NZ Dental Treatment Costs 2024 - What You Can Expect to Pay - The Definitive New Zealand Guide

Our research explains the limits of state-funded free dental care, the costs of implants, fillings, crowns, bridges and more, the pros and cons of dental insurance, dental plans and overseas dental treatments, must-know facts and FAQs.

Dental Costs - The Definitive New Zealand Guide

Updated 26 April 2024

Summary

Affording dental care is becoming increasingly difficult for many. A survey revealed that 87% of New Zealanders delay dental treatments due to cost issues per this 2018 Otago Daily Times article. It's no surprise, given that many household budgets are already stretched due to mortgage or rent payments, insurance payments, dealing with food inflation, and transportation.
Whether it's an unexpected $1,200 bill for a root canal or a $2,000 periodontal disease treatment, dental appointments are the last thing households want to deal with. The fear of getting hit with an unexpected thousand-dollar dental bill is significant.
To compound matters further, credit cards are a common way to pay for these dental fees, which can snowball from something that might have only cost $500 to over $1,000 once the interest is factored in as credit card debt continues to roll over month after month, year after year.
Most dental clinics do not provide publicly available, clear pricing in a table format, reinforcing the confusion around what's considered a "reasonable" price for dental care.
We have amalgamated and data harvested multiple sources to provide a range or band to assist others in estimating what a treatment can cost. The range of dental costs listed below follow our research method. However, the costs you get quoted from your specific dentists may vary from the figures below; our data is meant as a guide only - please use the table at your own discretion.

Our guide covers:

Know This First: Brushing and flossing, for most people, won't be enough.

With the ongoing cost of living crisis, many New Zealanders avoid going in for their annual dentist check-up, hoping their daily brushing is enough to stave away plaque and gum disease. However, even the most efficient brusher and flosser can't prevent plaque build-up.
To compound this issue, once the plague has hardened, there is no real way to remove it except to go to a dentist. This is one of the reasons why it doesn't work to just "start brushing and flossing properly" once you notice bad breath or plaque forming on your gums - at this point, it's already too late. You need a specialist (with specialist tools) to remove the built-up debris in your teeth.
The main reasons people avoid the dentist include the cost, the fact that getting teeth cleaned or getting a filling isn’t particularly fun to go through, it's not usually an emergency or essential service (compared to other living costs) and a visit, for the most part, won't materially improve your life (but rather just maintain what you have).

A dentist responded when we shared this guide on our Reddit account and offers some valuable insights:

"Solid guide - I think you covered the basics well. The main thing that makes (dental work) so expensive is the lack of government funding. Dental gets 0.50% of all health funding.

The difficulty with price transparency is that healthcare and surgery aren't a one-size-fits-all product you can shop around for. It's a unique, customised treatment to restore the problem within your tooth. The size of a hole, depth of decay, pulp involvement, pulp health, cracks, gum disease, infection, and existing restorations are all unknown without x-rays and consult.

When the patient calls up the receptionist or reads a dentist's website, they can really only give a price guideline rather than exact cost. The number of times people come in thinking they need an extraction when it's just a small chip, or vice-versa, where they want to save the tooth but it's just an infected root stump, is too common.

What I fully support though is price transparency after the initial examination. At our practice, every dentist gives a printed and emailed cost estimate after the check-up that is fully transparent of costs for required treatment. Also, from looking at thousands of mouths over multiple years, I can confirm that regular check-ups and preventative care will save you a lot of money in the long run. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste will save you more".

Understanding the Limits of State-Funded Free Dental Care

There are three avenues for free (state-funded) dental care, most of which won't apply to any adult.

1. Children get free dentist care up until (and including) age 18 - try to take full advantage of this

More details: New Zealand Children are eligible for complimentary basic dental
These services, provided by visiting dentists during school hours, encompass dental check-ups, fillings, baby teeth extraction, fissure sealants, and fluoride treatments. However, once individuals graduate from school, they are responsible for covering their dental expenses.
If you’ve got kids, we suggest enrolling them early to schedule their initial examination and bring them in at least once a year (your taxes are paying for it, and there’s no downside to doing so apart from the time you spend taking them to/from the dentists).
If you’re older than 18, you’ll typically bear the full cost of dental treatments (unless you are eligible for additional government support, which usually means tested). For more information on eligibility for free dental up to age 18, visit the New Zealand Government’s dental care page and Te Whatu Ora’s Guide to Visiting a Dentist.

