Tag Archives: Plano TX affordable cosmetic dentist

Does my composite filling hurt because my dentist did a cheap job?

I have a young enthusiastic dentist whose treatment is really affordable. I’ve been a patient for almost 3 years and have been pleased with her gentle care and treatment. In mid-September, I had 3 small fillings filled with flowable resin-based composites. These fillings have been a problem ever since I received them. Whenever I chew hard crunchy food, like dark chocolate covered toffee, which I love, I get sharp pains. It doesn’t last long, but toffee takes some time to chew, so the pain repeats itself. It happens with other hard crunchy food, too.

Of course, I have mentioned the issue to my dentist. In late October, at no cost to me, she replaced the fillings with the same composites, but I still have pain that is pretty much at the same level as the first fillings. This pain does not occur when I clench my teeth together – only with hard crunchy food.

I’ve read a few dental articles online about this issue with small fillings and learned that before placing the flowable composite, self-etching primers or a glass ionomer base might help. Does my dentist not know this because she is young, or might she be skipping the step to make this dental procedure affordable? Does using this base sound reasonable, and is it a no-no for me to ask my dentist about her technique? Thanks. Sunni

Sunni – The sensitivity that commonly occurs with flowable resin-based composites in small fillings, as opposed to larger ones, seems to be related to bonding the filling to the dentin of the tooth.

We won’t suggest that your dentist isn’t using the base just to make dental care affordable. It is possible that she is unaware of the benefits of using self-etching primers or a glass ionomer base. Or, she might typically have success without using a base under flowable fillings.

What’s Next?

Below are two options to consider.

Vertical before-and-after composite filling photos. The top photo shows three lower molar teeth with silver fillings, and in the bottom photo, they are replaced with composite.
Properly bonded composite fillings look and feel great
  • Schedule an appointment with your dentist to have the fillings replaced again. Before she starts the work, insist on a glass ionomer base to protect the dentin. The composite will be bonded to the base, not the dentin, and you should have relief when you chew hard crunchy foods. If your dentist refuses to apply the base, you can refuse further treatment.
  • Find an experienced cosmetic dentist to replace the fillings. He or she will know how to prepare your tooth to ensure flowable composite doesn’t cause any discomfort when you chew. And keep in mind that regardless of which type of composite a skilled cosmetic dentist uses, the results will function well and look natural. No critical steps will be skipped to keep costs down.

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX female cosmetic dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy. Dr. Lacy doesn’t take shortcuts to make dental care affordable. She provides high-quality care and offers payment options to help you get the care you need.

How can I find an affordable dentist to give me a smile makeover?

How can I find an affordable dentist who can give me a smile makeover? I don’t like my teeth. There are so many gaps between them and my front teeth are too big. I also want whitening and a small chip fixed. My dentist gave me a quote of $23500 for the work. He won’t budge on the cost either. He was insulted that I asked about more affordable options. I don’t understand this. I’ve been going to this dentist for 15 years and he has always been kind. This showed me another side of him and he isn’t willing to give me a break. I just need some advice on where to turn for affordable help with my teeth. I know not all the dentists are the same, so I really need a good cosmetic dentist who will respect my budget but won’t give me teeth that look fake. What do you suggest? Ken

Ken – We’re sorry about the reaction you received from your dentist. When you’re looking for an affordable dentist for cosmetic dentistry, be certain to find a dentist who has specialized training. Review the dentist’s training and credentials first. Ensure that he or she participates in ongoing training for cosmetic dentistry to stay current with the latest techniques and technology. You should be aware that dentists with more training and experience often have higher fees for their quality services. The rates also vary based on where you live in the country.

Although Dr. Lacy would need to examine your smile to let you know your options, there are several possibilities for correcting the issues you mentioned:

  • Orthodontics – Orthodontic treatment is more affordable than porcelain veneers for closing spaces between teeth.
  • Porcelain veneers – Thin shells of porcelain are bonded to the front of your teeth to make them appear straight and ultra-white.
  • Tooth contouring – Uneven teeth or teeth that are too long can be contoured to shape them and give them a more uniform appearance.
  • Dental bonding – An experienced cosmetic dentist can beautifully restore chipped teeth with chairside dental bonding.

A combination of dental treatments can be used to help you achieve the smile you want. We suggest that you find two or three cosmetic dentists with verifiable training in the art. Schedule a consultation with each dentist to discuss your treatment options and how your dental care can be made affordable for you. It’s possible that their fees will be similar to those of your own dentist. At least you’ll be given options and can compare them.

Some affordable dentists offer payment plans or financing to provide you with treatment that fits your budget.

