Archive for the ‘Restorative Dentistry’ Category
The Five Most Expensive Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures
Last Updated on Wednesday, 7 March 2012 03:13 Written by Dental Education Blog Wednesday, 7 March 2012 03:13
5 Most Expensive Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments
Cosmetic dentistry can get expensive depending on the treatment necessary and the oral health of the patient. For the most part dental insurance will not cover cosmetic dentistry treatments because they are elected as opposed to necessary. Below are the five most expensive cosmetic dentistry treatments available.
- Teeth Whitening- In-office teeth whitening such as Zoom whitening or take-home bleaching kits are what we are referring to here. You can have your teeth whitened on the cheap with over-the-counter strips and toothpastes but these are not as effective. Expect teeth whitening to range from $100 to $700 for take-home kits and in-office whitening, respectively.
- Orthodontics- Orthodontics such as traditional braces and Invisalign are one of the most common treatments people use to enhance their dental health and smiles. Orthodontics are not known for being cheap although this is are one of the few treatments that can be considered cosmetic that dental insurance will sometimes cover. You can expect these treatments to run anywhere between $3,000 to $10,000 depending on the needs of the patient.
- Veneers- Veneers are a popular cosmetic dentistry procedure that can quickly enhance the appearance of teeth and smile. Veneers can be placed on one or several teeth, thus affecting the cost of the procedure. Veneers range from $1,000 to $3,000 per tooth, depending on the dentist, their training, location and condition of the patient’s teeth.
- Dental Implants- Dental implants are the most expensive of all the dental treatments because they involve surgical placement and integrate into your jawbone. These are also considered a restorative dentistry procedure but the skills of a good cosmetic dentist will be able to blend the restorative portion of the treatment to help the patient have the smile of their dreams. Dental implants can replace one or all teeth and cost anywhere from $1,500 to $3,500 per tooth, or as much as $24,000 to $96,000 for a full mouth reconstruction.
- Smile Makeover- A smile makeover is a combination of multiple cosmetic and sometimes restorative dentistry treatments. With this procedure the patient wants to use whatever treatments are necessary to give them the smile of their dreams. This may involve teeth whitening, veneers, dental crowns, dental implants, Invisalign or a number of other cosmetic dentistry treatments. It’s hard to put a price tag on the smile makeover treatment because it is so custom tailored for each patient. Expect to pay in the $1,000 to $3,000 range per tooth.
Posted under Archives, Dental Implants, Orthodontics, Restorative Dentistry, Teeth Whitening, Veneers | No Comments
Dental Options if You Don’t Have Dental Insurance
Last Updated on Wednesday, 21 December 2011 12:26 Written by Dental Education Blog Wednesday, 21 December 2011 12:26
Options if you don't have dental insurance
Many people realize that they need professional dental care but are intimidated by the costs. Without company-backed dental insurance working to offset the costs of your dental plan it can seem like even the most basic cleaning can seem out of reach. The good news is there are options for people who don’t have dental insurance and have limited funds.
Dental Clinics
There are free or discount dental clinics that exist that provide free or low cost medical assistance. These clinics are generally in lower income neighborhoods and help to serve the local residents who typically cannot afford dental care. You can find dental clinics in the phone book or online by searching for them in your local area. In addition to dental clinics, local county Health Departments, religious organizations and charities, and doctors/nurses organizations may be able to provide you with low cost dental care.
Discount Dental Plans
Discount dental plans are another option low income people have to get dental care. These discount dental plans typically start at around $100 per year and allow you to save greatly on routine and preventive care services by licensed dentists. These plans are not dental insurance plans but some discount dental plans are offered by reputable insurance companies. You may be eligible to get discounts on dental cleanings as well as more advanced treatments such as braces, dentures, crowns, extractions, fillings, oral surgery and more. These may be good options for individuals or families who need dental care but can’t afford traditional dental insurance.
