FAQs

We are frequently asked this question; dental prices vary depending on a number of considerations. Highly complex or time consuming cases may occasionally necessitate higher fees. When considering dental costs, there are some factors that generally dictate the appropriate fees:

• Type of treatment- each treatment has a distinctive code that sets out exactly what that procedure entails; there are literally hundreds and hundreds of different treatments in Dentistry.
• Technical Skill Requirements- For each individual treatment, there are numerous factors that can affect the difficulty of a particular procedure.
• Materials & Equipment- Each procedure and case has its own specific requirements on the particular materials and equipment necessary to complete it with only the best.
• Time requirements- Different procedures require different time commitments, some longer than others.

So, given the various factors that go in to deciding treatment costs, it is important to remember that generally there are a number of treatment options available to a patient for a particular problem. These options may vary in treatment approach, and the time, skills, and materials required.

Whilst the most appropriate treatment option may not be within the budgetary reach of you, a temporary solution or a payment plan may help prevent any problems progressing further. Each patient is provided with an individualized treatment plan, and a dentist is more than happy to discuss and explain the options available to you.

One of the most common questions we are asked. The cost of a filling depends on a number of factors, including:

• Tooth location: Some teeth are much more difficult to treat than others.
• Number of surfaces affected: Each tooth has 5 surfaces; fillings may be required at one surface, or multiple surfaces. Often, multiple surfaces are affected and require treatment.
• How deep a filling is required: A deeper filling is far more complicated than a more shall one, and may require additional measures to ensure success. The size of a filling also dictates how much material is required.
• What type of material is required: Different materials are used for different types of fillings, some being more permanent and durable than others.

The best solution to answering this question is to undergo a dental examination. From this the Dentist can then decide exactly what elements are required for a filling to be placed successfully and can provide a patient with a personal quote for their particular concern.

Once your teeth are whitened the results generally last anywhere between 1-3 years, depending on the life style habits of the individual, however most people prefer to do touch-ups every 3-6 months to maintain optiminal results. Regular consumption of bright coloured foods and drinks, such as red wine, tomato sauce and curries can ‘dull’ teeth quicker, as well as beverages such as Black Tea and Coffee.

Following a comprehensive examination, we provide a personalised treatment plan detailing all procedure costs and item numbers, so you can calculate your refund.

There are a number of factors that will affect the refund that you are entitled to receive for Dental treatment including:

1. Overall treatment cost.
2. The level of cover you have.
3. Whether you have just general dental cover or both general & major.
4. Which health insurance fund you are with.
5. Whether or not the dentist attended if affiliated with a particular insurer to ensure maximum patient rebates.

As a provider for Bupa’s Members First Dental Network, BUPA members with dental cover receive a rebate minimum of 60%, up to 100% depending on your level of cover for each procedure. Children covered on family policies that combine both Hospital and Extras cover often receive 100% rebates on most dental services. We advise that you check with BUPA first as to the level of cover you have and the rebate you shall receive. If you are interested in joining Bupa, please click here.

As a member of HCF’s Oral Health Program, HCF members with dental cover will receive a 100% rebate for 2 checkups and cleans per year. They are also entitled to 1 fluoride treatment, 2 custom-made mouthguards, and unlimited radiographs when required per year. If you are interested in joining HCF, please click here.

For patient convenience, we utilize a HICAPS machine, allowing us to process your insurance claim on the spot, and meaning you only have to pay the gap payment. HICAPS is a convenient way of ensuring you do not have to later go to your insurer with paperwork, or come up with vast amounts of money for treatments on the spot.

Once you have received a treatment plan, you can easily contact your insurer, and through quoting the codes, your insurer will be able to quickly provide you with a rebate estimate.

Busy schedules all too often get in the way and result in checkups being pushed to the side. To help to prevent this we work Tuesday and Wednesday evenings until 8pm, allowing you to conveniently come to the Dentist after work.

We advise that whenever you go to the dentist for your check-up and clean, that you bring your child (or children) along with you, so that they become accustomed to the environment and procedure. That way, when the child is around 2-3 years old, and has most or all of their baby teeth, taking them for their own check-up will become much easier. Children often need incentives to come to the dentist, so each child receives a goody bag as a reward for coming for coming.

No, not at all. In fact, taking care of your teeth is incredibly important. Studies have shown a link between Periodontal Disease and low infant birth weight and premature births. Gums tend to bleed and be more sensitive when pregnant, so it is very important that regular checkups and cleans are performed even when pregnant. X-rays are only taken when pregnant in times of emergencies, and preventative x-rays are best left until after the birth.