2. Financial assistance for those on low income or benefits - you'll need to qualify under Work and Income which offers the following:

You can apply for up to $1,000 a year (any 52-week period), to help with immediate and essential dental treatment. You don't have to pay this back.
Work and Income may still be able to help if the cost of your dental treatment is more than $1,000. You may need to pay some of this back, depending on your situation.
Some may qualify for emergency dental care subsidies if they hold a Community Services Card.

3. If you need emergency dental care, ACC will cover the cost of your hospital visit

The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) covers emergency or accidental dental care.
If you have an accident that leads to a dental injury, ACC may help with the cost of treatment. This includes:

Injuries caused by an accident (like getting into a car crash)
A sporting injury (like getting teeth cracked at a rugby game)
As a result of dental treatment (Like a trainee dentist drilling the wrong tooth)

However, ACC does not cover dental care needed due to natural causes, such as decay, gum diseases, or wear and tear. To access this coverage, you'll need to seek treatment from a dental professional, who will assess the injury and can help you lodge a claim with ACC.

Common Dental Treatments, Most Expensive Procedures and Tips to Minimise Costs

The three most common dental treatments are removing plaque (via dental cleaning) and fillings. Almost every Kiwi will have plaque build-up over time, and many will need fillings depending on what they consume (the more sugar you consume, the more likely you are to need fillings). Most Kiwis are guaranteed to need cleaning each time they visit the dentist (and potentially also need fillings each time they visit the dentist).

Dental Cleaning: Essential for oral health, dental cleanings help keep teeth and gums in good shape.
Dental Filling: Used to address cavities and repair damaged teeth.
Composite Filling: Composite or white fillings provide a more aesthetic teeth restoration.

With regards to expensive treatments, these include:

Root Canals: Root canals are performed to salvage infected or significantly damaged teeth.
Dental Crown: Crowns are used to cover and protect compromised teeth.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction: This procedure deals with problematic wisdom teeth.
Dental Bridge: Bridges fill the gap created by missing teeth, using adjacent teeth for support.

Important: You can minimise high upfront dental work costs with a long-term focus. Most dentists' best advice is to focus on preventative care - taking care of your teeth before they become a problem. This includes:

Regular Oral Hygiene: Emphasising prevention through daily brushing and flossing can ward off severe dental issues and minimise future costs.
Routine Dental Check-Ups: Regular visits (at least once a year) can detect dental problems early, preventing them from developing into more serious, costly issues.

Why do Dentists Cost So Much?

The high cost of New Zealand dental care can be attributed to several factors, including:

1. The significant investment in equipment and technology

A dental surgery clinic's setup and operational costs are substantial due to the need for advanced dental technology. Accounting for the full stack of equipment (such as PIC Cameras, I-CAT 3D scanning technology, digital implant workflow systems and dental x-ray machines), it usually costs hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Additionally, if dentists get the newest "state of the art" dental treatment technology, this will cost significantly more (like buying a brand new 2024 Tesla will cost much more than a 2010 Toyota Camry). This equipment depreciates over time and needs to be replaced, leading to higher costs for the dentist (and higher follow-on costs for customers).

2. High cost of specialists and staffing expenses

Labour costs in New Zealand are relatively high, particularly for professionals with specialised skills (like dentist assistants). Therefore, dental practices face considerable overheads related to salaries, which are passed on to consumers.
Naturally, dentists in higher-cost-of-living cities (like Auckland and Wellington) will need to pay higher wages for non-dentist support staff (like dental assistants, receptionists, administration or operations managers, etc.).

3. Minimal government support (for adults)

While the government has a strong system in place to support Kiwi kids getting free dental care, after age 18, individuals receive far less government subsidy support for dental services, placing the burden of costs directly on patients.
Every year, New Zealanders spend around $1.8 billion on dental visits per this Otago Daily Times story from 2019, with a significant majority ($1.6 billion) paid out of pocket. Government contributions cover only about 15% ($242 million) of these expenses.