Patient Financing
Dental patients may not want to overlook the fact that most dental offices offer patient financing which means they can spread out the payments over a predetermined period of time. This offers a way for the patient to go to a preferred dentist and pay monthly or over some other designated period of time. Ask your dentist if they offer patient financing before you consider other options as you may be surprised how little the monthly payment can be for routine dental services or cosmetic dental services.
Tags: dental clinics, discount dental plans, no dental insurance | Posted under Archives, Preventative Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry | No Comments
The Dangers of Not Replacing Missing Teeth
Last Updated on Thursday, 8 September 2011 11:37 Written by Dental Education Blog Thursday, 8 September 2011 11:37
Dangers of Missing Teeth
Many Americans have missing teeth that they have lost to old age, gum disease, or trauma. Besides the sagging facial appearance that can make you look older than you actually are there are other real dangers that exist if you don’t replace missing teeth. A huge danger of not replacing a missing tooth is bone resorption or bone loss. Bone loss occurs after a tooth is gone because the natural tooth roots that are embedded in the jawbone no longer serve a purpose and the jawbone begins to deteriorate. This puts you at risk for losing more teeth and can greatly affect your appearance.
In addition to the above problems missing teeth can reduce your ability to eat certain types of foods which can ultimately lead to poor nutrition and diminished health. Missing teeth can also affect the way you speak. You may develop a lisp or experience a change in the way your voice sounds. If the missing teeth are in the front of your face the shape of your face will gradually change and your lips will appear sunken and asymmetrical. To top it off, missing teeth also contribute to tooth decay and gum disease as the pocket where the tooth once existed is prone to the accumulation of plaque that can result in gum disease.
There are a few options available to replace missing teeth that fit around personal preference or budget. Ask your dentist about dental bridges, partial or full dentures and dental implants. Dental implants are often the most highly recommended procedure for tooth loss because they are the only treatment that preserves bone. The implants substitute your natural tooth roots and stimulate the bone. The dental implants actually prevent bone loss because it forms a bond with the jawbone. With dental implants you are free to eat whatever you want knowing you have a stable foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel and function like your natural teeth.
Tags: dental bridge, Dental Implants, dentures, gum disease, missing teeth, partials | Posted under Gum Disease, Restorative Dentistry | No Comments
Frequent Headaches? You May have TMJ Problems
Last Updated on Tuesday, 30 August 2011 01:51 Written by Dental Education Blog Tuesday, 30 August 2011 09:43
TMJ Problems Causing Headaches?
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) can explain a lot of conditions that are associated with jaw pain, temporomandibular joints (TMJ) and nerves. Some of the symptoms can occur on either side of the head, face or jaw and can even develop after an injury. This includes headaches and migraine headaches, one of the more common symptoms of TMD. Many experience pain behind the eyes, around the ears, sinuses, cheeks or side of their head, and others may experience clicking when moving the jaw.
Causes of TMD
The most common cause of TMD is a malocclusion, or bite problem that affects the TMJ. This is tied to irregular displacement of the lower jaw leading the muscles to reposition the joints in an effort to allow the upper and lower teeth to fit together. Older adults are often more susceptible to this kind of displacement because of the everyday wear and tear on their teeth may cause uneven surfaces and therefore irregular bites. If you have experienced any pain in your jaw or face the best way to find out is to get a proper diagnosis from your dentist. All the symptoms associated with TMD are not necessarily indicators that you have issues with your TMJ so it is best to get a professional evaluation before seeking treatment.
Treating TMD
Often the best treatment for TMD is some form of a splint that you wear in your mouth while you sleep. These devices are customized for your bite to reduce the stresses placed on the jaw and to allow the muscles to function properly so that pain can be alleviated. If a splint does not help or if it appears you may not be a candidate for one, many bite corrections can be achieved with orthodontics, restorative dentistry treatments and for rare cases surgical treatment. Surgery is usually only considered if all of the other conservative approaches have not been effective.
Tags: Headache relief, TMD, TMJ | Posted under Archives, Restorative Dentistry | No Comments
