Over time, food, drink, smoking, and general wear and tear can cause your teeth to become discoloured. Stained teeth can not only be harmful to your dental health but can create social and professional problems. Fortunately, there is a way that you can regain your confidence and get a pearly white smile. Teeth whitening treatments are a simple way to lighten the shade of your teeth for a more radiant smile. Read on to learn more about teeth whitening treatment and how much teeth whitening costs in Australia.
How Teeth Whitening Works
Teeth whitening is a process of cleaning and bleaching teeth to eliminate stains and give your teeth a lighter shade. There are many different methods to whiten teeth from whitening toothpaste and dental strips to at-home bleaching kits. While at-home kits are a good option for touch-ups between treatments, the best way to achieve a healthier, brighter smile is with an in-house teeth whitening treatment at a dental clinic.
In-house whitening treatments can remove deep set surface stains from your natural teeth, but not from dental restorations like crowns and cosmetic restorations like porcelain veneers. In-house teeth whitening treatments use stronger whitening gels and a laser light for a dramatically whiter result that can last up to three years if you avoid consuming dark-coloured food and drinks like red wine and coffee.
Epic Laser Whitening
At Beyond Infinity Dental, we use one of the best teeth whitening treatments available called Epic Laser Whitening. Epic Laser Whitening Treatment uses a specially designed handpiece which uses precision laser light to activate a hydrogen-peroxide based whitening gel which is spread over your teeth. The treatment is customisable to suit your level of comfort and can reach a broader area than other whitening treatments. Best of all, we give a complimentary at-home whitening kit for keeping your smile bright between dental visits.
Teeth Whitening Costs
Teeth whitening is a relatively inexpensive way to improve the appearance of your teeth. Teeth whitening costs vary according to the dentist, the amount of teeth lightening needed, and the type of procedure. Others are deciding to go outside the country in belief that they might save some costs. But at Beyond Infinity Dental, we aim to provide affordable dental treatment for all our patients.
Does Medicare Cover Teeth Whitening?
If you have a Medicare card, you may not be eligible for coverage for teeth whitening. Medicare does not usually cover teeth whitening costs and other cosmetic procedures unless it is essential for the patient’s well-being. Check online or at your local Medicare office to find out if you are covered for dental work.
Some patients may be eligible for government assistance through the Child and Adult Public Dental Scheme or through the National Dental Plan.
The National Dental Plan
The National Dental Plan aims to make dental procedures affordable for all patients. Under the plan, you can apply for up to $12,000 worth of dental work, which is spread out over a predetermined number of fortnightly payments. Best of all, the payments are completely interest free. The application process is simple, with fast approval for eligible patients.
Is Teeth Whitening Covered by Private Health Insurance?
For patients with private health insurance, teeth whitening treatment is considered as a “general dental” treatment and is often covered as part of your extras coverage, mitigating the out-of-pocket teeth whitening costs. Check your policy to find out if teeth whitening is one of your optional extras, and if not, it can be added for a small increase in your premium.
Care and Maintenance
Following your teeth whitening treatment, it is important to maintain a good oral health regime, including brushing and flossing twice daily. You can also use an at-home whitening treatment for touch-ups between visits to prolong the effect of the procedure. Also, try to avoid acidic and dark pigmented food and beverages, especially immediately after treatment as they not only cause staining but may exacerbate any tooth sensitivity you may experience. Finally, it is recommended that you quit smoking to preserve your overall health and to keep your teeth pearly white.
Final Thoughts
If you suffer from stained and discoloured teeth, there is a solution to help you achieve a bright, beautiful smile. Call Beyond Infinity Dental on (02) 8806 3799 to make an appointment to talk to one of our dentists about teeth whitening treatments.