4. The long and costly educational pathway to become a dentist

The journey to becoming a dentist is both time-intensive and financially demanding. The degree usually requires at least 5 years of study (just to become eligible to become a dentist - with no experience).
The accumulated student loan balance for a dental (known as a Bachelor of Dental Surgery, or BDS) degree can reach upwards of $100,000, and establishing a practice can cost hundreds of thousands. Despite perceptions of dentists as high earners, the reality includes significant financial pressures and expenses compared to other professions, largely due to equipment and staff costs.

5. Experience drives costs

Generally, the more experience a dentist has, the higher quality their services will be (and the less likely they are to injure you). The better the job they do on your teeth, the faster they operate. This, coupled with the fact that more experienced dentists are likely in higher demand (versus, say, a fresh dentist graduate), means that experienced dentists are able to charge higher prices.

6. Other contributing factors

Other factors, such as the type of treatment, the dentist's location, the additional services needed, and the materials used, contribute to why dentists are so expensive.

Who are the main dentist providers?

New Zealand dentists are either independent practices or sole businesses (e.g., registered dental professionals who start their own practice), partnerships or family dentist consortiums, or franchises (which are either owned by private equity, such as Abano Healthcare, the owners of Lumino The Dentists, or Smile Dental, which was started almost 30 years ago and has franchised itself across New Zealand).

Alternative oral health providers (which are less common) include hygienists, government-backed institutions providing dental healthcare, and nonprofits.

Understanding the different types of dental care providers:
Three main types of professionals provide dental care throughout New Zealand, each specialising in different aspects of oral health.

Dental Hygienists are licensed healthcare professionals who specialise in preventing and treating oral diseases. Their main role is to provide oral health education and clinical services to help individuals maintain and improve their oral hygiene. They will typically focus on more common or simple tasks such as teeth cleaning and oral examinations and provide education on preventive oral care.
General dentists are the primary care providers, offering diagnostics, prevention, and treatment services for various conditions (usually more specialised than dental hygienists).
Specialist dentists have additional training in specific fields of dentistry. These include:

Orthodontists specialise in aligning teeth and jaws.
Periodontists: focusing on gum disease.
Endodontists: experts in root canal therapy.
Oral surgeons: who deal with surgeries of the mouth and jaw.

Dental Implants, Fillings, Crowns, Bridge, Cleaning Costs and More - What You Need to Know

The cost of visiting the dentist varies massively depending on the type of treatment required and the provider chosen. However, assuming no serious procedures need to be undertaken, and you've gone to the dentist for your annual check-up every year, a typical examination coupled with cleaning/scaling is likely to cost $300 to $400 per hour.
Additionally, dental fees can fluctuate based on where you live, with Auckland typically being the most expensive. Simple dental operations (like fillings, scaling and cleaning) are usually $300 an hour and can usually be done by all dentists or hygienists. More complex dental work, such as root canal treatments, extractions, bridges, implants, and dentures, can significantly increase the cost (into the thousands of dollars over multiple visits), underscoring the financial burden of dental care.
Specialist treatments, such as orthodontics or implants, can be significantly more expensive. Many dental practices offer payment plans or financing options to help manage the cost of treatment, and insurance policies may cover some procedures.
Know This: For the longest time, dentist fees have been extremely opaque, and Kiwis never know how much they'll have to fork out for their annual dentist bill. For many Kiwis, it's hard to know whether the price they've paid for the recent trip to the dentist is a good price or expensive compared to the same dentist down the road.
Additionally, going to the dentist can have far higher rates than going to a hygienist (who focuses on teeth cleaning) or an actual dentist who does the full service (like complex examinations, procedures, X-rays, fillings, braces, etc.).
Our tables below list all the cost bands so you can estimate how much it might cost you (especially if you need more specialised treatment). We use the 2023 NZDA study and our research to show what you can expect to pay.

2023 NZDA Dental Pricing - Normal, Average, Uncomplicated Fee Charged Per Item

You can download the NZDA 2023 survey PDF here, which includes pricing per region.

