A dazzling, white smile definitely has the power to boost confidence and enhance your appearance, but how much does teeth whitening cost in Australia? Whether you’re considering in-chair teeth whitening, take-home kits, or other whitening treatments, it’s important to understand the costs involved and what influences them.

In this guide, we’ll break down the cost of teeth whitening, explore different whitening methods, and help you decide on the best option for achieving a whiter smile.

Why Do Teeth Become Discoloured?

Before diving into teeth whitening costs, it’s helpful to understand why teeth become stained or yellow over time. Several factors contribute to tooth discolouration, including:

Dietary Choices – Coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-coloured foods can stain teeth.
Smoking – Tobacco products contain tar and nicotine, leading to persistent stains on teeth.
Ageing – Over time, the outer layer of tooth enamel wears down, revealing the yellowish dentin underneath.
Poor Oral Hygiene – Neglecting proper brushing or flossing can lead to plaque build-up and stains.
Medications & Health Conditions – Certain medications and conditions can affect tooth colour.
Genetics – Some people naturally have darker or more yellow teeth.

No matter the cause, professional teeth whitening treatments can help brighten your smile and restore confidence.

How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost in Australia?

Teeth whitening prices vary according to the method you choose, the dental clinic, and whether you opt for in-chair whitening or at-home kits. Here’s what you can expect:

1. In-Chair Professional Teeth Whitening

In-chair teeth whitening is performed at a dental clinic by a qualified dentist. It delivers quick results, with the majority of patients noticing a noticeably whiter smile after just one session.

Starting cost: $250

This price may vary based on the type of whitening gel used, the number of sessions required, and the location of the dental clinic. For instance, Sydney cost may be slightly higher compared to other areas.

2. Take-Home Whitening Kits from a Dentist

A take-home whitening kit provided by a dentist includes custom-made trays and professional-grade whitening gel. These kits enable you to easily whiten your teeth at home with a treatment plan matching your needs.

Starting cost: $200

Take-home kits are a popular choice for those who prefer to whiten their teeth gradually while still achieving professional results.

3. Over-the-Counter Whitening Kits

At-home whitening kits, available in pharmacies or online, are a more affordable option. These usually consist of whitening trays, strips, or pens infused with bleaching agents such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.

Starting cost: $50

While these products can provide some whitening results, they may not be as effective or long-lasting as professional teeth whitening services.

What Influences Teeth Whitening Costs?

The cost of teeth whitening differs depending on various factors. Whether you choose in-chair teeth whitening, a take-home whitening kit, or other whitening methods, understanding what affects pricing can help you make a good decision.

1. Type of Whitening Treatment

The whitening method you choose plays a major role in the overall whitening cost.

In-chair whitening – Conducted by a qualified dentist at a dental clinic, this procedure is the fastest and most effective but comes at a higher cost.
Take-home whitening kits – These include custom-made trays and professional-grade whitening gel, offering a more affordable yet effective option.
Over-the-counter whitening kits – These are the cheapest option but often less effective, requiring repeated use for noticeable results.

2. Strength of Whitening Agents

The type and concentration of bleaching agents in teeth whitening treatments play a key role in determining the overall cost.

Professional teeth whitening at a dentist’s office uses stronger solutions, such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which yield faster and more dramatic whitening results.
Over-the-counter whitening products contain lower concentrations of these ingredients, making them less effective but more budget-friendly.

3. Customisation of Treatment

Customisation increases the price of teeth whitening services.

Custom-made trays in take-home kits fit your teeth perfectly, ensuring even whitening and reducing gum irritation.
Store-bought whitening trays are one-size-fits-all and may not provide uniform results.

4. Additional Dental Treatments

If you have gum disease, tooth enamel erosion, or oral health concerns, your treatment plan may require extra procedures before teeth whitening can be performed. These additional treatments can influence the overall whitening cost.

5. Location of the Dental Clinic

The cost of professional teeth whitening services may vary according to the location of the dental clinic. Dental clinics in larger cities often have higher fees due to increased overhead expenses.

6. Number of Whitening Sessions Needed

For individuals with severe tooth discolouration, multiple teeth whitening procedures may be required to achieve the desired whitening results, increasing the overall cost.

7. Type of Stains Being Treated

The type and severity of discoloured teeth affect the cost of teeth whitening treatments.

Extrinsic stains (surface stains from food, coffee, or smoking) are easier to remove and may require only one whitening process.
Intrinsic stains (deep stains from medications or genetics) may require stronger bleaching agents or multiple sessions, leading to higher costs.

8. Advanced Whitening Technology Used

Some teeth whitening methods, such as laser teeth whitening, cost more than traditional whitening trays or gel-based treatments due to their advanced technology and effectiveness.

