Dr. Noah's Dentistry Blog

Questions About Dentistry Answered

Is Affordable Dentistry Possible Without Dental Insurance?

by

I was laid off a couple of years ago, which caused me to lose not only my income but my benefits. Since then, I have found a new job, but they hired me as a contractor, which not only means I have to pay self-employed taxes, but I don’t qualify for benefits. I think I may have cracked a tooth. My wife said I’ve recently been grinding my teeth in my sleep, which may be from stress. I know I need to get this seen. Is it possible to get affordable dentistry without insurance or should I just expect to empty my account?

David

Dear David,

dollar sign hatched out of a broken egg

Life is crazy hard sometimes, isn’t it? I am sorry for all you are going through. The good news is there are ways to get this done reasonably. First, though, a warning. Please don’t confuse cheap dentistry with affordable dentistry. If someone does a crown at a considerably lesser price than all their peers, there is usually a reason. In most cases, it means they cannot retain patients because they’re not great at their job so they keep their prices super low to consistently draw in new ones. Often, these crowns don’t last as long as they should and you end up spending more money replacing it.

I would look for an affordable dentist. They are usually willing to work out payments with patients. Either they have in-house payment plans or they work through Care Credit.

Another thing to consider is though you don’t get benefits from work, there are self-employed dental plans that are quite affordable. It would be worth it to you.

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

Complications with Smile Direct Club

by

smile direct logo

There used to be a video on YouTube by someone who called herself Rosie Posie. This video has since been removed. I have my suspicions of why (see this post about Smile Direct Club’s policy about negative reviews. No worries, though, I watched this video several times and can summarize it here.

Rosie was detailing her Smile Direct treatment with a vlog. She’s entering her sixth month of treatment. On the video, she opened her new set of aligners and proceeded to try to put them in. The struggle for her to get these aligners in went on for about twenty minutes before she finally gave up. Eventually, a follow-up video came out that explained what happened.

Smile Direct Club sent her month five aligners in the fourth month. Then, they shipped out the month four aligners in the fifth month. This means when she went to put in the month sixth aligners, she was actually a month behind her treatment. The distance of the teeth made it impossible for her to get in the next stage of aligners.

You may think, “What’s the big deal?” It’s just one month. This is the equivalent of a dentist accidentally removing the wrong tooth. When Rosie jumped over a month’s treatment, it put stress on her teeth. When they then sent the previous month’s aligners, that put additional stress on her teeth. This would have caused some bone resorption, which she isn’t even aware happened, which in turn weakened her teeth and threatened their longevity. If this happened more than once, she could have lost some teeth. I would love to see before and after x-rays of her root and bone structure.

Here is the crux of the problem with this. Rosie was left to figure this out herself. The only reason she received help and learned what went wrong is the video gained traction and garnered the attention of Smile Direct Club. There is no real monitoring of your case. There have been several people who’ve stated that even when they reached out to Smile Direct about a problem they were having, the follow-up customer service was practically nonexistent. This makes me wonder if the only reason Rosie got the help she needed is because it was such a public issue.

The safest way for you to get your orthodontics done, whether it is traditional braces or invisible aligners, such as Invisalign, is under the direct supervision of a qualified dentist who can monitor your progress and ensure the treatment is progressing as it should. Our bodies do not always follow directions and sometimes the dentist has to intervene and change the treatment plan to accomodate the disobedient teeth.

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

Can I Buy Snap-on Smile Online For Less Money?

by

I was hoping to order the snap-on smile online because I want to save money, and I don’t want to spend much time in dentists’ offices. I would like to be able to make my teeth impressions at home. I know of a site that claims they do this all online, but there were several bad reviews from people that paid but didn’t get their orders. When I asked the manager about the complaints, he stated they were all from one unhappy customer, but I’m very leery. However, I would really like to be able to order the snap-on smile from a reliable company. Would you know of any online companies that I could trust to order from?

Thank you so much!

