Tag Archives: Plano affordable dentistry

Affordable Dentistry

Affordable Dentist for Porcelain Veneers vs. Press-On Veneers

Closeup, head-and-shoulders photo of a brunette woman smiling with her head slightly tilted back; for information on Plano affordable dentistry and cosmetic dentistry options.
An affordable and experienced cosmetic dentist has different techniques to enhance your smile

Looking for an affordable dentist for cosmetic work? In the hands of an artistic cosmetic dentist, a smile makeover with porcelain veneers can be stunning. But if you’re on a budget, are press-on veneers a good alternative?

Five considerations for porcelain veneers from an affordable dentist vs. press on veneers

  1. Porcelain veneers process – When you receive porcelain veneers, your dentist prepares your teeth for the veneers, takes impressions of your teeth, and the veneers are made by a dental lab. The veneers are made of porcelain.
  2. Press-on veneers process – You will need impressions of your teeth to receive press-on veneers, but they fit over your teeth without preparation from a dentist, similar to a Snap-On Smile. The veneers are made of plastic resin.
  3. A comparison of the aesthetics – Porcelain has properties that can make your veneers look and feel like natural teeth. Plastic resin, which press-on veneers are made of, often looks bulky and fake. Also, the shape of your teeth won’t look natural.
  4. The cost – Press-on veneers are relatively inexpensive and can cost a few hundred dollars. Depending on where you live in the U.S., porcelain veneers can cost $1000 or more per veneer, but the results will be stunning and lasting.
  5. Long-term results – Depending on how well you take care of them, porcelain veneers can last 15 to 20 years or longer. If worn every day, press-on veneers will wear out quickly. A warranty for press-on veneers is usually for three to twelve months.

What Are the Options to Achieve a Beautiful Smile?

Teeth whitening

Most people want a bright smile. That can often be achieved with teeth whitening. If your teeth are in good shape, whitening them can rejuvenate your smile.

Dental bonding

If your teeth have chips or cracks or are uneven, dental bonding can repair and shape them. A skilled cosmetic dentist has the tools and materials in his or her office to provide bonding that matches the color and characteristics of your natural teeth. Your teeth can be whitened before you receive dental bonding, and bonding will be applied to match your bright smile.

Porcelain veneers

If you want a long-lasting smile makeover, porcelain veneers produce beautiful results. An expert cosmetic dentist can determine if you need veneers on a single tooth, multiple teeth, or all the teeth that show when you smile. At times, a combination of dental treatments can prevent you from needing as many porcelain veneers as you think.

Schedule a Consultation

Find an experienced cosmetic dentist to discuss your treatment options and how the treatment you need can be made affordable for you. Affordable dentistry isn’t cheap dentistry. Your dentist will work with you and provide payment options.

In Plano, TX, Dr. Miranda Lacy is an affordable dentist who produces high-quality cosmetic work. Schedule a consultation with her to discuss your options.

 

Affordable Dentistry

I need an affordable dentist for implant dentures

Last year I received dentures from an affordable dentist. I am worried now because they won’t stay in even though I use adhesive. I think my bone is shrinking in addition to the fact that the dentures are low quality. I am certain that soon I won’t be able to wear dentures. This has already created some very embarrassing moment for me that I have tried to laugh off or joke about when I really wanted to cry. What can I do?  I’m afraid that I won’t be able to afford dental implants, which is a huge problem if the dentures won’t stay in. Is there another way? Thanks. Connie

Diagram of a lower snap-on denture for information on Plano TX affordable dentistry from Dr. Miranda Lacy.
An affordable dentist can provide snap-on dentures

Connie – We sympathize with you. When all of your teeth are missing, eventually the jawbone shrinks, because the body senses that the jawbone is no longer needed to support your teeth. The minerals from the jawbone are resorbed and used elsewhere in your body. You are experiencing jawbone shrinkage and facial collapse. At some point, as you have already discerned, you will no longer be able to wear dentures. But you have some options.

Affordable Dentist Options

You can find an affordable dentist who offers implant dentures at a competitive price. Most dentists offer payment plans and financing.

  • The first step is bone grafting to rebuild the missing jawbone. After you receive bone grafting and your jawbone heals, dental implants can be placed.
  • The more implants you have, the more stable the dentures will be, and they will function better. Dental implants help prevent jawbone shrinkage and facial collapse.
  • You can also receive complete removable dentures again. But be aware that in another twenty years or so, you will experience the same problem with facial collapse.
  • Find a cosmetic dentist to provide you with natural-looking dentures.

You can schedule consultations with at least two dentists who are experienced with dentures and dental implants. You want quality implant fixtures and quality placement of the implants to prevent complications that will cost even more money to correct. Ask each dentist how dental implants and dentures can be made affordable for you.

This blog post is sponsored by Plano female cosmetic dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

Affordable Dentistry, Tooth Trauma

Will Save a Tooth work until we can get to an affordable dentist?