Item (incl GST)	Average ($)	Percentile 25 ($)	Median ($)	Percentile 75 ($)	Number of replies
Examination only	89	65	84	99	507
Examination and intraoral radiography (eg B/Ws;PAs)	122	95	115	142	525
Examination and simple prophylaxis	159	120	150	189	392
Examination, radiography and simple prophylaxis	195	153	185	235	415
Scaling per ¼ hour	96	60	90	125	412
Complex periodontal treatment per ½ hour	217	150	195	250	405
Panoramic x-ray	105	90	100	118	431
Cone beam CT	260	200	250	320	164
Temporary restoration	163	120	150	200	447
Single extraction, L.A	291	250	280	320	517
Each additional tooth extracted, L.A	193	140	175	250	451
Surgical extraction	481	395	450	550	498
Root filling-single root (excluding restoration)	960	800	935	1,150	499
Root filling-molar (3 roots) (excluding restoration)	1,481	1,200	1,500	1,650	481
Post with Direct Core	399	295	351	450	363
Amalgam filling, one surface	201	160	200	237	168
Amalgam filling, two surfaces	252	217	250	295	169
Amalgam multi-surface	323	275	325	375	166
Composite or glass ionomer (1 surface)	231	197	225	265	508
Composite (2 surfaces)	308	256	295	335	512
Composite (multi-surfaces)	378	320	369	430	506
Composite crown	502	400	450	550	429
Fissure sealant-one tooth	99	70	85	120	410
All ceramic crown	1,624	1,500	1,600	1,780	494
Porcelain laminate veneer	1,504	1,300	1,500	1,700	407
Full upper and lower dentures	3,358	2,750	3,213	3,930	322
Acrylic partial-one tooth	1,117	900	1,100	1,300	379
Metal partial-one tooth	2,238	1,850	2,150	2,500	351
Denture reline-heat processed	517	430	500	600	257
3-unit anterior bridge	4,157	3,600	4,000	4,500	409
Implant, single tooth-superstructure	3,001	2,650	2,960	3,200	384
Implant (surgical component)	3,091	2,700	3,000	3,300	149
Custom made mouthguard	335	195	300	450	345
Occlusal bite splint	558	450	534	650	434
Target hourly rate	541	450	500	600	419

2024 MoneyHub Aggregated Dental Pricing Survey (Our NZDA Pricing Alternative)

You can download our research in XLS format here.

Procedure	Description	Price Estimate
Approximate hourly rate	All purpose	$350 - $500
Dental check-up with x-rays	Check-up including x-rays	$95 – $150
Dental check-up with cleaning	Check-up including cleaning	$85 – $120
Amalgam filling for molars	Metal filling for back teeth	$110 – $300
Composite filling for molars	Tooth-colored filling for back teeth	$130 – $500
Tooth extraction	Removal of a tooth	$170 – $220
Porcelain veneer	Thin layer over a tooth for appearance improvement	$900 – $1,300
Composite crown	Tooth-colored cap for a damaged tooth	$280 – $500
Porcelain crown	Ceramic cap for a damaged tooth	$1,200 – $1,400
Root canal treatment on molars	Treatment for infected pulp of back teeth	$900 – $1,200
Single tooth implant	Implant for one missing tooth	$2,500 – $3,000
New Patient Consultation	Initial consultation for new patients	$50 - $80
Intraoral X-rays	Internal mouth x-rays	$30 - $50
Extraoral X-rays (OPG)	External mouth x-rays	$80 - $100
Dental Cleaning/Scaling/Scraping	Professional teeth cleaning (per 45-90 min session)	$117-$250
Fillings	Fillings for cavities, simple to complex	$300 - $600
Dentures	Replacement for missing teeth, various types (Flexible plastic partial, metal framework partial, full dentures)	$800 - $3,200
Root Canal Treatment	Treatment for infected tooth pulp, by tooth type (Incisor/canine, premolar, molar)	$900 - $1,400
Tooth Extractions	Removal of teeth, simple to surgical	$200 - $1,000
Crowns and Veneers	Restorations for damaged teeth, various materials (Ceramic, Porcelain, Gold)	$1,300 - $2,000
Dental Implants	Replacement for missing tooth roots, with options (either with crown or a full replacement)	$3,500 - $8,000
Tooth Extraction	Pulling teeth	$200 - $500
Bridges	Dental bridges for missing teeth (usually in 3 unit)	$3,500 - $4,000
Orthodontic Braces	Metal braces for teeth straightening	$5,000-$9,950
Retainers	Device to maintain teeth position after braces, priced per arch	$250 - $350
Custom Mouthguard	Mouthguard	$300 - $400

Disclosures:

The table above is meant to simplify the NZDA survey. The table may not align with the NZDA survey as we have used pooled from different sources and may be wildly off. This table is meant for illustration purposes only and may contain errors.

