Blog article
Beyond a scale and clean: Top claims in the dental chair
Important note: All fees referenced in this blog are based on Australian industry averages and are not specific to HBF Dental, and before any applicable benefits paid from your health cover.
Understanding the ins and outs of dental procedures and the costs associated can be daunting.
In this blog, we break down everything you need to know about common dental services, from routine check-ups to specialised treatments like teeth whitening, extractions, and orthodontic care.
Whether you're curious about the process, wondering about costs, or exploring coverage options with HBF, we've got you covered.
1. Dental check-up (including scale and clean)
What is it: A dental check-up with scale and clean involves an examination of your teeth and gums for any signs of decay or gum disease, followed by the removal of plaque and tartar around and under the gumline and in between teeth. Afterward, your teeth are cleaned and polished to remove surface stains, remineralise some of the enamel, and promote oral hygiene. This routine appointment helps maintain good oral health and prevent dental issues. The Australian Dental Association recommends six-monthly dental visits for a check-up and clean.
How much can it cost: The average cost of a check-up and scale and clean is approximately $180-$200, however if x-rays are also required (typically every 2 years for a patient with very few fillings) the cost would increase to approximately $260*.
HBF Dental offers eligible HBF members one no gap check-up, scale and clean treatment including up to two X-rays and fluoride treatment per calendar year! Book now. 1
2. Teeth whitening
What is it: Teeth whitening, when supervised by a dentist, offers a safe way to enhance your smile. Your dentist will evaluate your oral health, including x-rays if needed, to determine if whitening is suitable. If it’s a yes, you’ll have the choice between a take-home kit or in-chair whitening treatment at your dentist.
How much can it cost: The cost of teeth whitening will vary depending on the method and dentist, however you can expect to pay between $450 and $1,000 for in-chair whitening of each your top and bottom arches, or between $350 and $550 for a professional take-home kit*.
3. Extractions
What is it: A tooth extraction is when a general dentist or specialist oral surgeon removes a tooth from your mouth. Simple extractions are suggested when a tooth can be loosened and removed without the need for any additional surgery to the gum or bone surrounding the tooth roots. Surgical extractions are required where a tooth is severely decayed, broken down or impacted, or where the shape or angle of the tooth roots are not straight forward.
How much can it cost: The cost of your extraction will depend on the complexity of the extraction(s) and the need for any additional procedures such as conscious sedation or happy gas. For a basic procedure, the estimated price ranges from $150 to $250 for each tooth*.
4. Fillings
What is it: Fillings are used to restore the function and appearance of teeth as a result of damage caused by tooth decay, fracture or trauma. There are two types of filling options, direct fillings, which are placed directly into the cavity during a single dental visit; and indirect fillings, which are custom-made outside of the mouth and then bonded onto the tooth during a separate appointment.
How much can it cost: The cost of fillings depends on the type (direct or indirect), the material used, and the size and complexity of the cavity. On average, the cost of a single direct filling can range from $200 to $300 or more. The average cost for an indirect filling ranges from $300 to $700 per tooth*.
5. Crowns
What is it: Dental crowns are custom made restorations that are placed over weakened, damaged or broken teeth to restore their strength, shape, size and appearance. Crowns can be made from a variety of materials including ceramics, porcelains, metals or a combination of metal and ceramic.
How much can it cost: The cost of dental crowns depends on a range of factors including the material used, number of teeth treated, and the condition of the existing teeth and any preparatory work required. These factors can result in wide ranging cost variations however a single crown is likely to fall within the range of $1,500 to $4,000 per crown*.
6. Root canal
What is it: Root canal treatment is a common dental procedure, carried out to prevent a badly damaged or infected tooth from being extracted. Simply put, root canal treatment removes infected ‘pulp’ from inside your tooth and replaces it with a filling. This stops the spread of infection and relieves pain.
How much can it cost: The cost of a root canal varies depending on how complex the procedure is, which tooth is affected, and how many pulp canals a tooth has. Molars at the back of the mouth have more roots and are generally more complex than front teeth and so the cost is usually more.
7. Orthodontics
What is it: Orthodontics include devices like braces and clear aligners used to straighten teeth and correct bite issues. Braces consist of metal brackets and wires, while clear aligners are transparent trays that gradually shift teeth into proper alignment.
How much can it cost: Metal braces, or traditional braces, can cost $6,000 to $9,000. Ceramic braces can cost $6,500 to $9,500. Ceramic braces work just like traditional braces, but they’re made of a ceramic material that blends into the colour of your teeth. Lingual braces can cost $9,500 to $15,000. Lingual braces are attached to the back of your teeth, rather than the front, making them less obvious when you smile. Clear aligners can cost $6,500 to $9,500*. Clear aligners are the popular transparent aligners custom-made to fit snugly on your teeth.
8. Implants
What is it: Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made from titanium that are inserted into the jawbone to replace missing teeth. If you think of the tooth as having two main parts - the root which sits beneath the gum, and the crown which is the visible part of a tooth - this can help you to understand how dental implants function. Once a dental implant is in place in your jawbone, an artificial tooth (crown) can be attached to it.
How much can it cost: The cost of dental implants depends on a number of factors including the material used, number of teeth treated, and the condition of the existing teeth and any preparatory work required. In Western Australia, the average cost of dental implants is between $2,600-$4,000 per tooth*.
9. Dentures
What is it: When natural teeth are missing, dentures (artificial teeth) are used as a solution to fill the gaps. Dentures, also called ‘false’ teeth, come in a range of different types, though generally are categorised as being complete, replacing a full set of teeth, or partial – to fill one or more gaps between existing teeth.
How much can it cost: The cost of dentures depends on the type (full or partial) and materials used.