My 20 yr old son has a loose permanent tooth from a sports accident. I need to save it until we can get to an affordable dentist. He was on our dental insurance but my husband just took an early retirement package because he is getting laid off and we are shopping for dental insurance. I’m expecting the tooth to go any day but it has hung on longer than I thought. We’re trying to be proactive and look for products that can keep the tooth in good condition if it comes out completely. Our dental insurance should be effective the first of next month and then I can schedule an appointment. I found several products online including Save a Tooth. The description looks like this might do the job for a few days if I keep changing out the solution. I’m pretty good with playing nurse around the house and I think it might work. Does this product work if my son loses the tooth completely, and will it help until we can find an affordable dentist? – Kasydee

Kasydee – If the Save-a-Tooth product description indicates that it will keep a tooth alive after it’s been knocked out. It consists of a salt solution that is gentle on tooth ligament and will help keep it alive. The ligament must bekept in good condition to reattach the tooth to the jawbone.

Photo of Save-a-Tooth for knocked out teeth, from affordable Plano TX dentist Miranda Lacy.When a tooth is knocked out, the roots shouldn’t be touched. The tooth must be kept moist. It’s important to get dental help the same day. Waiting a few days puts your son at risk for completely using the tooth. The Save-a-Tooth solution and tooth container are designed to preserve and protect the tooth for a limited period—probably two or three hours. Ideally, your son would need to have the kit handy at all times.

If your son loses his tooth days before your dental coverage takes effect, find an emergency dentist right away. If you don’t, the cost of replacing the tooth later will be more expensive than getting prompt treatment.

Even better—get dental help now. If the tooth is loose, it’s possible to secure it with a stint until the roots heal. You will be able to find an affordable dentist who will work with your budget and arrange a payment plan or financing.

 

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

Affordable Dentistry

Need to find a dentist with reasonable prices

My adult niece just got approved for SSDI. She has never been able to work a job that provided enough hours for her to get dental insurance. She hasn’t been to a good dentist since 2012! I took her to a dental clinic but the service was so bad and she was treated so rudely that we had to leave before her dental cleaning was over. She still needs some significant dental work completed. I don’t want the solution to be to simply pull her decayed teeth. I really want them fixed. She already has some serious self-esteem issues, so the solution isn’t to pull teeth. I am working on getting her dental coverage but this is a very slow process. I am afraid that she will get a tooth infection if I don’t do something soon. There is a very strong odor on her breath. What should I do to find a dentist with reasonable prices? I will pay out of pocket if I have to. Thank you Eva

 

Eva – We compliment you for taking care of your sister and being so concerned about her oral health. The oral health of people who need public assistance is often neglected. Your proactive approach will really help your sister in the long term.

Most often, government programs provide limited benefits for dental treatment. Dental cleanings are often covered, but teeth are often extracted rather than restored. Speak with your sister’s case worker or social worker to find out what dental coverage is available. The dental insurance provider can provide with more information on plan provisions.

If you want to get dental treatment right away, consider your own dentist as a start. Explain the situation and your willingness to pay for your sister’s dental care. Your dentist may be willing to provide you with a payment plan or financing. If your dentist isn’t able to help, call a few dentists, including those who accept Medicare patients. Check for reviews of each dentist to ensure your sister will get quality care. Don’t be afraid to switch dentist’s if things don’t turn out well.

Also, you may be able to find inexpensive dental coverage for basic dental care for your sister. Even if you are only able to get limited insurance, some coverage will help you pay for the costs.

We wish you the best outcome possible.

This post is sponsored by Plano dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

Affordable Dentistry, Dentures

Looking for an affordable dentist for good dentures

I just got new dentures three years ago. The upper dentures fit great but the lower dentures are very loose and regularly come off. I can’t even eat soft foods like applesauce and yogurt without them lifting up. The dentist tried 4 or 5 times to reline them but it is just not working. I know that I am going to need new dentures. I am not going to get them from this dentist. I have to find a dentist who knows people have a budget and get some good dentures from that person. I am wondering how to go about this. Do I just have to do a random search? – Tamar

Tamar – It is not normal for new lower dentures to regularly come off. If they do come off regularly, either they were not properly fit initially, or previous to receiving dentures, you may have experienced jawbone shrinkage, which would make it difficult to keep a denture in.

If your dentures have been repeatedly relined in the past, you are correct that you probably need new dentures. If you have experienced jawbone shrinkage, bone grafting can build your bone back up so that it can support a denture. Affordable dental implants can be used to stabilize your dentures and prevent further jawbone shrinkage. When your dentures are secured with dental implants, it will be easier to eat and speak with them.

Ask family members or friends for recommendations on a dentist who does high-quality work. Don’t sacrifice quality to find the lowest costs on dentures. Take the time to find a cosmetic dentist to provide you with dentures that fit well and look natural. Ask about payment plans or financing that will help you pay for dentures according to your budget.

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

Affordable Dentistry

Looking for free or very low cost dental treatment

This is not for me. I have dental insurance. I recently met a woman at a place where I volunteer who is in desperate need of dental care. She only has part-time work and she has no dental insurance. I am wondering where to look to help her find free dental treatment in Plano. Justyce

Justyce – Your sincere concern for someone else’s oral health is commendable. There are dental clinics in the area who offer discounted, and in some cases, free services.  A dental school is another option.

And you may be surprised at how many local dentists may be willing to help. Make a few calls, explain the situation, and you may find a good response. Verification from the organization for which you volunteer may be required. If you cannot find any free care, you will be able to find a dentist who can make treatment affordable for your acquaintance.

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.