Teeth Whitening Services at Aminya St Dental

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure that is done to make the surface of the teeth whiter from staining and discoloration caused by food, drink or lifestyle habits. The procedure uses a laser or gel for a safe and effective way to brighten your smile.

At Aminya St Dental we recognize how important a bright smile is which is why we offer you all the information you need to make the right choice. Treatments are done in the office or at home, usually it is a combination of both tailored to suit your lifestyle. 

This article covers everything you need to know about teeth whitening: how at-home kits really perform, what professional whitening actually involves, what it costs in Australia, and who it's suitable for. 

Why the popularity of teeth whitening has surged recently

The demand for whiter teeth has grown significantly in Australia. Brisbane in particular has seen a rise in people seeking both professional and at home solutions. Part of that is accessibility. 

But the truth is, not all whitening treatments are created equal and the wrong choice might cost you more in the long run both financially and in terms of your dental health.

At home whitening kits 

Any pharmacy you walk into in Brisbane will have rows of whitening products, strips , toothpastes, trays, pens and more. 

The over the counter kits are appealing because they’re cheap, easy to grab and you can use them on your own schedule. 

But at home kits are more suitable for mild surface staining like coffee, tea or red wine over a short period. But for deeper discoloration or anyone who wants noticeable results these products often fall short. 

Most people using the at home kits for a few weeks, see minimal change and then spend money on a professional treatment anyway. 

Professional teeth whitening 

A dentist administered treatments uses a much higher concentration of whitening gel. One that is carefully applied and monitored throughout the session. Your gums and soft tissues are protected in the controlled process. And the results are often visible after just one appointment. 

There are two main professional options: 

• In chair whitening - this is done entirely at the dental practice. The dentist will apply a whitening agent directly to your teeth and use a special light or laser to activate the gel. A single session will typically take around 60-90 minutes and can lighten teeth by several shades.

• Take home trays from your dentist - this is not the same as a store brought kit. Your dentist takes impressions of your teeth and creates a custom fitted tray. You’re then given professional strength whitening gel to use at home over 1-2 weeks. Because the trays are made specifically for your teeth, the gel stays exactly where it needs to be.

How much does it cost to do teeth whiteneing?

Teeth whitening cost in Australia varies depending on the type of treatment but here’s a general guide : 

• Over the counter kits : $20-$80

• Dentist take home trays -$300-$600

• In chair professional whitening -$500-$1000+

Is professional teeth whitening suitable for everyone? 

Not necessarily, and any reputable dentist will tell you the same. 

Whitening works best on natural tooth enamel; it won't change the color of crowns, veneers or fillings. If you have restoration on visible teeth it’s important to discuss this with your dentist before starting any whitening treatment. 

Whitening is also not recommended for: 

• Children under 18

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women

• People with severe tooth sensitivity or gum disease

• Those with heavily eroded enamel.

A proper dental consultancy first ensures you’re a good candidate and that you won’t end up with patchy or uneven results.

The right whitening treatment depends on your starting shade, your budget and your dental health. 

That said, if you want results that are actually noticeable, safe and long lasting, professional teeth whitening consistently outperforms at home alternatives. 

But whether you choose a professional or use an at home kits, your habits after whitening matters

• Avoid dark colored drinks (coffee, tea, red wine) for at least 48 hours after treatment. 

• Use a straw where possible to minimize contact with teeth. 

• Rinse your mouth with water after eating staining foods

• Brush twice daily with a soft bristled toothbrush. 

• Book a top up appointment or use a dentist supplied maintenance gel every six to twelve months. 

Does private insurance cover teeth whitening

In Australia private health insurance can cover teeth whitening but it is excluded from the basic ‘extras’ policies, so to get coverage you must have an eligible, higher-tier dental "Extras" policy that explicitly includes cosmetic or general dental coverage limits 

Aminya St Dental offers HICAPS on-the-spot claiming, which means you can check your rebate entitlement immediately at the time of your appointment. If you want to know before you come in, call your health fund directly and ask about coverage cosmetic dental procedures, policies vary considerably between providers.

At Aminya st dental we have been helping patients across Mansfield, Brisbane for over 40 years to achieve brighter, healthier smiles you can trust our experienced team to walk you through every option during a thorough consultation and find the right fit for your smile and your budget. 

Book your appointment online today or call us at (07) 3349 7749.