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.

What should I say to my dad so he’ll take me to a sedation dentist?

I have a tooth that I think is rotten and I want to see a sedation dentist. I haven’t been to the dentist much in life because my dad’s job doesn’t always give good dental insurance to employees. For the past 2 years they didn’t offer it. My tooth hurts on and off and since January it has been hurting more consistently. I told my dad about the toothache and he keeps saying that he needs to get me to a dentist but he isn’t doing it. One of my classmates went to a sedation dentist to get her wisdom teeth out and I am thinking that’s what I need to get this tooth pulled. I don’t know if I can even mention a sedation dentist to my dad but I am thinking that maybe if I say the right thing to him that I can get some action. I am afraid that my tooth is rotten and is going to mess up my other teeth. What should I say to help my dad know this is serious and I might need a sedation dentist? Thanks Emilee

Emilee,

We’re sorry that you’re having increasing pain in your tooth that isn’t being addressed. Please save a link to this page or print the page for your parents to read.

If your tooth is hurting and appears to be rotting, it’s important to get it treated right away. Preventive dental care will protect your oral health and prevent a tooth infection from spreading to other teeth, your gums and jawbone, and possibly into your bloodstream.

A dentist will need to examine your tooth first. If the tooth is treated quickly, it might not need to be extracted. A root canal treatment can be used to remove the infection and save your tooth.

If your parents are concerned about the cost, there might be state-provided dental care for families with limited income. Some dentists will offer discounted care or provide your parents with a payment plan.

If you suffer with dental anxiety you might need a sedation dentist, but if you’re not nervous about dental appointments, sedation might not be necessary. A dentist will examine your tooth and let you know if local anesthetic is enough to treat it or if sedation is really needed.

If you still can’t help from your parents for seeing a dentist right away, please talk with your school guidance counselor.

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX female dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy. Dr. Lacy’s office is convenient to Addison, Allen, Carrollton, Farmers Branch, Frisco, Garland, Highland Park, and Little Elm.

https://mirandalacydds.com/sedation-dentist-plano.html/embed

Where can I get free teeth whitening to help me with job interviews?

My teeth are horrible and I think they have prevented me from getting successful job interviews. I’m looking for free teeth whitening. I live in a shelter for homeless families because my husband is emotionally and physically abusive and didn’t take care of us financially either. We have moved 11 times in the past 3 years and are unable to get an apartment due to bad credit and a bad payment history. I’m not sure where my husband is but the kids and I are safe. I have minimal dental insurance that we’ve managed to hold onto but it doesn’t pay to get my teeth whitened. I’m looking for deep discounted or preferably free teeth whitening. Where can I find dentists who will do free teeth whitening? There are a few other women in the shelter who might be interested in it too. Thanks. Cindy

Cindy,

We commend you for your determination to take care of your family. Your smile can make a huge first impression on interviewers, especially if your job will involve interacting with the public.

Before You Receive Free Teeth Whitening

Care must be taken before your teeth are whitened.

  • Before you receive teeth whitening, a recent dental cleaning is needed so the whitening will be effective.
  • Bleaching isn’t for everyone. A dentist will need to examine your teeth and the stains in them to determine if bleaching them is the right treatment to make them whiter.
  • If there is a buildup of plaque on your teeth, it will interfere with the effectiveness of the bleaching gel.
  • Bleaching isn’t done right away after your teeth are cleaned, because your teeth will still be sensitive from your dental hygiene appointment.

We suggest that you find a few dentists who offer free teeth whitening after a dental exam and cleaning. This offer is usually extended to new dental patients.

You already have dental insurance, so the cost of a routine exam and cleaning should be covered. You might have to call a few dental offices or search online for a few who extend the offer. Their websites often have a tab for new patients or patient specials. If you can provide proof of your residence at the shelter and explain your situation, you might be able to find a dentist to provide you with free teeth whitening, even if he or she normally doesn’t provide it.

Best wishes for your job interviews and your family.

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