How much does a dental cleaning cost in Trinidad?
Short answer: At Smile Works DentaSpa a basic cleaning starts at TT$650 for adults and TT$450 for under-16s. An examination starts at TT$280 and digital x-rays from TT$85. What you actually pay depends on how much build-up there is and whether cleaning below the gumline is needed — you get an itemised quotation before anything starts.
Our prices
| Treatment | Price |
|---|---|
| Examination | from TT$280 |
| Digital x-ray | from TT$85 |
| Basic cleaning — adult | from TT$650 |
| Basic cleaning — under 16 | from TT$450 |
Starting prices. What you pay depends on what you actually need, and you get an itemised quotation before any treatment begins. Prices confirmed 2026-08-23.
Publishing these is unusual here, and we would rather be the practice that does. A price you can see before you call is one less reason to put off an appointment you already know you need.
Why "from". A cleaning on gums that have been maintained is a different piece of work from a first cleaning after five years away. The starting price covers the former; the latter takes longer and may need treatment below the gumline. Either way you will be told the figure before we begin, not after.
What changes the price
- How much build-up there is. Someone attending every six months needs far less work than someone who has not been in five years.
- Whether it is above or below the gumline. A routine cleaning treats the visible tooth surfaces. If gum disease is present, deeper cleaning of the root surfaces is a longer and more involved procedure — sometimes across more than one appointment.
- Whether an examination is included. This is where quotes most often differ. Some prices are for the cleaning alone; a cleaning without an examination means nobody is checking for decay.
- Whether X-rays are needed. Usually priced separately and taken only when clinically justified.
Questions worth asking anywhere
Before booking a cleaning at any practice, ask:
- Does this price include an examination, or is that separate?
- What happens if you find I need deeper cleaning — will you tell me the cost before proceeding?
- Are X-rays included or extra?
- Is this a single appointment or will I need to come back?
A practice that answers those clearly and in advance is generally a good sign, regardless of the number.
Why the cheapest option often is not
A cleaning without an examination is not a bargain — it is a cleaning where nobody looked for decay. Cavities between teeth are invisible without X-rays, and gum disease is largely painless until it is advanced.
The genuinely expensive path is skipping regular cleanings altogether. Tartar build-up leads to gum disease, and advanced gum disease causes bone loss that does not fully reverse. Two cleanings a year is dramatically cheaper than treating the consequences of none.
Getting a straight answer from us
Message 396-8447 on WhatsApp and tell us roughly when you last had a cleaning. We will explain what is likely needed and what it will cost — and we always confirm the price before starting any treatment.
We are at 31 Mucurapo Road, St. James, open from 7:00am on weekdays.
Common questions
Is a dental cleaning worth the cost?
It is the most cost-effective appointment in dentistry. It prevents gum disease and catches decay early, when treatment is simple. The cost of treating advanced gum disease or a root canal is many times higher.
Does the price include a check-up?
At Smile Works we will always tell you exactly what is included before you commit. It is worth asking this specific question anywhere you book, because practices differ.
Why was I quoted more than the standard price?
Usually because deeper cleaning below the gumline is needed, which happens when gum disease is present. That is a different and more involved procedure than a routine cleaning, and should always be explained to you before it begins.