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

Need an affordable dentist that does great work

I love my dentist. He is great for cleanings, fillings, etc., but I don’t trust him to do my cosmetic dentistry work. I asked him about training in cosmetic dentistry, but he really doesn’t have much. He referred me to a colleague in a nearby town, but this dentist is way on the upper end for cost. I need too much work done to pay that much. I don’t know any cosmetic dentists. I know I can do an internet search to find one, but do you have any suggestions on how I find an affordable dentist that really does great work? – Maya

Maya – If you know friends who have had cosmetic dentistry, you can ask for recommendations for a dentist who does high-quality work. You may also consider asking neighbors, workmates, or other contacts if they have recommendations.

During your Internet searches, find out what training the dentist received in cosmetic dentistry, where it was received, and what credentials he or she has. Also consider how much experience the dentist has in cosmetic dentistry and whether or not he or she stays current through continuing education. Check for a smile gallery of before-and-after pictures on the dentist’s website. These considerations will help determine if the dentist produces high-quality results.

For your concerns about finding an affordable dentist, the website should indicate whether the dentist accepts insurance, or offers payment plans or financing.  He or she may offer to do the work in phases to make it more affordable for you. You can call the dentist’s office for specific information.

Keep in mind that high-quality costs more. It’s true of most goods and services, and that’s often because it costs more for the provider of the services or goods to purchase or provide high-quality services or products. So even though the services you receive can be make affordable for you, expect to pay a little more than average if you want outstanding cosmetic dentistry.

After you have a few dentists you would like to consider, schedule consultation appointments, to help make your final decision.

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

Looking for affordable female cosmetic dentist that does excellent work

I love my dentist. He is great for cleanings, fillings, etc., but I am not sure that I can trust him to do my cosmetic dentistry work. I asked him about his continuing ed in cosmetic dentistry, but he said although he really doesn’t have much he does a good job. I don’t think he has any extra training all. He referred me to a colleague, but that dentist’s cost were much higher than average. I think part of it is to pay for his swank office. I need too much work done to pay that much for my smile and the office. I know I can do a Google search to find one, but do you have any suggestions on how I find a good affordable dentist in my area? If the cosmetic dentist is female that’s a bonus, too. – Sarai

Sarai – Ask friends and acquaintances for recommendations for an affordable female cosmetic dentist. You can also search for an experienced cosmetic dentist on the internet. Visit each dentist’s website to find out if he or she has any post-graduate training in cosmetic dentistry. The website should also indicate how much ongoing continuing education the dentist participates in each year.

The dentist may have membership, fellowship, or diplomate status in cosmetic, or aesthetic, dentistry organizations. The website should also show before-and-after pictures of patient cases the dentist has completed.

Affordable services are often made possible through payment plans or financing. No-interest financing is often available. Additionally, many dentists are willing to provide treatment in phases. This allows you to progressively pay for dental services, based on your budget. Call the dentist’s office for details.

After you have selected a few dentists with cosmetic dentistry qualifications, schedule a consultation with each of them. Consultations allow you to get a feel for the office environment and staff, and determine if you like the dentist’s chairside manner and communication style. Those are important factors in establishing a long-term relationship with your dentist.

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

Which is more affordable? Porcelain veneers or dental bonding for peg laterals?

I know porcelain veneers are not cheap, but I also read that applying dental bonding takes a lot of time for cosmetic dentists to do and it can be expensive. I have 2 peg laterals and want to know which is more affordable and which I should really get. Thanks. Pam

Pam – Dental bonding is more affordable than porcelain veneers. But what you really need to know is what treatment is best for your case.

An examination and diagnostic studies from an experienced cosmetic dentist will help determine your options. The least expensive option may not give you the best, longest-lasting results. It may wear with time and need to be replaced.

Teeth can be widened and lengthened with cosmetic bonding. This technique requires skill, experience, and artistic talent on the part of a cosmetic dentist. It can be completed in one visit. Quality dental bonding can last ten years or more if it is properly maintained. Bonding stains and discolors faster than porcelain veneers and crowns. It will need to be polished periodically and replaced occasionally.

Porcelain crowns cover the entire tooth surface from the gumline to the biting surface. Porcelain can be mixed and manipulated to reflect the color, characteristics, and translucency of natural teeth. A cosmetic dentist along with his or her master ceramist can produce beautiful results.

Porcelain veneers are bonded to the front of teeth. Light preparation of the teeth may be required to prevent the veneers from looking bulky or too large. Veneers can last 15 to 20 years or longer. They are stain resistant.

Schedule an appointment with an experienced cosmetic to discuss your options. If you want to proceed with treatment, an exam and x-rays will be required to assess the condition of your teeth and the preferred treatment options.

Your cosmetic dentist will discuss how the treatment you choose can be made affordable for you.

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