Cosmetic Dentistry

Do you ever find yourself hiding your smile or feeling self-conscious about its appearance? Maybe you've noticed some yellowing or discolouration over time and wish your teeth were a bit brighter, or you simply want to ensure your smile is as radiant as it can be. If so, you’re probably also wondering how much does teeth whitening cost, and is it worth it? 

We’re glad you asked.
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There are a number of ways you achieve a brighter smile, and the cost of teeth whitening will depend on which method you choose. Here, we’re going to explain what those options are, how teeth whitening works, the benefits of whitening your teeth with a dentist, and – of course – we’ll answer the big question: How much does it cost to get your teeth whitened by a professional? Let’s dive in.

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What is teeth whitening, and how does it work?

Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures that aims to remove stains and discolouration caused by various factors such as ageing, smoking, medications, certain foods and drinks (we’re looking at you, red wine) or poor oral care. Patients may seek teeth whitening treatment because they’ve noticed their smile looking a little dull, or they have a special event such as a wedding or milestone birthday coming up. Or, they simply want to treat their smile to a makeover!

So, how does it work? While there are different methods of application available (more on that soon), teeth whitening works by using a bleaching agent – the most common one is called hydrogen peroxide. It penetrates the enamel and dentin layers of the teeth, then breaks up the chemical bonds that cause the stains and discolouration. The result? Pearly whites you’re proud to flash.

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How many teeth whitening procedures are available, and how much does dental whitening cost?

There are a number of ways to whiten your teeth, and your dentist can help you determine which whitening method is best for you. At Illumident Mount Gambier, and Illumident Port Fairy we love using the highest quality treatments to give your smile a glow up.

We offer a number of dentist-grade teeth whitening options for the best and brightest results and once you have completed a whitening treatment with us, we include whitening gel as part of every check-up and clean for life.

Your dentist teeth whitening costs will depend on what method you choose, so we break these down below.

In-chair teeth whitening

This method of teeth whitening involves one of our top-class dental experts applying a concentrated whitening gel to the teeth, and then using a Phillips Zoom laser light to activate it. This treatment can typically be completed in a single visit to our clinic at 29 Ferrers St, Mount Gambier and can provide dramatic results.

You’ll walk out with a whiter smile in just two hours.

Wondering how much does in-chair laser teeth whitening cost? Our in-chair zoom teeth whitening cost starts at $800 and we have a number of payment options available to ensure you don’t have to delay your dazzling smile.

Fun fact: We can also accommodate group bookings, which is perfect for bridal parties who want to shine extra bright on the big day!

Take home teeth whitening

Prefer to whiten at home? No problem. Our take-home teeth whitening kits use custom-made whitening trays that are filled with a dentist-grade bleaching gel. Depending on your unique needs, your dentist will advise you how long to wear the trays for each day. Take home teeth whitening can take longer to achieve the desired result, but the cost starts at $450. 

Depending on your whitening goals, your dentist may recommend a combination of take-home and in-chair solutions. The best way to know how to achieve your brightest smile is to book in for a teeth whitening consultation with the team.

The benefits of teeth whitening with a dentist

It's no secret that professional teeth whitening can come with a higher price tag than over-the-counter options, but there are several reasons why it's worth the investment. 

First and foremost, over-the-counter treatments can be dangerous. If terms like ‘bleaching agent’, ‘hydrogen peroxide’ and ‘chemical bonds’ sound scientific, it’s because they are. When you whiten your teeth at a dentist, you know you’re receiving the highest grade treatment.

However if you try to whiten your teeth with a potentially abrasive product, you risk damaging the tooth enamel and increasing sensitivity. This could make your teeth more susceptible to tooth decay in the long run, which is something none of us want!

Secondly, over-the-counter teeth whitening products are less effective. They typically have lower concentrations of the active ingredient used in professional-grade treatments, which means they’re more likely to produce shorter-lived and less dramatic results.

Another thing to consider is that over-the-counter products are not personalised to your individual dental needs. This means that you may not get the best results possible or could experience irritation to your gums and soft tissues.

At Illumident we customise the highest grade teeth whitening treatments to your smile’s specific needs. The result? The safe, effective glow up you deserve.

Everyone deserves a smile they feel good about, and professional teeth whitening can be a wonderful way to achieve that. Whether you want to brighten up for a big event or simply give your smile some special care, book in for a consultation to discuss what teeth whitening could do for you.