Ever looked in the mirror and noticed your teeth aren’t as white as they used to be? You’re not alone — this happens to millions of people worldwide.
Over time, the food and drinks we consume, along with inconsistent dental care, naturally lead to yellowing. While it’s completely normal, many people dream of restoring their teeth to a brighter, whiter shade, which can be done through teeth whitening treatments. But how much does professional teeth whitening cost?
What is teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure that involves applying a dental-grade bleaching agent to remove stains and brighten your smile. It can be performed by a teeth whitening dentist or oral health therapist , using stronger bleach for quicker results, or at home with lower-strength products. The bleaching agents work by breaking down stains and discolouration, restoring your teeth to a whiter shade.
What affects the cost of teeth whitening?
Every dentist will have slightly different costs, but typically each teeth whitening price will vary based on a few key factors:
- Type of treatment: An in-chair teeth whitening cost is typically more expensive than the take-home treatment you do yourself. This is because dentists will conduct a more thorough initial examination and spend extra time pre-treating any current oral issues before whitening.
- Location: If you live in a more metropolitan region or city centre, you’re likely to encounter a higher teeth whitening treatment cost than treatment in a more rural area. Places that have higher living expenses in general tend to charge more.
- Dental Clinic or Professional: The professional’s level of experience is also a factor in cost. If they are highly regarded with recognised skills, they will charge more than those who are just starting.
- Level of discolouration: The starting level of a patient’s teeth, as well as how white they want their teeth to become, will impact their teeth whitening cost. The further the distance is between their current colour and their ideal colour, the more whitening treatments they will need. Those who need more whitening will incur a higher cost.
How much does it cost for teeth whitening?
There are two primary methods for teeth whitening: in-chair bleaching performed by a dentist, and at-home whitening with kits that you can use yourself.
In-chair teeth whitening ranges from $500-$1,500 per session. Individuals will come in for multiple sessions. The number of sessions will depend on their level of discolouration and how many bleaching sessions need to get their teeth to optimal whiteness. Dentists will apply high-quality bleaching agents onto your teeth and use laser whitening or whitening lamps to effectively remove the stains and discolouration. It usually takes about one hour to an hour and a half. Dentists are able to use a higher concentration of whitening agents to remove the staining faster than take-home kits.
At-home teeth whitening kits generally cost between $300-$600 and require two main appointments. At the first appointment, we make moulds of the patient’s teeth, and provide the professional-grade whitening gel and trays in a follow-up appointment. Patients then wear the trays at their convenience and gradually remove stains. While this is more affordable than the in-chair treatment, the take-home trays don’t work as quickly since the gel is less powerful. However, they allow for the comfort of whitening from your home rather than returning for more appointments at the dentist.
How many shades whiter can you go?
The number of shades whiter you can achieve with teeth whitening varies based on the method used, the original colour of your teeth, and the extent of staining.
- In-chair whitening at the dentist typically results in teeth becoming 5–8 shades whiter, with some patients achieving even more dramatic results.
- At-home whitening kits usually offer more gradual improvements, often brightening teeth by 2–4 shades over time.
For the best outcome, consult your dentist to determine what’s achievable based on your unique situation.
How long does teeth whitening last?
Generally, you’ll still see a noticeable difference after professional teeth whitening anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. However, if you don’t take care of your oral health, eat staining foods or smoke frequently, it can cause the whitening effects to fade. It’s best to avoid these bad habits to keep your teeth healthy and bright.
Ready to brighten your smile?
Teeth whitening is a simple, effective way to restore the sparkle to your teeth and boost your confidence. Whether you’re considering in-chair whitening for dramatic, quick results or prefer the convenience of at-home kits, Oakleigh Dental is here to help.
To make it even easier to get started, here at our clinic we offer $150 off teeth whitening treatments on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Take the first step toward a brighter smile by contacting us today for more information and personalised advice.
Click here to learn more about our options or get in touch for information on our teeth whitening prices.