Teeth Whitening Costs Too High? Explore These Payment and Financing Solutions

Teeth whitening is a widely popular cosmetic treatment, but costs can vary depending on the whitening method you choose. Fortunately, there are several financing options available to help make professional teeth whitening services more affordable.

Below are some common ways to manage the cost of teeth whitening and other dental procedures.

1. Private Health Insurance Cover

Some private health insurance providers offer coverage for teeth whitening procedures, particularly when the treatment is deemed necessary for oral health rather than purely cosmetic reasons. The extent of coverage depends on your policy and provider.

CBHS – Offers dental benefits under extras cover, which may include whitening treatments depending on the level of cover.
NIB – Provides dental coverage, with some policies offering rebates on professional teeth whitening performed by a qualified dentist.
Medibank offers extra coverage that may include teeth whitening services, depending on your policy.
HCF – Provides dental cover for preventive and cosmetic treatments, including some whitening methods.
Bupa – Offers various levels of dental extras cover, some of which may include teeth whitening treatments at participating dental clinics.

It’s important to consult with your health fund to determine if teeth whitening is covered under your policy and how much you can claim.

2. SuperCare – Early Access to Superannuation

For those facing significant oral health concerns, SuperCare allows early access to your superannuation to cover essential dental treatments. While teeth whitening alone may not qualify, if it’s part of a broader dental treatment plan, such as addressing gum disease or severe tooth discolouration, you may be eligible to apply.

SuperCare can assist with:

Application and approval process
Payment for professional teeth whitening services as part of necessary dental care
Reducing out-of-pocket expenses for dental procedures

3. Flexible Payment Plans

Many dental clinics offer flexible payment plans, allowing patients to spread the whitening cost over manageable instalments. These plans often come with interest-free options, making it easier to access professional teeth whitening without immediate financial strain.

Payment plans can cover:

In-chair teeth whitening
Take-home whitening kits
Other whitening methods as part of a comprehensive treatment plan

4. Health Savings Accounts & Rebates

Some individuals use Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or dental rebates to reduce their out-of-pocket teeth whitening costs. If you have an extras cover policy, you may be eligible for partial reimbursement after completing your teeth whitening treatment.

Brighten Your Smile Without the Financial Stress

If you’re considering teeth whitening treatments, exploring financing options can make the process more affordable. Whether through private health insurance, SuperCare, or dental payment plans, you can find a solution that suits your budget.

Before proceeding, check with your dentist’s office and health fund provider to confirm eligibility and available rebates. Investing in professional teeth whitening services can enhance your whitening results and ensure a safe, effective whitening process.

Does Teeth Whitening Damage Tooth Enamel?

One common concern is whether whitening treatments harm tooth enamel. When done correctly by a qualified dentist, professional teeth whitening is safe and does not damage enamel. However, excessive whitening or using high-concentration bleaching agents without professional guidance can increase tooth sensitivity and irritate gums.

To protect your enamel, always follow your dentist’s recommendations and use enamel booster products if needed.

How to Maintain Your Whitening Results

Once you’ve achieved your whiter smile, maintaining the results is essential. Here are some tips:

Avoid staining foods and drinks like coffee, tea, red wine, and dark sauces.
Brush and floss daily to eliminate plaque and prevent stains.
Use a whitening toothpaste to help prolong results.
Touch-up with take-home kits as recommended by your dentist.
Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings.

By following these steps, you can keep your brighter smile for longer.

Final Verdict: Is Professional Teeth Whitening Worth It?

If you’re wondering how much teeth whitening costs and whether it’s worth the investment, the answer depends on your goals. While professional teeth whitening costs more than DIY kits, the results are significantly better and longer-lasting.

For those dedicated to achieving a whiter smile, investing in professional teeth whitening services at a dental clinic is the best way to ensure safe, effective, and long-lasting results. If you’re looking for in-chair whitening, or take-home kits, consult with our qualified dentist to find the best solution for you.

So, if you’d like to learn more about whitening treatments and which option suits you best, don’t hesitate to contact Beyond 32 Dental today at (02) 9158 6334 for a consultation!

References

Verywell Health. (n.d.). How is professional in-office teeth whitening done? https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-is-professional-in-office-teeth-whitening-done-1059032
Healthline. (n.d.). Foods that stain teeth. https://www.healthline.com/health/foods-that-stain-teeth
Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Tooth erosion. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/tooth-erosion
Watts, A., & Addy, M. (1989). Extrinsic discoloration of teeth: A review. British Dental Journal, 190(6), 309–316. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/363748/

How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost in Australia? Here’s What to Expect Before You Brighten Your Smile