Note: prices will vary drastically by city. MoneyHub's methodology has been to source third-party dentist fees and average them to identify a relative range for Kiwis.
Sources: NZDA, NorthMed, SimpleNZ, NSOMS, Consumer NZ, MoneyHub Analysis, discussions with dentists

Understanding Dental Insurance and Dental Plans

Some New Zealand insurance providers may not offer plans that only cover dental treatment. Often, these insurance packages will be a holistic health insurance plan, which may have some carve-out for dental treatments but won't be dedicated solely to dental coverage. There are pros and cons of a typical policy:

Pros:

Cost reduction: Health insurance (including dental insurance) can significantly mitigate the financial impact of unforeseen dental treatments, acting as a financial safeguard for individuals hesitant about the cost of necessary care.
Predictable expenses: Health/dental insurance entails regular premium payments, which facilitate easier financial planning than unforeseen dental expenses. This setup not only aids in budgeting but also clarifies the reimbursement amount for dental services.
Encourages preventive care: Most health/dental insurance policies cover essential preventive care, such as routine examinations and cleanings. This encourages insured Kiwis to pursue regular dental care (ideally every year or more frequently), helping identify and address dental issues early on.

Cons:

Associated costs: Monthly premiums, deductibles, and coverage limitations can accumulate, potentially surpassing the benefits that Kiwis are insured under (which you'll have to pay out of pocket for any amounts above this).
Constrained reimbursement: Many insurance policies have modest reimbursement caps, limiting the financial relief they provide.
Coverage restrictions: Health/dental insurance plans often exclude or limit coverage for specific treatments, have waiting periods, and place caps on annual or lifetime benefits.
Exclusion of cosmetic procedures: Health/dental insurance generally does not cover cosmetic treatments like elective orthodontics.

Some examples of NZ dental insurance plans (either as part of health insurance or standalone dental policies) include:

Southern Cross Health Essentials (which includes dental coverage)
Southern Cross Ultra Care (which includes dental coverage)
Southern Cross Keeping Well module (which can be added to Wellbeing One or Two plans)
Southern Cross Vision and Dental module (which can be added to Wellbeing One or Two plans)

AA Health Everyday Insurance (which includes dental coverage)
NIB Dental Insurance

Southern Cross-specific resources:

Our guide to Dental Insurance and Dentist Plans has more information.

Dental Treatments Abroad - Risks and Costs

Dental Treatments Overseas - Risks and Costs

Given the cost of dental treatment so high in New Zealand, many Kiwis ask whether receiving dental treatments overseas (know as medical tourism) is a viable option to save money. Dental treatments in countries like Thailand will almost certainly be significantly cheaper than New Zealand's dental prices given the lower labour costs. However, it's not a perfect solution by any means:

You need to be fully aware of the risks before pursuing overseas dental treatments - the costs may be low, but they don't always deliver a result.
While combining a holiday with dental treatment in Asia might seem appealing due to the potential cost savings, travelling overseas solely for dental work might not always be practical. New Zealand dental care offers convenience, safety, and access to familiar healthcare systems. Additionally, addressing complications or follow-up treatments can be more challenging when the initial treatment is done overseas.
If something goes wrong overseas (e.g. they injure you while doing routine cleaning, resulting in thousands of dollars of emergency dental work), you will have far less support and recourse than if something happened in New Zealand (for which we have ACC to cover accidental or emergency dental care fully).
Deciding whether the costs and risks associated with going overseas for dental treatment are worth it will take time. For example, if a routine cleaning in Auckland costs you $500 versus $50 in Thailand, a stand-alone trip isn't cost-effective. In contrast, if you've been quoted $8,000 for a dental crown in Wellington, but it would only cost $900 overseas, it may be worth considering (even with the additional flight and accommodation costs).

Must-Know Facts about Dentist Costs

New Zealanders are increasingly skipping dental visits

Anxiety around large dental care costs leads to more people delaying check-ups. While we know we’re meant to go for a dental clean every year, many people are hesitant to schedule dental appointments out of fear they'll need a significant and/or expensive procedure that will cost thousands.

