Category Archives: Affordable Dentistry

Affordable Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Crowns

Need an affordable dentist for new crowns for my front teeth

Normally I wouldn’t be asking for an affordable dentist to get crowns on my front teeth. The problem is that my crowns are fairly new. I got them in 2015. I went to a cosmetic dentist who showed me lots of pictures and really seemed to know what he was doing. The problems started when I tried in the temporary crowns and they looked too big. Maybe too thick is the correct word. They clearly sit too far forward from my natural teeth. My natural teeth aren’t that thick at all. The dentist bonded on the crowns without me knowing that it was permanent. This makes the crowns almost look like buck teeth. They uncomfortably touch the back of my lips and my profile in pictures is different than it used to be. My lips poke out slightly. People who didn’t know me before I got the crowns probably can’t tell unless they really look at my smile. My friends who knew my smile before notice that something is different. I don’t get into the subject of getting new crowns and they ended up thicker than the dentist and I agreed on. It goes without saying that this dentist isn’t going to replace my crowns. I don’t trust him. I want to replace the crowns. My dental insurance isn’t going to provide benefits for them because they crowns are barely 2 yrs old. So that brings be to the question of how can I find an affordable dentist to replace the crowns on my front teeth? Thanks for your help. Camila

Camila – We sympathize with your disappointment in your crowns. It’s clear that the dentist you visited was a cosmetic dentist in name only. We also understand your desire to find an affordable dentist to restore your smile since you won’t receive insurance benefits. Still, insist on an experienced cosmetic dentist to replace your crowns. There are several reasons why.

  • Care must be taken to remove the existing crowns. If your crowns were bonded to your natural teeth, they must be carefully removed. A cosmetic dentist will use diamond burs to carefully grind the crowns away from your natural teeth without damaging your teeth. Aggressive removal can cause serious damage your natural teeth.
  • Precision is required to match your natural teeth. The dentist who originally placed your crowns either isn’t interested in precision or doesn’t know how to achieve it. A trained cosmetic dentist is an artist who is usually more concerned about symmetry and aesthetics than his or her patients. Your crowns can perfectly match your natural teeth.
  • A great cosmetic dentist is also a great communicator. You have the right to be told when a restoration is bonded to your teeth. Your new dentist will ensure that the crowns are exactly what you want before they are bonded. You should insist on approving the look and feel of your smile before crowns are bonded to your teeth.

How to Find an Affordable Dentist

  • Make quality—not cost—your priority. Find several experienced cosmetic dentists in your area. Ask friends or family members for recommendations.
  • Check each dentist’s website for his or her training and credentials.  A dentist should be serious about continuing education to stay current with the latest tools and techniques that will give you a winning smile.
  • On each cosmetic dentist’s website, look for before-and-after photos of actual patients who have received crowns from the dentist. Otherwise, ask to see photos during a consultation.
  • Schedule consultations with at least two dentists to discuss your options and the cost.
  • Ask each affordable dentist how he or she can work with your budget to replace your crowns. Don’t insist on a bargain. “Affordable” can mean that you will be able to pay for services through a payment plan or financing.

If you are uneasy about any dentist’s ability or chairside manner, move on to the next affordable dentist. Best wishes!

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

Affordable Dentistry, Tooth Trauma

Will Save a Tooth work until we can get to an affordable dentist?

My 20 yr old son has a loose permanent tooth from a sports accident. I need to save it until we can get to an affordable dentist. He was on our dental insurance but my husband just took an early retirement package because he is getting laid off and we are shopping for dental insurance. I’m expecting the tooth to go any day but it has hung on longer than I thought. We’re trying to be proactive and look for products that can keep the tooth in good condition if it comes out completely. Our dental insurance should be effective the first of next month and then I can schedule an appointment. I found several products online including Save a Tooth. The description looks like this might do the job for a few days if I keep changing out the solution. I’m pretty good with playing nurse around the house and I think it might work. Does this product work if my son loses the tooth completely, and will it help until we can find an affordable dentist? – Kasydee

Kasydee – If the Save-a-Tooth product description indicates that it will keep a tooth alive after it’s been knocked out. It consists of a salt solution that is gentle on tooth ligament and will help keep it alive. The ligament must bekept in good condition to reattach the tooth to the jawbone.

Photo of Save-a-Tooth for knocked out teeth, from affordable Plano TX dentist Miranda Lacy.When a tooth is knocked out, the roots shouldn’t be touched. The tooth must be kept moist. It’s important to get dental help the same day. Waiting a few days puts your son at risk for completely using the tooth. The Save-a-Tooth solution and tooth container are designed to preserve and protect the tooth for a limited period—probably two or three hours. Ideally, your son would need to have the kit handy at all times.

If your son loses his tooth days before your dental coverage takes effect, find an emergency dentist right away. If you don’t, the cost of replacing the tooth later will be more expensive than getting prompt treatment.

