Tag Archives: affordable cosmetic dentistry

Affordable Dentistry

Chipped Your Tooth? A Natural Looking—and Cheaper—Alternative to a Porcelain Veneer

Yesterday I fell and chipped the outer corner of my front left tooth, and I’m afraid that I cannot afford to have a dentist correct it. The chip is so large that there is a dark space, like a sideways triangle, in my smile.

I’ve been frantically looking online to find what type of treatment a dentist might recommend. Most of the search results come up with porcelain veneers. Based on what I read, my concerns are that I cannot afford to spend $1000 + on a porcelain veneer. I’m paying my way through medical school, so fixing my smile is essential. But I am afraid that anything cheaper than a veneer won’t look natural. – Thanks. Anika

Anika,

A cosmetic dentist can affordably repair a chipped tooth with chairside dental bonding—made with silica or quartz that is bound with dental resin. Experienced cosmetic dentists stock a variety of composites to replicate the variations in shade and translucence of your natural teeth.

But a general or family dentist who doesn’t have an artistic eye or advanced training in aesthetics won’t be able to produce lifelike results. That’s why most general dentists recommend a porcelain veneer or a crown to restore a chipped tooth.

Before-and-after photos of a chipped tooth repaired with dental bonding.
Dental bonding can repair a chipped tooth more affordably than a porcelain veneer

Although Dental Bonding Is Affordable, It Requires Skill

Dentists apply composite freehand, while you’re sitting in the dental chair.  What’s the process? What will your cosmetic dentist do to restore your tooth?

  • Select shades of dental composite to replicate the characteristics of your tooth enamel
  • Roughen your chipped tooth
  • Apply, shape, and sculpt the composite
  • Polish it to match the gloss of your natural teeth

Carefully a select cosmetic dentist. You can look at several dentists’ websites to find information about their advanced training and experience in cosmetic dentistry.

Miranda Lacy, DDS of Plano, TX sponsors this post.

Affordable Dentistry

3 Things to Consider When Getting an Affordable Dental Crown

A dental crown protects a badly damaged tooth. Left untreated, the tooth can become infected and eventually need to be extracted. But is it possible to find an affordable crown that will last?

Depending on your dentist and where you live in the U.S., the cost of a dental crown can vary. But the average cost is $800-$1800. If you have dental insurance, your insurance company can provide you with the average cost of a crown in your area.

What about an Affordable Dental Crown?

The purpose of a dental crown is to protect a tooth. Several steps are involved:

  • Your natural tooth must be precisely shaved to ensure the crown covers it.
  • Accurate impressions of your natural tooth need to be taken to ensure the crown fits and doesn’t disturb adjacent teeth.
  • The crown must be correctly bonded to your natural tooth to ensure it is stable and doesn’t hurt when you bite down.
  • The way your teeth fit together—your bite—must be properly measured.

If your goal is to find an affordable dentist, your choice should not be based solely on cost. If a dentist takes shortcuts or gives you a cheap crown, the results can be costly in time, your oral health, and money.

Before-and-after photos of porcelain crowns, which are available from Plano, TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.
An affordable crown should still look natural

What Are the Risks?

A cheap dental crown can result in several problems, including:

  1. Your bite – If your bite is off, it can put too much pressure on the crown and cause it to crack. You’ll have to spend time and money getting another crown.
  2. Complications – TMJ (temporomandibular joint) issues can result from can bite can cause jaw, head, ear, and neck pain. TMJ treatment can include therapy and a nighttime mouthguard, both of which will cause additional expense.
  3. Improper bonding –  If proper bonding techniques are not used, the crown can come off. The crown can be lost, or you’ll need an additional appointment for re-bonding. You could need a new crown.

What’s Next?

Don’t act hastily. Ask friends and family members for a recommendation of a dentist. Many people have dental crowns, and someone you know might have received a quality crown from a skilled dentst. An affordable dentist will work with your budget through payment plans or financing to ensure you can pay for treatment. But avoid cheap dentistry. It puts your oral health at risk.

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

Affordable Dentistry

What Should You Know about Cheap Dental Crowns?

Last November, I was happy to find a dentist who made it affordable for me to get a badly need root canal and crown. The root canal went find, but the crown looks horrible. It’s difficult for me to settle with the crown because it’s on my front tooth. Despite 3 attempts, my dentist can’t seem to provide me with a crown that matches my natural tooth. Both of us are frustrated. None of my immediate family members have every received a crown, and I’m uncomfortable asking my friends if they have one. I am wondering if this is a normal experience to have so much difficult matching a crown to natural teeth. Thanks. Ying Yue

Ying Yue,

It’s good that you’re questioning the color match for your crown. Out of frustration, many patients just accept the mismatch and try to manage with the disappointment. Unfortunately, issues often occur when fees for dental care are unusually low.

