Dr. Noah's Dentistry Blog

Questions About Dentistry Answered

Need more work than I can afford

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I’ve neglected my dental care for quite a few years. Because of that, I need a lot more work than I expected. The dentist said I needed six crowns because the cavities are too large to just fill them. There’s no way I can afford that, but am afraid I’ll lose my teeth if I don’t do anything. Is there a middle ground option?

Elizabeth C. – Mesa, AZ

Elizabeth,

It’s overwhelming to feel you need too much work, especially if you don’t have the money to afford the care you need. Your dentist should have affordale options for you. There is phased treatment, that allows you to get the most urgent work done first.

If your dentist is worried about it becoming an abcess and wants you to get them all done right away, then you can ask about payment plans. Many dentists have low, and sometimes even no, interest plans that will allow you to get the work  done you need.

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

I was so excited about redoing my smile…until I saw the cost.

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Can you explain why getting smile makeover is so expensive.  I had ramped myself up to get one and was so excited, because I’ve always hated my teeth. But when I realized the prize it was heartbreaking. Is there an affordable way to redo a smile?

Tina P. – Michigan

Tina,

I’m guessing you priced porcelain veneers. Yes, they can be costly. The materials alone are expensive and they require a high level of training and skill. Plus, there are lab fees. However, there are other ways to give yourself a smile makeover that are more affordable.

You didn’t mention what it is about your teeth that bother you, but I have a few procedures that I can recommend, which cost less that porcelain veneers.

  • Teeth Whitening: This procedure alone can make your smile look years younger
  • Invisalign: The allows patients to straighten their teeth without anyone knowing. No bulky, metal braces.
  • Dental Bonding: This works great for things like chipped teeth or small gaps.

All of those are affordable. I hope you find something that works for you.

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

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.

Never been to the dentist

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I grew up in a poor family.  I married into a poor family. As a result, I’ve never been to the dentist. I’ve been thinking about going lately, but to be perfectly blunt I’m afraid of what they’re going to say. I’m sure I’ll need tons of work that I won’t be able to afford, so I wonder if there is even a point.

Dania F. – Arizona

Dania,

I understand how frightening it can be when you feel helpless, especially when it is related to your health.  while it is possible you’ll need a lot of work, it’s also possible you won’t.  Then you can just continue with cleanings and check ups.

Don’t despair if you did need a lot of work. There are affordable ways to get dental work done.  There are phased treatment options, payment plans. The important thing is to speak to your dentist ahead of time.  Make sure he understands your situations. Most  dentists care enough to work with you to make sure you can get the dental care you need.

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

I REALLY don’t want dentures!

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I’m hoping you can help me.  I’m losing my teeth. Partly because I didn’t care for them well and partly because I just didn’t have the money to go to the dentist regularly.  Now I’m going to lose all my teeth. I can’t afford dental implants, but I really, really, really don’t want dentures. I’m going to feel like a 90 year old and I’m only 42.  Is there any way to get affordable dental implants?

Carrie M. – Maine

Carrie,

I don’t want to make you feel worse, but at your age, I think dentures are an extremely bad idea. Once your teeth are removed, your body begins to reabsorb the minerals from your jawbone throughout your body. By the time you are 50, it is quite likely that your denture will no longer fit because there won’t be enough jawbone to support them. Hopefully your dentist warned you about this.

I understand you don’t have the money for implants, but there are affordable dentists that will work with you. They could to low or no interest payment plans, or even phased treatments.

This is serious, so speak with your dentist or another one about your options.

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

Can’t afford veneers, will snap on smile do?

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I called around everywhere for an affordable dentist to do my smile makeover. I couldn’t find anything I can afford. Would snap on smile work instead?

Deanna M. – Austin, TX

Deanna,

It’s probably a good thing you didn’t find a cheap enough dentist. Those usually end up poorly done.

Snap-on smile will give you a decent smile, but it isn’t permanent and will not be as beautiful as porcelain veneers. It attaches to the front of your teeth.

If you’re fine with that, then it is an OK alternative. You could use that while you save up for a more permanent solution.

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

I can’t afford a crown

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I don’t know what to do. I’m in tears. I need a dental crown, but I just can’t afford it. I hate being poor. I’ve been looking for a job. In the meantime I’m working at a McDonalds. It covers our bills, but barely and there is certainly no room for anything else.  What do I do?

Deanna S. – Little Rock, AR

Deanna,

I’m sorry for what you’re going through. Believe me, I’ve been there. I’m assuming you said you cannot afford the crown because your dentist is expecting you to pay the whole thing up front?

Most dentists are more compassionate than that and would help you with a payment plan that fits your budget. There are sow and even no interest payment plans that are available. If your dentist is unwilling to work with you, I’d do a search for an “affordable dentist“. They’re generally willing to do payments.

You also have the option of getting something temporary, like a dental flipper, while you save up for a crown.

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

Treatment is more affordable in Mexico. Is it safe?

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I’ve been told dental treatment is way more affordable in Mexico. Is it safe to go their for treatment?

Henry W. – New Mexico

Henry,

I’m sure with you being so close to the border it is tempting to take a quick trip over and save some money. However, I want to caution you before you make a decision. First, Mexico doesn’t have the same standards in place for dentists that we do in the United States. Here are a few examples:

  • Sterilization and Cleanliness are left up to the dentist as to whether or not they have a system in  place. Some will be diligent and some will be negligent, which could lead to substantial infections.
  • Dentists are not required to have any type of malpractice insurance.  That means if things go arry, you will be at the mercy of the dentist as to what, if any steps are taken to repair the problem.
  • There are no FDA regulations on materials. You could end up with substandard materials in your mouth.

You’ll have to weigh the risks and make a decision. There are ways to make your dental care here in the US more affordable. The first thing I would do is speak with your current dentist and ask him about payment options. Most have low and even no-interest payment plans. Some dentists even have discounts for patients who pay in case.  I would just be forthcoming with your dentist and let him or her know your situation.

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