How much does teeth whitening cost in Cape Town?

There is no fixed national price for professional teeth whitening in South Africa, and the cost varies, driven mainly by the method used. In-chair whitening at a dental practice generally costs more than a dentist-supplied take-home kit. A written quotation from the practice, after an examination, is the only reliable way to know what your own treatment will cost.

In short

• Each dental practice sets its own fees for teeth whitening, and there is no government price list for private dental treatment.
• The cost varies, driven mainly by the whitening method, with in-chair treatment generally costing more than a take-home kit.
• In South Africa, teeth whitening may only be carried out by a dentist, dental therapist or oral hygienist after a clinical examination, not by a beautician.
• Medical aid schemes generally treat teeth whitening as cosmetic and exclude it from cover, even on comprehensive plans.
• A written quotation from the practice, after an examination, is the only reliable way to know the cost of your own treatment.

This article is part of the teeth whitening information on this site for patients in Cape Town.

What does professional teeth whitening involve?

Teeth whitening uses a gel containing hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to lighten the natural colour of your teeth, without removing any of the tooth surface. There are two main professional approaches. In-chair, or in-surgery, whitening is carried out by a dentist, dental therapist or oral hygienist in the practice, usually over one appointment lasting thirty minutes to an hour, sometimes followed by a period of home whitening to finish the result. Take-home, or dentist-supervised home, whitening starts with a mould of your teeth, from which a custom-fitted tray is made over the following week or so, and you then wear the tray with the whitening gel at home for a set period as instructed by your dentist. Before either treatment, your dentist should examine your teeth and gums, since whitening is not suitable for everyone, and existing fillings, crowns or veneers will not change colour, which can leave an uneven result if this is not planned for in advance.

What drives the cost of teeth whitening?

In-chair whitening generally costs more than a take-home kit, mainly because it needs a dentist’s chairside time and shows a result more quickly, while a take-home kit is cheaper partly because you carry out the day-to-day part of the treatment yourself, over a longer period. Making a custom-fitted tray for home whitening adds a laboratory step to the cost. Over-the-counter products and mall or salon whitening bars are generally cheaper again, though the South African Dental Association states that the treatment itself is reserved for a dentist, dental therapist or oral hygienist, and a proper clinical examination beforehand is part of what a professional fee covers. How many shades lighter you want to go, and whether you need a follow-up or top-up session, also affect the total cost.

How does South African medical aid treat teeth whitening?

Medical aid schemes generally treat teeth whitening as a cosmetic procedure and exclude it from cover. Professionally applied fluoride for adults is also commonly excluded on preventive care benefits, though that is generally an age-based limit rather than a cosmetic exclusion. This pattern is consistent with how medical aids generally treat cosmetic dental work rather than treatment needed for function or health. What dental work does medical aid usually not cover? covers more of these common exclusions. If your teeth are discoloured because of an injury, a medicine you have taken, or a previous root canal treatment, it is worth asking your dentist and your scheme whether your particular case is treated any differently, since cover can occasionally depend on the cause.

How do I reach Dr Davies?

For a figure for your own treatment, call the practice’s reception, where fees are discussed, and ask for a written quotation after an examination. BRS Dental is not registered with medical aids, so it does not claim from them directly, but reception can help you submit your claim to your medical aid. For anything clinical, such as whether whitening is suitable for your teeth, contact Dr Davies. A clinical examination comes first, so book a consultation before deciding which option suits you.