacco are major causes of yellow, stained teeth.
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Practice Dental Hygiene
Brushing twice daily, flossing once per day, and using a mouthwash daily are all good dental hygiene habits that can help to prevent stains and discolouring.
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Take Care of Yourself
Poor overall health can show up in our smiles. Eating a well-balanced diet, getting plenty of exercise, managing stress, and getting plenty of sleep are all good practises that contribute to good health and the wellness of the teeth.
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Avoid Mercury Fillings
Mercury amalgam fillings, or silver fillings, are known to cast a greyish-black discolouration on teeth. If you currently have silver fillings, we can safely replace them with tooth-coloured composite fillings.
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Regular Dental Checkups
Visiting your dentist twice a year is the best way to ensure your teeth remain in good health.
An Investment That Matters
When considering teeth whitening options and how teeth whitening works, it is important to realise you are investing in your smile. Many smile brightening options are available to you, but the fact remains that a dental professional with experience in teeth whitening is the safest.
Because over-the-counter teeth whitening kits contain varying levels of peroxide in the bleaching agents, this can also lead to damage of the dentin and pulp of the teeth. In the best-case scenario, this leads to hypersensitivity. In the worst case, it can lead to costly dental repairs such as a root canal.
Teeth whitening is considered a cosmetic procedure, so it is not usually covered by insurance or Medicare. However, Dentistry on Solent offers payment plans through MiFund, which provides no- or low-interest plans for up to $30,000.
While you may be paying more upfront for a professional teeth whitening, you are paying for quality and expertise and minimising the risk of spending more in the long run. Getting professional-quality teeth whitening from a trained dental professional is truly an investment that matters.
Contact Dentistry on Solent for a Consultation
At Dentistry on Solent, we understand the importance of having confidence in our smiles. We are proud to offer our patients quality, compassionate teeth whitening services at affordable prices. Whether you have further questions regarding our teeth whitening services or would just like more general information about our practice, give us a call on (02) 9158 6137.