Even better—get dental help now. If the tooth is loose, it’s possible to secure it with a stint until the roots heal. You will be able to find an affordable dentist who will work with your budget and arrange a payment plan or financing.

 

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

Affordable Dentistry, Orthodontics, Porcelain Veneers

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.

Affordable Dentistry, Oral Health

Can I find an affordable dentist to help me stop sucking my thumb?

I’m wondering if I can find an affordable dentist who can help me get my thumb sucking habit under control. I wish I could just stop cold turkey, but I can’t.

I’m 37 years old and am fortunate enough to have a private office at my job. Most of the time I can work from home and I am single, so most people don’t know I suck my thumb. Stress is a lot of the problem but it’s an embarrassing habit.

Twice within the last 3 months, someone came into came into my office when my back was turned to the door and I was sucking my thumb. Neither colleague mentioned it, but I know they saw me. Otherwise the habit is hidden from my family and friends.

I know that dentists often help kids stop sucking their thumb, but what about adults? I don’t want to have to spend a lot of money on this, but I do need to do something about it. Thanks for your suggestions. Leah

 

Leah,

It’s good that you’re looking for options to help get your habit under control. There are some things you can try yourself, without having to worry about finding an affordable dentist for treatment. We’ll name a few:

Brush-on deterrent polish – You can buy over-the-counter, deterrent nail polish and brush it on. The polish is designed to help you stop sucking your thumb or biting your nails. You’ll get a foul taste in your mouth that causes you to take your thumb or fingers out of it.

Cover your thumb – Try covering your thumb with a bandage or something similar that will make sucking it uncomfortable. Although you can easily remove a thumb cover, at least it will make you think before you put your thumb in your mouth.

Address the stress – If you think your thumb-sucking habit is stress related, address the stress. If you have trouble controlling your anxiety, speak with your doctor about it.

You might benefit from massage therapy, counseling, or other stress-reducing techniques. If you can reduce the level of your anxiety, it can help you address bad habits and improve your overall health.

If you continue to suck your thumb, it will eventually affect your bite and the alignment of your teeth. Be sure to ask your dentist for an examination to determine if orthodontic treatment is needed. If your bite has been affected, it’s best to get it treated to prevent other oral health issues.

 

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

Affordable Dentistry

If I get an affordable dentist does that mean the service will be substandard?

Can you give me some advice on an affordable dentist? We have a family of 6 and no dental insurance. My husband’s job provides medical insurance only and our 22 year old daughter has had a toothache for about 2 months now. We know she needs a root canal but we want it done right. And we don’t want a dentist who is just going to insist on pulling the tooth because we don’t have insurance. I have already been to an affordable dentist who I thought was disrespectful when I needed 2 dental fillings. They didn’t overcharge me. I just don’t like the way I was treated and now one of the fillings is getting loose. Now I’m wondering if some steps were left out and I got a substandard filling. I’m really concerned about my daughter now. I want a dentist who is affordable and will do a good job on her tooth. Am I asking for too much? Thanks. Sara T.

Sara – You’re not asking for too much. You can find an affordable dentist who gives quality care. Although you can ask for quotes by phone, you have to know what services each quote includes so you can make a good comparison. An estimate might give you an idea of each dentist’s fees, though.

A dentist’s fees vary based on the dentist’s skill, location, and the quality of materials used. Sometimes super-low rates involve using cheaper materials and shortcuts in procedures. If the cost for your daughter’s root canal treatment is significantly lower than other dentists in the area, it might not be a high-quality procedure. If shoddy work is done on her tooth, the root canal will need to be repeated, and she might lose the tooth altogether.

Select a few high-quality dentists. Ask friends for recommendations. Ask each dental office what is done to provide affordable care to patients who don’t have dental insurance. Payment plans or financing might be an option to help your family get affordable dental care.

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

 

 

Affordable Dentistry

How do I find an affordable dentist for a horrible toothache?

I am in serious need of an affordable dentist. My husband’s job was reduced to part time work. We kept dental insurance him only because it was too expensive to add dependents. I have a toothache that is getting worse. This happened to me in the past when I did have dental insurance and I ended up needing a root canal. There is no way we can afford to pay for a root canal out of pocket. I know I need to get help right away but I am not sure how to find an affordable dentist to help. What should I do? Thanks. Darla

 

Darla,

You do need to find an affordable dentist right away. When a toothache gets progressively worse, it’s a dental emergency that needs to be addressed. Your past experience shows that you understand the importance of taking care of your toothache quickly.

You can start by doing an Internet search for four to five emergency dentists in your area. Call the offices to find out if payment plans are offered. Some offices provide financing with no interest for qualified applicants. If you call an office that doesn’t offer either, move on to the next one on your list. You will be able to find a dentist that will work with your budget.

