What Is The Cost Of Pola Teeth Whitening? -

A bright, white smile is often associated with health, youth, and confidence. It is no wonder that teeth whitening is one of the most requested cosmetic dental procedures in the world. While there are countless over-the-counter strips and toothpastes promising results, professional-grade whitening delivers a dramatic change that drugstore products cannot match.

In the professional whitening market, a few brand names dominate. One of the most recognized, particularly in Australia, Europe, and increasingly the US, is Pola. Known for its effectiveness and reputation among dentists, Pola offers both in-chair (in-office) and take-home systems.

But what is the cost of Pola teeth whitening? The price depends on whether you choose the in-office laser/light treatment, the take-home trays, or a combination of both.

This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of Pola whitening costs, explaining the different systems, why prices vary between clinics, and whether the investment is worth it.

Table of Contents

What is Pola Whitening?

Pola is a professional teeth whitening brand manufactured by SDI Limited, an Australian dental company. It is widely used by dentists because it is effective, relatively safe on enamel, and offers options for different patient needs.

The Pola system uses hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide gels. These gels break down stains on the enamel and dentin layers of the teeth, lightening their color by several shades.

The Pola Product Lines:

Pola Office+: The in-chair system. A high-concentration gel is applied to the teeth in the dental chair. A special light or laser may be used to accelerate the process.
Pola Night/Day: The take-home system. The dentist takes impressions of your teeth and makes custom-fitted trays. You fill the trays with a lower-concentration gel and wear them at home.
Pola Light: A newer system combining in-office treatment with a take-home maintenance kit.

The Cost of Pola In-Office Whitening (Pola Office+)

This is the “instant gratification” option. You walk in with stained teeth and walk out an hour later with a visibly whiter smile.

The Procedure:

The dentist protects your gums.
The whitening gel is applied.
It sits on the teeth for 15-20 minutes (often repeated 2-3 times in one visit).
The total appointment takes about 60-90 minutes.

The Cost:

Average Price (Global): $300 – $600 USD.
In Australia: $400 – $800 AUD.
In the UK: £300 – £500.
In the US: $350 – $650.

What’s Included:

The whitening session.
A shade assessment (before and after).
Sometimes a take-home “touch-up” kit is included in premium packages.

The Cost of Pola Take-Home Whitening (Pola Night/Day)

This is the “slow burn” approach. It takes longer to see results, but the results are often more stable and longer-lasting.

The Procedure:

The dentist takes impressions.
Custom trays are fabricated in a lab.
You receive syringes of whitening gel.
You wear the trays for 30 minutes to 2 hours a day (Day) or overnight (Night) for 1-2 weeks.

The Cost:

Average Price (Global): $250 – $450 USD.
In Australia: $300 – $500 AUD.
In the UK: £200 – £350.
In the US: $250 – $400.

Why is it cheaper than in-office?

The dentist spends less “chair time” with you. The lab makes the trays, and you do the work at home.

The Cost of Combination Treatment (Pola Light)

Many dentists recommend a combined approach. You do a 1-hour in-office session to get immediate results, and then you use take-home trays for a week to maximize the shade change and reduce sensitivity.

The Cost:

Average Price: $500 – $800 USD.
Value: This is often the best option for heavy stains or patients with sensitive teeth.

The Price Drivers: Why Do Clinics Charge Different Prices?

You might call three dentists in your city and get three different quotes for Pola whitening. Here is why.

1. Location
A clinic in Harley Street (London) or Beverly Hills (LA) will charge more than a suburban practice. You are paying for their rent and branding.

2. The “Experience” Factor
Some clinics bundle whitening with a “Spa” experience—massaging chairs, Netflix, paraffin hand wax. This adds to the cost but not to the clinical outcome.

3. The “Shade Guarantee”
High-end clinics offer a “Shade Guarantee” (e.g., “We will get you to B1 or your money back”). This premium is built into the price.

4. The Concentration of Gel
Higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide whiten faster but are more expensive for the dentist to buy.

The Hidden Costs: What Else Do You Need?

The cost of Pola whitening doesn’t end with the gel.

1. The Pre-Whitening Clean
Whitening gel works best on clean teeth. If you have plaque and tartar, the gel cannot penetrate evenly.

