Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that has gained popularity in the last few decades due to its evolved convenience and varying price ranges. Most people who seek out a teeth whitening procedure are looking to restore their smile and reverse the effects of stains and discolourations.
The common ingredient found in most teeth whitening methods is peroxide, either as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Typically, when visiting a dental practice for the procedure, the teeth whitening cost will depend on whether you opt for an at-home kit or an in-practice approach such as laser whitening.
At-Home Teeth Whitening Kit
Available Dental Care is proud to offer our patients an at-home teeth whitening kit involving custom-fitted trays and whitening gels. The tray is customised for your teeth and designed to protect the gums.
Based on the consultation with the dentist, you are given a specific amount of time necessary to wear the trays. You will be given a peroxide gel in addition to your custom-fitted trays.
This method is superior to over-the-counter methods for a few reasons. The custom-fitted trays prevent the whitening product from leaking into your mouth, which may cause irritation to your gums, tongue, cheeks, and throat. Our whitening gels provide gentle, yet effective, result in quicker and safer ways.
Once you receive your custom trays, you can use the whitening product continuously until your teeth reach a perfect shade of white. After that, you may keep the trays for maintenance whitening.
Laser Teeth Whitening
The second method of teeth whitening available to our patients is an in-practice laser whitening procedure. The Pola system works by combining complementary colours, green laser light and a proprietary red gel containing a non-acidic peroxide blend.
The two patented technologies work together to lift stains from the surface of the teeth.
The result is whiter and brighter teeth in a relatively short amount of time.
The in-practice laser whitening treatment takes about one hour and can whiten your teeth up to eight shades in just one session.
The most desirable factor for a patient who opts for an in-practice procedure like this is that the results are visible immediately. The treatment is completed in a series of 15-minute sessions so the patient can judge when they’ve achieved their desired level of teeth whiteness.
At-Home vs. In-Chair
While it may be tempting to avoid the teeth-whitening costs associated with getting a procedure at a dental practice, it is important to consider the possible risks involved with over-the-counter methods.
The Australian Dental Association indicates the higher risk involved for negative side effects when teeth whitening is not performed by a dental professional. From third-degree chemical burns to swallowing harmful bleaching agents to charcoal products eroding the enamel, trying to whiten your teeth at home can have a number of disastrous health risks.
Over the counter at-home whitening kits, because they contain varying levels of peroxide, can also damage the dentin of the tooth. This causes increased hypersensitivity to the teeth in the short-term, but over time, this can also damage the pulp of the tooth. The damaged pulp becomes infected, and teeth may only be saved using root canal treatment.
Investing in Your Teeth
When thinking about teeth whitening cost, it is essential to consider this decision as an investment in your teeth. You may spend more money upfront on a practice-based method such as laser whitening, but because these methods are less abrasive than most over-the-counter products, this initial investment will protect your teeth and gums from damage.
Over time, abrasive over-the-counter treatments can damage the enamel of your teeth, which can lead to costly repairs and maintenance in the future. Available Dental Care in Campbelltown offers two convenient methods for you to choose from when considering your options for teeth whitening and teeth whitening cost.
Your teeth whitening cost may depend on any necessary cleaning or dental treatments performed before or after whitening. Bridgework, crowns and other dental restorations cannot be whitened, so you may need this work done after your whitening treatment so they will match your new shade.
Final Thoughts
When considering the cost of a cosmetic dental procedure such as teeth whitening, it is important to work with a dental practice that has a solid reputation for providing gentle and effective care.
At Available Dental Care in Campbelltown, we pride ourselves on our professional and trustworthy services, using the most advanced state-of-the-art dental technology. Feel free to stop by or give us a call today on (02) 4062 8763 to book a consultation.