Some patients find success in getting an affordable dental insurance plan that doesn’t have limitations for pre-existing conditions. That’s an option only if you can afford to pay for an insurance plan and get approved for it quickly. A low-premium insurance plan can save you a lot of money in the long run.

Most likely, you can find an affordable dentist, but if for some reason you can’t, visit your medical doctor. He or she will be able to determine if your tooth is infected and if antibiotics are needed. It will at least address the infection. Your medical doctor might be able to influence a dentist to see you right away.

Be assured that you will be able to get the treatment you need from a dentist who will make it affordable for you.

This post is sponsored by Plano 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, Root Canal Treatment

Can’t afford a dental bill but I need a root canal

Last month I had a cavity filled and I had to pay for it out of pocket. I saw a dentist in a hurry because I had a toothache that was getting worse. I thought something was stuck between my last two top right molars because it didn’t hurt until 2 days after I ate popcorn. The pain kept getting worse. I was able to floss and pick until a piece of popcorn kernel came out but my tooth kept hurting. There was nothing I could do but get to a dentist fast. He said I had a cavity and the popcorn kernel probably irritated it. He filled the cavity the next day and I had to pay for it out of pocket because my insurance only covers cleanings and exams. The problem is that the same tooth has started hurting again. Now I think I need a root canal and I cannot afford another dental bill. I just finished paying for the filling and it still hurts. Now I am not so sure that there really was a cavity. How do I get a root canal if I can’t afford another dental bill? – Dexter

 

Dexter – Although you need an affordable dentist, take a moment to consider the potential seriousness of the condition of your tooth. If you do need a root canal treatment for your tooth, it is a time-sensitive situation. If it is left untreated, your dental expenses—and possibly medical expenses—can escalate quickly.

A root canal treatment removes infection from a tooth. An untreated infection can affect other teeth, your jawbone, and in serious cases, spread into your bloodstream. A progressive dental infection can also become a medical problem. So consider the consequences of not treating the tooth.

You may not need a root canal treatment. Your tooth needs to be x-rayed and examined to find out the cause of your pain. It is possible that there is tooth decay remaining that was not removed. Have the tooth examined again. You may want to receive an examination from a different dentist, as a second opinion. Contact a few dental offices first to find out the cost of root canal treatment without dental insurance.

Another option is to find a new dental insurance plan. You might be able to find a plan that provides more coverage. Find out how soon you can start using benefits for different services, including root canal treatment. Even if a new insurance plan has a higher monthly premium than your current plan, it will probably be less expensive than having to pay out-of-pocket for root canal treatment. If you do need the treatment, your tooth will need to be protected with a dental crown, or which you will incur additional expense.

For each dental office you contact, find out what can be done to make treatment affordable for you. Most dental offices offer some type of financing or payment plans that allow you to pay for treatment based on your budget.

The condition of your tooth is a dental emergency. Don’t put it off. Find a skilled, but affordable dentist who can help.

 

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, Dentures

How do I find an affordable dentist to replace my dentures?

I just got new dentures 3 months ago. I thought I was done, but now I need to find an affordable dentist to replace my dentures. The upper dentures fit great but the lower dentures are very loose and regularly come off. Is this normal? I can’t even eat soft foods like applesauce and yogurt without dislodging them. The place I got the dentures from is one of those mega denture centers. I was treated quite rudely on all of my 4 attempts to get them to do something about these loose dentures. I refuse to be insulted when I have paid for a product and service. A close friend of mine is a consumer protection attorney and I am thinking about getting her help to get my money back. Meanwhile I still have to get dentures that fit. My budget doesn’t allow me to pay out of pocket right away, so I need to find an understanding dentist who is going to work with me on this issue. I feel awful about this, but I feel that I don’t have a lot of options. How do I begin to find an affordable dentist who will work with me on paying for new dentures? Thanks. Jeanne

Jeanne – We are sorry to hear about the difficulty you have experienced with your transition to dentures. Be assured that you can find an affordable dentist to help you.

It is not normal for new lower dentures to regularly come off. If they do come off regularly, either they were not properly fit initially, or previous to receiving dentures, you may have experienced jawbone shrinkage, which would make it difficult to keep a denture in.

You should speak with your new dentist about the problem. It is possible that your dentures need to be relined or even remade. You can contact a few cosmetic dentists in your area and ask about financial arrangements for financing or payment plans. Schedule a consultation with at least two of the dentists. Cosmetic dentists provide natural-looking dentures that fit well.

If you have experienced jawbone shrinkage, bone grafting can build your bone back up so that it can support a denture. Affordable dental implants can be used to stabilize your dentures and prevent further jawbone shrinkage. When your dentures are secured with dental implants, it will be easier to eat and speak with them.

If won’t be difficult to find an affordable dentist who will understand your circumstances and help you get the dental care you need.

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