How much does teeth whitening cost in NZ?

Dentist, studio or shop kit: what does each cost?

Whitening in New Zealand is sold three ways, and the price follows the strength of the gel and who supervises it:

• A dentist's take-home kit: custom-made trays and professional gel you wear at home for one to two weeks. Auckland median $450, national $480.
• In-chair whitening at a dental practice: a stronger gel applied in one appointment of about an hour, with the gums protected. Auckland median $650, national $699.
• A teaching clinic: AUT's oral health clinic in Manukau lists whitening trays and a kit at $230 (AUT price list), with students treating under supervision.
• Studios, beauty clinics and shop or online kits: usually cheaper per session or per pack, using weaker gels that non-dentists are allowed to apply or sell. Results are slower and nobody checks your teeth first.

Who is allowed to whiten teeth in NZ?

Whitening gels contain or release hydrogen peroxide, which the Environmental Protection Authority regulates as a hazardous substance under two dental products group standards. Products releasing more than 12% hydrogen peroxide can only be applied by a dentist, or by others under a dentist's supervision. Products in the 7% to 12% band can be applied commercially by non-registered whitening practitioners, which is the strength studios use. The Dental Council's tooth whitening information sheet sets out who may sell and apply each strength. If a cheap offer does not say what strength it uses, ask.

What does whitening cost all in? A worked example

Most practices want to see healthy teeth and gums before they whiten, because whitening over decay or a leaking filling hurts and wastes the gel. At the Auckland medians, a first-time whitening plan adds up like this:

• Check-up with x-rays, scale and polish: $250. A clean alone removes surface stain and is sometimes all people need.
• Take-home kit only: $250 + $450 = $700.
• In-chair whitening only: $250 + $650 = $900.
• In-chair plus a take-home kit to finish and top up: $250 + $650 + $450 = $1,350. Many practices sell the pair as a package for less.
• For comparison, eight porcelain veneers come to $13,560 at the Auckland median.

Is it worth paying for teeth whitening?

For teeth that are healthy but yellowed by age, coffee, tea, wine or smoking, it is the cheapest way to make a visible change, at a fraction of the cost of veneers. It is not worth it when the colour comes from fillings, crowns or veneers, which do not whiten, or from grey staining inside the tooth, which responds poorly. If you have front-tooth fillings, budget for replacing them afterwards so they match, at an Auckland median of $280 for a one-surface filling.

Can yellow teeth go white again?

Usually lighter, yes, but not paper-white. Yellow staining from food, drink and age is what peroxide gels lift best, and most people see a clear change of several shades. Teeth that look yellow because the enamel has worn thin and the darker dentine shows through improve less, and very grey or banded staining may need bonding or veneers instead. Your dentist can match a shade guide before and after so you can see the real change.

How long does teeth whitening last?

Commonly from several months to a few years. It fades faster with coffee, tea, red wine and smoking, and slower if you rinse after dark drinks and keep up cleans. Keeping your custom trays is what makes a take-home kit good value: a refill of gel for a top-up costs much less than a new kit, and an in-chair treatment cannot be topped up at home without them.

What is the best way to whiten teeth in New Zealand?

Start with a check-up and clean, because some of the yellow is surface stain the clean removes. Then choose by time and budget: a dentist's take-home kit gives an even result for the lower price but takes one to two weeks; in-chair whitening is quickest and costs more; studios and shop kits are cheapest and weakest. Whitening toothpastes only remove surface stain and do not change the tooth's own colour. Sensitivity for a day or two is common with all of them.

Does insurance, WINZ or ACC pay for whitening?

No. Whitening is cosmetic: health insurance policies generally exclude it, Work and Income's dental grant does not cover cosmetic work, and ACC covers injuries, not colour. Some practices offer payment plans or buy-now-pay-later on whitening, so ask when you book.