The High Cost of Cheap Dentistry

A crown on a front tooth should perfectly match your adjacent teeth. Otherwise, the restored tooth will be noticeable and detract from your smile. Although a dental restoration might be affordable, if it doesn’t look natural, it can affect your self-confidence and how you express yourself through your smile. And it can cost even more money in the long term.

Natural-Looking Crowns Are Possible

Unfortunately, your experience is common because it requires time, effort, and skill to provide a front-tooth crown that perfectly matches your natural teeth. Several factors are involved.

  • Skill and artistic talent of the dentist – A cosmetic dentist understands how porcelain can be manipulated to match your natural teeth. He or she also has advanced training in the art of cosmetic dentistry. Dental schools don’t teach much about how to provide restorations that capture variations in tooth color and translucency. Cosmetic dentists also have artistic inclination and can ensure a crown reflects the characteristics of your teeth.
  • Dentist and laboratory tech relationship – A cosmetic dentist uses a highly skilled laboratory technician with whom the dentist regularly communicates. Tooth color and characteristics are provided to ensure your crown perfectly matches your natural teeth.
  • High-quality photography – Dental photographs that are taken with advanced camera equipment correctly capture the shade and shape of your teeth. A dental shade tab is held next to your natural teeth and photographed. The dentist’s ceramist will use the photograph to match the crown with your teeth. If the ceramist provides a crown that isn’t a perfect match, the crown is placed over your tooth and another photograph is taken to show the difference in color between the crown and your natural teeth. The ceramist will use the photo to craft a new crown that matches. A typical family dentist doesn’t have advanced photography equipment to capture the details required for a lifelike crown.
  • Try-ins – Before a crown is permanently bonded to your tooth, several try-ins might be required to ensure a perfect match.

Although a dentist who has unusually low fees for a dental crown can provide you with an affordable restoration, the results might not look natural—as you have experienced.

As the before-and-after photos show, it is possible to place a crown and achieve a beautiful match to your natural teeth.

Before-and-after photos of porcelain crowns, which are available from Plano, TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

What Are Your Options?

  • Do nothing – You can choose to live with your dental crown as it is.
  • Speak with your dentist – You can speak with your dentist about your dissatisfaction and your desire to get a second opinion.
  • Choose a cosmetic dentist – Seek a dentist with advanced training in cosmetic dentistry. Check the dentist’s website, or ask about his or her training. Ask to see before-and-after pictures of dental crowns—on front teeth—for actual patients of the dentist. Some patients schedule consultations with two different cosmetic dentists and compare the recommendations.
  • Choose quality over cost – Although you sought an affordable price for a dental crown, the results are costing more time and money. As you look for a cosmetic dentist to correct the flawed work, consider choosing quality over cost. There are ways to make your dental care affordable without sacrificing quality. Speak with your new dentist about payment plans or financing.

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

Affordable Dentistry

Porcelain veneers from affordable dentist are affecting my speech!

Porcelain veneers shouldn’t look or feel bulky

After spending 2 weeks looking for an affordable dentist for porcelain veneers, I am so disappointed. I am not sure why my speech is affected by the veneers. My dentist allowed me to wear the temporary veneers for over a week. They didn’t give me any problems at all. Now that I have my permanent veneers, my speech is slurred. It’s not every word. Any word that begins with ‘tr’ is a problem. Probably more accurate that slurred is this weird whistling sound and I feel like the veneers hit my upper lip. My confidence in this dentist has gone way down. Am I going to need new veneers? Zayana

Zayana,

We’re sorry to hear about your unfortunate experience with porcelain veneers.

Caution When Seeking an Affordable Dentist

When we hear from patients about their bad experiences with an affordable dentist, we often learn that “affordable” for them often meant the cheapest option. While you want dental care that fits your budget, avoid looking for the cheapest cost of any dental treatment. Cheap dental work usually doesn’t last.

When Porcelain Veneers Affect Your Speech

  • Although you lack confidence in your current dentist, you can speak with him or her about the problem you are having with the veneers. Your dentist may immediately know what is causing the problem and offer to have your veneers remade.
  • Not every dentist has the extensive training required to provide porcelain veneers that fit look natural and fit well.
  • Another option is to find an experienced cosmetic dentist to examine your veneers and try to identify the source of the problem. If you decide to switch dentists, your current dentist may be willing to assist with the cost of receiving veneers from a new dentist. Your dental records will be transferred accordingly.

A true cosmetic dentist will make dental treatment affordable by working with your budget, completing the work in phases, or offering payment plans or financing. Quality will not be sacrificed.

Getting a second opinion may help you make a final decision on which dentist you want to provide you with veneers that fit correctly.

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

Affordable Dentistry

Can an Affordable Dentist Help My Gummy Smile?