Cost: You may need a hygiene appointment first ($100 – $200). This is often mandatory for good results.

2. The Sensitivity Management
Whitening often causes temporary tooth sensitivity (zingers).

Cost: You might need a desensitizing toothpaste (e.g., Sensodyne) or a fluoride treatment ($30 – $60). Some Pola kits include a desensitizing gel, so check what is in the package.

3. The Maintenance (Top-Ups)
Whitening is not permanent. If you drink coffee, tea, or red wine, your teeth will re-stain within 6-12 months.

Cost: You will need to buy replacement gel syringes for your trays.
Price of Refill Gels: $30 – $60 per syringe. Most patients need 2-4 syringes per year.

Quote from a Cosmetic Dentist: “I always tell patients that whitening is a lifestyle, not a one-time fix. The initial cost gets you the trays and the initial result. But if you want to keep that white smile, you need to budget for gel refills every few months. It’s like buying a car; you have to pay for gas.”

Pola vs. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Whitening Strips

Why pay $400 for Pola when you can buy Crest White Strips for $50?

Feature	Pola (Professional)	OTC Strips
Strength	High (up to 35% hydrogen peroxide)	Low (6-10%)
Fit	Custom trays (covers all surfaces)	Generic strips (misses gaps)
Supervision	Dentist monitors gum health	Self-administered
Results	5-8 shades lighter	1-3 shades lighter
Risk of Burns	Low (gums protected)	Medium (gel can touch gums)

The Verdict:
OTC strips are fine for maintenance or minor touch-ups. For a significant color change, Pola is in a different league.

Is Pola Whitening Safe?

Yes, when performed under professional supervision. Pola gels are formulated to minimize enamel damage. However, you should not whiten if:

You are pregnant or nursing.
You have untreated cavities or gum disease.
You have very sensitive teeth.

The “Illegal” Whitening Salons

In many countries, there is a black market for “cheap teeth whitening” offered in beauty salons or mall kiosks. These operators use industrial-strength bleach (sometimes chlorine dioxide) that is illegal for use in the mouth.

The Cost:

These services cost $50 – $100.

The Risk:

Chemical burns to the gums.
Permanent enamel erosion.
“Ghost teeth” (teeth that look translucent and blue).

The Rule: If a whitening service is offered by someone who is not a dentist or a dental hygienist working under a dentist’s supervision, it is illegal and dangerous.

How to Save Money on Pola Whitening

1. Look for “Combo Deals”
Many clinics offer “Whitening + Clean” packages at a discount. You need the clean anyway.

2. Buy Refill Syringes
Once you have the custom trays, do not lose them. The trays are the expensive part. Replacing them costs $200-$300. Refill syringes are cheap.

3. Seasonal Promotions
Dentists often run “Spring Whitening” or “Wedding Season” specials. Discounts of 20-30% are common.

4. Dental Schools
If you live near a dental school, they often offer whitening at a reduced rate (though they might use a different brand like Opalescence).

FAQ

Q: How long does Pola whitening last?
A: Results can last 6 to 24 months, depending on your diet. Avoiding staining foods and using the take-home trays for monthly touch-ups extends the results.

Q: Does it hurt?
A: Most patients experience some level of temporary sensitivity. It feels like a sudden sharp “zing” in the teeth. It usually resolves within 24-48 hours after treatment.

Q: Can Pola whiten crowns or veneers?
A: No. Whitening gel only works on natural tooth enamel. If you have crowns or veneers, they will remain the same color. This is a crucial consideration before whitening—you might need to replace your old crowns to match your new whiter teeth.

Q: How many shades whiter will I get?
A: Most patients see an improvement of 4 to 8 shades on the VITA shade guide. The exact result depends on the original stain type (yellow stains respond best; gray stains from antibiotics are more resistant).

Additional Resource

For more information on professional whitening standards, visit the American Dental Association: ada.org

Conclusion

In summary, the cost of Pola teeth whitening ranges from $250 for take-home trays to $600 for the in-office laser treatment. The investment provides dramatically better results than over-the-counter products, with the take-home option offering the best long-term value. To maintain your new smile, budgeting for annual gel refills is essential.