Tag Archives: Plano dentist financing

Affordable Dentistry, Dental Insurance

Lost my dental insurance

I lost dental coverage for myself and my wife. It expired on 6/30. The company offered us COBRA coverage but it 4 times more than the premium for the dental insurance we had. That is ridiculous. I don’t like the way the financial rep at our dentist sounded when she found out that we lost our coverage. How do I find a dentist who will accept us? Ted

Ted – We suggest that you get recommendations from friends or family members who like their dentist. After you get the recommendations, look at the dentists’ websites, or call the office, to find out what forms of payment are accepted. You will find that many offices accept credit or payment plans, or offer financing.

If you can’t get a recommendation from anyone, search online for an affordable dentist or a dentist who accepts patients that don’t have dental insurance. After you find four or five dentists who might be able to meet your needs, look online for patient reviews. You can schedule consultations with two or three of the dentists to help you make a final decision. If you need special care for your teeth, such as orthodontic or cosmetic treatment, be certain that the dentist you choose offers those services and is experienced with them.

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.

Affordable Dentistry

Looking for quality affordable dentistry in Mexico

Hi. I need some extensive dental work done. I have priced some local dentists and the costs are outrageous. Now I want to explore my options out of the U.S. Since Mexico is relatively close, I am starting there. How can I get quality dentistry there that I can afford? Thanks in advance. T.M.

T.M. – We do not at all recommend that you seek dental treatment in Mexico. You can get dental treatment at a lower cost there, but there are reasons for it.

Mexico has far fewer regulations on dentistry than the United States. Cleanliness, sterilization, malpractice insurance, and materials are left to the discretion of the dentist. There is no way to discern the quality of materials used in your mouth, nor is there a way to determine if proper sanitation is practiced to keep you free of unwanted germs and infection.

If there is a complaint, you will be able to file one through the government, but there is nothing in place to ensure that the work is corrected or that you are refunded.

We recommend that you speak with qualified dentists in the U.S. who offer financing or payment plans, or who make the work affordable for you by doing it in phases to spread out your payments. The limitations of your budget will be respected, and you will receive quality, regulated dentistry.

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

Affordable Dentistry

Why didn’t dentist ask me if I could afford this?

After my last dental cleaning, I was told that I needed 2 fillings. No problem. I made the appointment and returned last week for the fillings. While I was in the chair, the dentist said something about 4 fillings and another appointment for preparing my teeth for the crowns. I am certain that I was told that I needed only 2 fillings and nobody said anything to me about crowns. When I asked about it his response was sort of like with the condition of my teeth surely I knew that crowns were needed. Why wouldn’t this be discussed with me? I can’t afford this work any time soon. Is it common for work to be planned on a patient without discussing it with the patient? Sonja

Sonja – Any dental treatment planned or in progress should be thoroughly explained to you. In addition to recommended treatment, your options should be discussed with you.

If it’s necessary treatment, your dentist should be able to give you options as to how the treatment can be made affordable for you. Often treatment can be done in phases, or payment options can be discussed with you.

At this point, you should discuss your concerns with your dentist. If you are not satisfied with the response from your dentist, you can consider getting a second opinion.

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

Porcelain Crowns

Looking for an affordable dentist

I need to have two crowns on my back, left molars. I have been looking online for an affordable dentist and I found your site but I live 6 hours from your office. How can I find one? – Lottie

Lottie – In the search box for your web browser, enter the name of your city and the words “affordable dentist” (example: Plano affordable dentist).

Include the name of your city and the word “dentist” in every search. Then include words such as “financing,” “payment plans,” or “no dental insurance.” You will be able to find a dentist who explains the options for your treatment, some of which may be more affordable for you. Or a dentist may be able to do your work in phases. Many dentists offer no-interest financing or payment plans.

If you don’t see the details for financial arrangements on a dentist’s website, call his or her office for more information. Be sure to find a dentist with cosmetic dentistry training. You get natural-looking results that will make the investment in your smell worthwhile. Best wishes on your search.

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

Comfort Dentistry, Sedation Dentistry

How much does sedation dentistry usually cost?

I’m planning on getting a lot of dental work done this fall and I want it with sedation. I’ve heard that most insurance companies won’t pay for the sedation. How much does the sedation cost? – Simone

Simone – There are different types of sedation dentistry or comfort dentistry. Nitrous oxide is a colorless, odorless gas that you breathe in during treatment to help you relax.

Oral conscious sedation, the next level of sedation, involves taking a mild sedative in pill form. You will rest comfortably during treatment and you are unlikely to remember what happened during your appointment. Sedation medication can also be administered intravenously.

The cost of sedation depends, in part, on where in the U.S. the dentist is located, the type of sedation you receive, and the length of time it is needed for your dental procedure.

It is best to contact your dentist to find out the type of sedation used and an approximate cost. Contact your insurance provider to find out if any benefits for sedation dentistry are provided. If you will have out-of-pocket costs for sedation, your dentist may be able to make it affordable for you.

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

Lumineers, Porcelain Veneers

Is there a dental plan that will partially pay for Lumineers?

Is there a dental plan that will partially pay for Lumineers? – Thanks Judi

Judi – Lumineers are a brand of porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are one type of cosmetic dentistry. Generally, dental insurance doesn’t provide coverage for cosmetic dentistry.

Many dentists provide payment options for cosmetic dentistry. Credit cards, financing, and payment plans are often available. Speak with your dentist about your interest in porcelain veneers, and find out what forms of payment are accepted at the office.

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

Invisalign

How much does Invisalign cost?

I am thinking about getting Invisalign, but I want to know how much it costs first. – Thanks – Teresa

Teresa – The cost of Invisalign® invisible braces varies, depending on your individual case. Several factors can affect the cost, including the complexity of your case, the length of your treatment, and where you live in the U.S. If your insurance provides orthodontic coverage, it may provide some coverage for Invisalign.

You will need to visit your dentist to have your teeth examined and x-rayed for Invisalign. A treatment plan will determine how long you will need the aligners. The longer your treatment time, the more aligners you will need.

You can also speak with the financial coordinator in your dentist’s office to find out if payment plans or financing are available.

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