I’m wondering if it’s safe to find an affordable dentist to do something about my gummy smile. My gums are so long that they make my teeth look tiny like baby teeth. I’m sure there is something that can be done to make my teeth look longer or make my gums look shorter. The problem is my budget. Is this something an affordable dentist can help me with? Thanks – Bev

Bev – You can find an affordable dentist who offers financing or payment plans so the dental treatment will work with our budget.

What Will an Affordable Dentist Do for a Gummy Smile?

Excessive gum tissue can dominate teeth and make them look smaller than they actually are.

Gingivectomy

A gingivectomy (commonly referred to as a gum lift) is a surgical procedure used by dentists to remove gum tissue around your teeth.

Gingivoplasty

Gingivoplasty is the process of shaping gum tissue around your teeth. A gum lift can remove excess gum tissue and lengthen the look of your teeth. The contouring, or shaping, of the gum tissue enhances the look of your gums around your teeth.

What Should You Expect?

  • The procedures can be performed using electrosurgical tools, lasers or dental burs.
  • Depending on the amount of gum tissue to be removed, the gum lift procedure can take several minutes to over an hour.
  • Gum contouring is usually completed in several minutes.
  • Healing time varies from a few days to a few weeks, depending on how extensive the procedure is.

Gum tissue can be removed and shaped for more than cosmetic reasons. Excessive gum tissue around the teeth can make it more difficult to keep teeth and gums free from plaque-producing food debris. Inadequate cleaning can lead to gum disease. So it’s a good idea to get an examination and learn about your treatment options.

Schedule consultations with at least two experienced cosmetic dentists, and compare your options. Don’t pick a dentist just because he or she is the most affordable. Take time to do some research to learn about the dentist’s training and experience—particularly with gum contouring. Ask the dentist how many cases like your he or she has completed.

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

Affordable Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Porcelain Veneers

How can I find an affordable dentist to replace 8 porcelain veneers?

How can I find an affordable dentist to replace 8 porcelain veneers I receive May of last year? Within 3 months of getting the veneers, one of them fell off. My dentist bonded it back on. Since that time 2 more veneers fell off. When I was brushing my teeth last Wednesday, I noticed that one of the veneers that my dentist bonded back on is now loose. This is ridiculous and I want to switch to another dentist to get my veneers completely redone. If I could go back to my natural teeth I would do so. I feel stuck and ripped off by my dentist. Of course I didn’t budget for porcelain veneer mistakes, so now I need to find an affordable dentist to get new veneers. Of course I’m concerned about quality. I already paid a lot of money for these veneers and the quality is poor. Hopefully you can guide me in finding quality affordable veneers. – Sabrina

Sabrina – We’re sorry to hear about your bad experience with porcelain veneers. Quality cosmetic dentistry is a rare art, and when patients request affordable dentistry for cosmetic purposes, it concerns us.

A skilled cosmetic dentist can make it more affordable for you to get your veneers replaced, but it won’t mean that the restorations will be inexpensive. We caution patients who focus on cost alone. Affordability is best met through payment plans or financing to make new porcelain veneers easier on your budget. If you insist on the lowest cost, even if you get new veneers, there could be a sacrifice in quality, and they too can fall off or be easily damaged.

A skilled cosmetic dentist has the tools required to properly bond your porcelain veneers. He or she also knows the bonding techniques required to secure your veneers. They should never fall off.

Select two or three experienced cosmetic dentists with whom you can schedule consultations. Have your veneers examined. It’s possible that you don’t need new veneers. Sometimes poorly bonded veneers can be removed, cleaned, and correctly bonded to your teeth.

  • Compare the options and costs for each consulting dentist.
  • Ask to see before-and-after pictures of porcelain veneers each dentist has placed.
  • Ask about options for payment plans or financing.
  • Don’t automatically select the dentist with the lowest cost. Verify his or her training and qualifications.

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

 

 

Affordable Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry

Need an affordable dentist for 3 chipped teeth

I really need to find an affordable dentist. I have been out of full-time work since April of this year. Last week I had a bike accident that chipped 3 of my teeth. They are so sensitive. They hurt if I drink cold water, eat anything cold and even the cold air makes them hurt. I know that I can’t keep going like this so I have to do something about it. My budget is really tight and I am wondering if because I need 3 crowns whether the dentist will give me a discount. – Niles

Niles – Yes, you can find an affordable dentist to treat your chipped teeth. He or she will first need to examine your teeth to determine the extent of the damage. If the damage is limited, depending on which teeth are chipped, dental bonding may be able to restore them. Dental bonding will provide a secure restoration for central and lateral incisors, as well as canine teeth. If that’s the case, you won’t need crowns at all, and bonding is less expensive than a dental crown.

Molar teeth, on which more pressure is exerted for biting and chewing, may need a sturdier restoration, such as a dental crown. If you do need crowns, you can find a dentist who can make them affordable for you.