The longer you delay going to the dentists, the more expensive the visit to the dentist will (likely) be

Delaying dental care can have severe repercussions, including hospitalisation for severe dental issues. Unfortunately, many dental-related problems don't go away independently, and brushing/flossing your teeth can't remove some of the hardened tartar/plaque already built up on your teeth and gums. Additionally, you may have gum disease, which is best treated early.

The fear of going to the dentist is a bigger psychological barrier than actually going to the dentist

Anticipating the uncomfortable experience and expenses for dental services can often be more daunting than the procedures themselves. If possible, try to frame going to the dentist as an investment in your future health and longevity. Overseas-published research shows that people who live to over 100 have lost fewer teeth, suggesting that good oral health is linked to a lower death rate.

Not all dentists are created equal

Just like not all doctors will give the same diagnoses and not all carpenters will create the same cabinet, all dentists vary in their experience, focus, and expertise. While there are minimum standards that most dentists must adhere to, each will vary in terms of quality and service.

Sticking with the dentist that your family goes to doesn't mean they're the best dentist

Word of mouth is often the strongest reason people pick and stay with Dentists. Dentists that serve entire families (e.g. the dentist that your parents went to and that you went to as a child is probably more likely to become your dentist as an adult, unless they retire, given you've build an existing relationship with them).

Often, once you've found a dentist who knows you and you've been with for a while, you're unlikely to switch (out of accessibility and certainty). This is fine, but it might mean you could be overpaying (given you've never tried any other dentists).

If you do purchase health/dental insurance or a dental plan, make sure you fully understand what is covered (and what is excluded from the policy)

With anything related to insurance, the devil is in the details. You may have comprehensive health insurance, but dentist appointments and operations are often not included in the policy ( or if they are, there are big carve-outs that mean only a narrow set of procedures can be reimbursed). Make sure you carefully read the terms and conditions of your health insurance.

If your teeth are in pain or you suspect you have gingivitis or gum disease, see your dentist now

Like the usefulness of an ambulance at the bottom of the cliff versus a guardrail at the top, it's much more effective to go to a dentist early (especially if you notice something is wrong). The reality is you've just got to bite the bullet and go to the dentist, even if you fear it will cost you a few thousand dollars.

The trade-off is that if you don't go, you might end up with severe problems that could cause you to lose all your teeth and have to get dentures (which will cost 10X what it will cost just to clean your teeth alone). The longer you leave it, the worse it gets (and the more expensive it will become over time).

If it's been a while since you've been to the dentist, be prepared for multiple visits

You might have to book multiple sessions with dentists, particularly if you haven't visited the dentist in years. For example, if you're in your mid-late 20s and you haven't been since you were 18 (given that was the last time it was free, thanks to the government program of free care), the dentist might need an hour or two with you to clear out the near decade of plaque or tartar accumulation in your teeth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our questions below are not going to cover every situation - the best people to ask is always the dentist.

How often should I go to the dentist?

Dentists usually recommend a check-up once a year at minimum. However, if you're particularly "at risk" or know you will need more than just cleaning, going every 3-6 months can make sense. You should always go to the dentist if you feel any searing pain that shouldn't be there.

Where can I find the best dentists?

The three most popular ways to find dentist practices are:

Dentist Practitioner Register (provided by the Dental Council of New Zealand)
Word of mouth (from friends or family)
Googling dentist practices around your home/local area (and checking the Google reviews)

Can I get any financial assistance for dental care?

Financial assistance for dental care is usually limited for adults (unless you qualify under Work and Income - which will usually be for those on a low income or benefits). Some may qualify for emergency dental care subsidies if they hold a Community Services Card. For accidental dental injuries, the ACC may provide coverage.

I don't like the dentist experience. What are some top tips for taking care of my teeth (and avoiding frequent trips to the dentist)?