-Ali from Utah

 

Ali,

The reason why the site that claims to deliver a Snap-on Smile seemed like a fraud is that it is; it doesn’t work doing it online. It would be like trying to get a haircut online. It sounds like you didn’t believe their answer about the complaints; I certainly don’t.

The first thing that is done when making a Snap-on-Smile is the impressions, which you could maybe get without a dentist, but I’m not sure how well that would be done. A certain amount of training is required because the impressions have to be of a certain level of quality and without distortion. Not all dental assistants could even do an adequate job on impressions. Another problem would be getting the Snap-on Smile ordered because it’s the law that a dental lab can only take orders from a licensed dentist. Therefore, someone would have to lie for you to get them made without a dentist, and would you trust someone that is willing to break the law? Maybe you would, but then there is some input that really a dentist should make for your case. It has to fit your bite, you don’t want it to make your face look bulky, there’s some communication about the shade, etc. There is a lot of opportunity here for the teeth to end up messed up, which is why you are seeing a lot of complaints in online reviews.

There’s more! Once it’s back from the lab, you have to fit the Snap-on Smile, and in most cases, it doesn’t just fit perfectly. There are usually adjustments that need to be made. Will you know how to do that and have the tools needed for that? What if you mess up and the Snap-on Smile doesn’t fit?

There are safeguards put in place in order to keep businesses from scamming the public.

If it is the cost that you are worried about, you can get a basic Snap-on Smile that doesn’t need to look particularly great. You can call around and get quotes, and you should be able to find someone who will do it for a couple of hundred dollars over the lab cost. For the front six teeth, the lab cost is $250, and for all the upper teeth, the lab cost is $400. It will vary from dentist to dentist on what they charge over and above the lab costs. Just know that will also mean great variations in the quality of the result, but if you aren’t picky, you should be able to find someone who will do it for cheaper. If you set a limit and call around, offer to pay cash upfront, then the dentist isn’t at risk of not getting paid.

I hope this helps.

 

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

Can I Trust My Dentist About Dental Implants?

by

I’ve lost two teeth. My dentist said I need to look at tooth replacement options. But, he said the only thing he’d recommend is dental implants. Of course, it’s the most expensive treatment. Is it really my only serious option?

Mark

Dear Mark,

Dental Implant Diagram

Dental implants are the top of the line tooth replacement option. So, would I recommend them? Yes. However, there are times when a dental bridge makes more sense. For instance, if the teeth adjacent to the one you lost are in need of a dental crown, then get a bridge. Other than that, if you’re a good candidate for dental implants, then I’d recommend those over other lesser options, such as a removable partial denture.

Reasons to get a dental implant

  • It’s the most like having a healthy, natural tooth back.
  • It preserves your bone structure
  • You can eat and brush normally
  • No food will get underneath

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

Can Children Get White Fillings?

by

I went to a pediatric dentist who said children can’t get white fillings, but I have a friend who gets them for her children. Is my dentist right or hers?

Pamela M.

Dear Pamela,

It’s not a right or wrong as much as what the individual dentist is comfortable doing. If your pediatric dentist isn’t comfortable giving white fillings to children, don’t press it. The results won’t be good, neither will your child’s experience. It’s better you go to a dentist familiar with placing them on children.

One word of caution. They do require the patient to be perfectly still. If the white filling doesn’t stay dry, the bond won’t hold. For that reason many dentists who place white fillings on children will suggest you get nitrous oxide.

Nitrous oxide is perfectly safe. Dubbed laughing gas, it will relax your child. In fact, a friend of mine just took her child in for six white fillings. She opted for the nitrous with him, even though he’s a compliant child. He’d need six shots of lidocaine and she wanted him to be as relaxed as possible. He ended up so relaxed he actually slept through half the procedure.

The key will be to find a dentist who’s done this procedure with children that you’re both comfortable with.

