Dr. Noah's Dentistry Blog

Questions About Dentistry Answered

Archives for August 2015

Need too many procedures

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I went to the dentist for the first time in years…like since I was a teenager.  I’m 43 now.  I need so many procedures (which frankly doens’t surprise me), that it is going to cost many thousands of dollars.  I just don’t have that kind of money, but want to deal with my mouth, whihc has felt unpleasant for a while. I called around to several dentists in order to find someone more affordable. All the dentists were around the same price on all procedures (something I find a little suspicious), except one.  There was a cheap dentist, but when I looked up more information about him, he didn’t have very good reviews.  I’m feeling like he was cheaper for a reason.  Is there any way to get affordable dentistry?

Marc G. – Little Rock, AR

Marc,

Cheap dentistry doesn’t equate with affordable dentistry.  It’s a good thing you did some research.  If that cheap dentist were  one of those dentists that cuts corners but order cheap parts, you could have ended up with a serious problem.  Fortunately, that won’t happen to you, because you’re smart enough check beyond the price list. I have seen patients that ended up with major infections or a complete failure of the procedure. What they thought was going to save them money ended up cost more than double.

Prices are the only way to get affordable care.  When you need a lot of procedures, such your situation, I suggest phased treatment.  I would pick the dentist who is skilled and honest, not necessarily the cheapest. Have him or her list out everything you need done, but have them prioritize the list from the most urgent to the least.

Then, set up a treatment schedule that works with your budget. Get the most urgent things done. Then you’ll have time to save up for the other procedures.  I’d also suggest looking into low or even no-interest payment plans.  Most dentists have some kind of connection with options like care credit.

This blog is brought to you by Tulsa Dentist Dr. Ryan Noah.

Could my teeth be keeping me from getting hired?

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A company I worked for has closed.  I worked with them for ten years.  The owner sold it and the new owners decided to only use their own people.  So, here I am looking for a job, something I never thought I’d have to do again.  My qualifications and recommendations are good.  I always get an interview, but once the interview is over someone else gets the job.  I’ve done interview skills tutorials and even mock interviews with peers I trust.  My interviewing doesn’t seem to be the problem.  I’ve begun to wonder if it is my teeth.  I know that sounds a little far fetched, but I’m getting desperate and reaching for anything that can help.  I will admit I have an ugly smile.  My teeth are stained. A few are chipped and crooked. Could that be the problem?

Davis L., Washington

Davis,

I don’t think that is far fetched at all. We are often judged and categroized in the first few seconds of a meeting with someone. As they haven’t had time to really get to know us, the judgment is based on appearance and maybe very intitial greetings and responses.  Our smile is one of the first things people notice about us.

If yours is unattractive, and you readily admit it is, that could likely be the factor that is keeping you from closing a deal with a hiring company.  The easiest way to find out would be to fix your smile.

I recommend you use Invisalign to do that. It is invisible, even at a conversational distance, so that will allow you to go to interviews without feeling self conscious about your orthodontics.

It is possible to whiten your teeth at the same time.  You can ask your dentist to allow you to use your invisalign aligners as whitening trays and just provide you with the gel.  This will also save you money.

Good luck with the job search.  This blog is brought to you by Tulsa Dentist Dr. Ryan Noah.