Brush regularly: Brush your teeth at least twice daily (ideally in the morning and before bed) using fluoride toothpaste. Spend at least two minutes each time to thoroughly clean all surfaces of your teeth.
Floss every day: Flossing removes food and plaque stuck between your teeth and under the gum line, areas where a toothbrush can't reach. Make it a daily habit.
Eat a healthy, balanced (ideally low sugar) diet: Limit sugary drinks and foods, which can lead to tooth decay. Instead, eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. If you are drinking something sugary, try to drink through a straw (to ensure minimal contact of the fluid with your teeth that might lead to tooth decay)
Avoid smoking: Using or smoking tobacco products can cause tooth decay and gum disease and lead to oral cancer.
Limit snacking: Frequent snacking or sipping on sugary drinks can give plaque-causing bacteria more fuel to produce acids that attack your teeth and lead to decay.
Drink lots of water during the day: Water helps wash away food particles and keeps your saliva levels high. Saliva is important because it naturally helps to neutralise the acids and repair the early effects of tooth decay.
Protect your teeth when playing contact sports: Wear a mouthguard during sports where there's a risk of contact to the face, and avoid using your teeth as tools to open, hold, or break things.
Regular dental check-ups: Even with excellent oral hygiene habits, regular check-ups and cleanings are crucial for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Your dentist can catch problems early before they become more serious and harder to treat.
Be mindful of grinding your teeth: If you grind your teeth, especially at night, consider getting a mouth guard to protect your teeth from wear and tear.

Is an X-ray always necessary?

X-rays are crucial for identifying dental issues that are not visible during a standard oral examination. Early detection through X-rays can prevent the need for more extensive and expensive treatments later on. X-rays are beneficial for assessing the condition of existing fillings and monitoring early decay. Not everyone needs an annual x-ray, particularly if there are no active cavities or decay. However, individuals with extensive dental work or a history of tooth decay should consider regular X-rays.

Electric vs Manual Toothbrushes - which are better?

Electric toothbrushes, marketed for their ability to mimic a professional clean feeling, vary in price (anywhere from $50 - $600+). They’re generally more effective than manual toothbrushes in reducing plaque and gingivitis.

The advantage of electric toothbrushes lies in their automated brushing action, as opposed to the technique-dependent effectiveness of manual toothbrushes. The obvious drawback of electric toothbrushes is that they're significantly more expensive than manual toothbrushes and need to be charged.

What are the top tips from dentists that most New Zealanders may not know about?

While most dentists will all say the same thing regarding common "rules of thumb"(such as brushing twice a day and flossing), these are the less well-known tips from dentists:

Don’t chew ice - ice's small, hard nature can wear down your enamel.
Don’t brush straight after eating - Brushing your teeth too quickly after eating doesn't allow your mouth to return to its natural pH levels (acidity).
If flossing is a pain, consider tools to help you - tools like Plackers and electric/water flossers can help ensure you continue flossing (even when you don't want to).

What are the different payment methods to pay for dentist appointments?

Each dentist's practice will accept various methods of payment. The most common are usually credit card or bank transfers, but they may also offer instalment plans for customers who want to pay over multiple months (as dentist appointments can sometimes rack up to thousands of dollars).

Most dentists accept a variety of payment options, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Q Mastercard and Gem Visa. Additionally, many dentist practices (like Lumino, Fraser Dental, and Auckland Family Dental) offer financing alternatives like interest-free or instalment loans for treatments that cost over a certain amount (e.g. $300) through cards like Q Mastercard (credit cards primarily focused on long-term finance).

Know This: You might need to inform the dentist at the clinic of your payment method and intention (especially if you're looking to use the interest-free or instalment loan) before swiping your card to ensure the activation of any interest-free period.

How does a dentist differ from a hygienist?

The roles of dentists and dental hygienists in New Zealand are complementary yet distinct. Dentists are trained to diagnose and treat various dental conditions, perform surgical procedures, and prescribe medications. Dental hygienists, on the other hand, focus primarily on preventive oral health care. They perform professional teeth cleaning, apply preventive materials like fluoride and sealants, and educate patients on proper oral hygiene practices. While a dentist can provide the services of a hygienist, hygienists cannot perform the full range of dental treatments that dentists can.

Why are dentist appointments so expensive for adults?

The primary reasons for the expensive nature of dental care in New Zealand include high overhead costs and the lack of government funding.

High overheads - Running a dental clinic involves substantial expenses, such as operating a small hospital. Costs encompass everything from equipment, such as dental chairs and drills, to sterilisation processes and staff wages. Advanced dental technologies also add to the overall expenses, making state-of-the-art care costly.
Lack of government funding - Unlike other healthcare services, dental care in New Zealand receives minimal public funding, leaving patients to cover the bulk of the costs. Annually, New Zealanders spend approximately $1.8 billion on dental visits, with the vast majority paid out-of-pocket.

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