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

Is There an Inexpensive Smile Makeover?

by

I’ve always wanted a smile makeover. Every year I think I’ll get one with my tax refund, but every year something else seems to break down, whether it’s my car or an appliance at home, to commandeer the money. It’s equally disappointing every year. Is there an inexpensive smile makeover?

Alice V. – New Hampshire

Alice,

I wouldn’t say it’s a complete smile makeover, but teeth whitening is the most inexpensive way to make a significant difference in the cosmetics of your smile. It’s affordable with most budgets and takes years off your appearance.

Another benefit is it doesn’t require an expensive cosmetic dentist. Your family dentist can perform the service quite well for you. Your biggest decision will be whether you want in-office or take-home teeth whitening.

With in-office, everything is done in just one appointment. Your teeth will get as white as they’re capable. Often, the color will settle just a little after the first week, but they will still be extraordinarily white.

Take-home whitening is different. You’ll wear the whitening gel for a minimum of 20 minutes each day, using custom made trays. Often that is repeated for a week or more depending on the level of whitening you’re hoping to obtain,

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

Is There a Special Dentist For Implants?

by

I’m in need of a new tooth. I’ve done some research on my options and think a dental implant is my best choice. Is there a special dentist for that or just a regular dentist?

Andrew P. – Utah

Andrew,

I applaud your choice of tooth replacement. It will be the most like having your natural tooth back. If you’re asking if there is a recognized specialty in implant dentistry, there isn’t. However, while any general dentist can place dental implants, it is an advanced procedure so I wouldn’t allow just anyone to do it.

You’ll want to be sure they’ve had significant implant training. For instance, Dr. Noah has had enough training and experience with dental implants to be named a fellow with the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID). Less than one-half of one percent of dentists reach this level.

Don’t hesitate to ask them where they received training for dental implants and how many procedures they’ve completed successfully. If they’re qualified, they won’t be the least bit offended. In fact, they would expect an educated patient to inquire.

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

Can I Whiten My Dental Crown?

by

My dental crown is showing it’s age, like my regular teeth. If I whiten my teeth, can I also whiten my crown?  Will I need a cosmetic dentist or a general one?

Natalie – Wisconsin

Natalie,

Despite how it sounds, there isn’t a cosmetic dentistry specialty, so every cosmetic dentist is just a general dentist who also does cosmetic procedures. Teeth whitening is an easy procedure, so any dentist can do it. However, while it will whiten your teeth, it will not whiten your dental crown.

Here is where someone who has more training in cosmetic procedures will come in handy. My suggestion is for you to whiten your teeth first. then, get a porcelain crown done to match your new bright, white teeth.

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

Why is my gumline gray?

by

I’ve had dental crowns for a while, but for some reason, recently, I’ve been noticing a gray line at my gumline. Am I having some kind of reaction or infection?

Kevin T. – South Dakota

Kevin,

If there are not other symptoms but a gray line at your gumline, then it sounds like your dentist gave you porcelain fused to metal crowns.  These always end up with a gray line at the gumline.  There is absolutely nothing you can do about the gray line once it is there except to get completely new crowns.

If you do decide to get new crowns make sure your dentist gives you all-porcelain crowns. These will not only look more natural, but you will never have to worry about a gray line develop.

Talk to your dentist. Make sure you’re clear about what you want.

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

Implant Specialist

by

Is it better to go to a general dentist or an implant dentist to get dental implants? My dentist is a general dentist. He does dental implants, but I wondered if a specialist would be wiser.

Janna S. – Benton, AR

Janna,

There isn’t a recognized specialty in implantology, so technically every implant “specialist” is really just a general dentist.  Some general dentists have done more implant training than others.

For instance, Dr. Noah a member of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and  a fellow at the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID). Less than one-half of one percent of dentists have reached this level.

The key, when you need a procedure that is a little more specialized, is to find out what kind of post-graduate training your dentist has.  It’s OK to ask questions, because you don’t want to end up as one of the horror stories.

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