Some dentists have in-office discount plans for patients who don’t have dental insurance. Another alternative is to speak with the dentist about payment plans for your care. Financing with no-interest payments are often available. Contact the offices of a few skilled dentists to find out your options to get affordable dental care.

If you are feeling sensitivity in your teeth, you need to get them examined and treated as soon as possible. Tooth cracks, fractures, or breaks can worsen in with time when they are left untreated. The condition of your teeth and accompanying pain can get worse. The sooner you receive treatment, the easier the restoration will be. It can also help you avoid more aggressive treatment and the expense that comes with it.

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

Affordable Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Emergency Dentist, Gentle Dentistry

Can I find an affordable dentist to fix my cracked tooth?

I think my tooth is cracked and I need to find an affordable dentist to fix it. I really can’t see a crack though. I had a heavy blow to my face and I know it hit my tooth. Is this something that will heal on its own or do I need to see a dentist. If it needs to be fixed, how bad will it hurt? Thanks Ian

Ian – If you had trauma to your face and teeth, you may have a cracked tooth. It is important that you quickly find an affordable dentist to examine your tooth.

Some of the symptoms that may indicate your tooth is cracked are pain when you bite or chew, or when the tooth is exposed to heat or cold. You may feel varying levels of pain that come and go.

The inside of your tooth contains soft tissue, or pulp. Pulp contains blood vessels and nerves. A tooth that is cracked is not stable, and causes irritation in the pulp. If it’s left untreated, the pulp can become damaged. Pressure on the tooth when chewing can be painful, and the tooth can be sensitive to extreme changes in temperature. When you find a dentist who can make treatment affordable for you, he or she will treat the tooth based on its condition.

The treatment for your tooth depends on the nature, location, and extent of the crack.

  • Cusp fracture – If the cusp, or biting surface, of your tooth is fractured, it usually doesn’t cause much pain. Your tooth can be protected with a dental crown.
  • Cracked tooth – If the crack in your tooth extends into the root, it will affect the pulp inside your tooth. The crack can gradually spread. The pulp in your tooth will require a root canal treatment to prevent an infection. Cracks that extend below the gumline will likely require the tooth to be extracted. Early treatment is important to prevent the problem from getting worse.
  • Split tooth – A tooth that has been split and segmented cannot be saved intact. The extent of the crack will determine if any portion of the tooth can be saved. Again, prompt treatment is needed to preserve as much of the tooth as possible.
  • Vertical root fracture – This fracture begins at the tooth root and extends toward the biting surface. The surrounding bone and gum may become infected. At times, the fractured portion of the root can be removed to prevent tooth extraction.

Regardless of the treatment you need, your comfort can be maximized by a dentist who is not only affordable, but who also has gentle techniques. Let him or her know about your anxiety. A gentle dentist works hard to ensure that your treatment is pain free. If you are particularly anxious, sedation dentistry may be recommended to help you relax. It’s important that you see a dentist right away.

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX female dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy. Call our office to find out how Dr. Lacy can make dental treatment affordable for you.  Dr. Lacy’s office is convenient to Addison, Allen, Carrollton, Farmers Branch, Frisco, Garland, Highland Park, and Little Elm.

Affordable Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry

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.

Affordable Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry

Messed up my teeth and can’t afford to fix them

Since I was 14 I’ve had a bad habit that has really messed up my teeth. I am over the habit now, but my teeth are a wreck. When I was a teenager I didn’t think it was a big deal, but now that I am 37 it is really concerning me. I know that my teeth are a distraction because I can see people’s eyes looking at them. Despite my Bachelors degree, which I got in 2013, I’ve had limited job offers and none in the field that I studied. My appearance is influencing everything. I feel trapped because I can’t get a job with decent dental coverage and the out of pocket cost for correcting my teeth is way too expensive. I am wondering if there is some temporary way to make my teeth look better so that I can at least get a job. After I have dental coverage I will work on really correcting my smile. Thanks. L.T.

Dear L.T. – We understand your concerns about your smile. A smile definitely makes a first impression. It’s also important to restore decayed or broken down teeth to prevent them from further weakening. It is possible for untreated teeth to be damaged beyond repair and eventually need to be replaced.

Photo of a blonde woman witth a pretty smile for Plano, TX affordable dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.Before recommending a cosmetic treatment for your teeth, Dr. Lacy would need to examine them. There are temporary dental appliances that fit over your natural teeth to give you a quick smile makeover. Find a few skilled cosmetic dentists with whom you can have consultations to determine if this treatment method is right for you.

Otherwise, it may be recommended that the work of restoring your teeth is given priority now. Dentists are concerned with preserving your teeth and helping you restore them. So they will work to make it affordable for you by means of financing or payment plans.

You will likely be encouraged by a few visits with cosmetic dentists to discuss your options. Many patients are surprised to learn the ways that restorative dental work can be done to fit your budget.

 

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