Dr. Noah's Dentistry Blog

Questions About Dentistry Answered

Are Orthodontics Required to Replace Crowns?

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I have had two crowns on my front teeth for a while. They are starting to show their age and really need to be replaced. For some reasons, my dentist is insisting that I do orthodontics first before he’ll replace my dental crowns. It’s not that I don’t want straight teeth, but I just can’t afford them. Is this just a preference thing or will I face this with every dentist?

Miranda

Dear Miranda,

A dentist and patient
It is unfair to patients when a dentist insists on the ideal treatment, regardless of circumstances

I have to admit that it annoys me when dentists behave this way. Yes, having straight teeth is the ideal, but if you cannot afford orthodontic work, then you can’t afford it.

Obviously, you can have dental crowns placed when your teeth aren’t straight or you wouldn’t have any now. This is a preference issue on the part of your dentist.

In all honesty, I’m going to suggest you find another dentist. Look for one who is willing to work within the budget of his patients. You could do an internet search for an “affordable dentist” in your area.

Benefits of an Affordable Dentist

If you find an affordable dentist, they’ll be willing to work within your budget. They’re also willing to stage treatments, so you don’t have to do everything at once. Additionally, they will often have payment plans. Some of them have in-house plans and some of them work through Care Credit.

Getting a Crown on Your Front Teeth

One thing you want to be careful of, regardless of where you go to get your crowns done, is that they only give you all-porcelain crowns on your front teeth.

A metal-based crown will not look right on front teeth. They will be too opaque. They will also develop a gray line on the gumline.

If You Ever Decide to Get Orthodontics

When you do decide you are able to get orthodontics (and that should be completely up to you) you no longer have to get metal wires and brackets. These days, you have the option of “invisible braces”.

Invisalign is the most popular brand which utilizes clear aligners. These gently guide your teeth into their correct position.

I hope this helps you. This blog is brought to you by Tulsa Dentist Dr. Ryan Noah.

Affordable Options for Dental Implants

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I need to get almost all my teeth replaced. Are dentures a decent affordable option for dental implants?

Casey

Dear Casey,

Wearing Dentures for Too Long Causes Facial Collapse

Are dentures affordable? Yes. Are dentures an option for dental implants? Yes. Are dentures a decent option to dental implants? Absolutely not. Look at the image above. This woman has lost most of her jawbone, a condition commonly known as facial collapse. It’s caused by wearing dentures for too long, meaning about ten years or so, depending on your bodies reaction. Here’s why.

The moment your teeth are removed, your body begins reabsorbing the minerals in your jawbone to use elsewhere throughout your body. This causes your jawbone to get smaller and smaller. The longer this goes on, the less jawbone you have. Eventually, you won’t even be able to wear your dentures because there will be no ridge for them to adequately rest on.

Dental implants protect you from facial collapse. It does that by having prosthetic implants in your jawbone. That tells your body the minerals are needed and leaves them in place.

Working with Dentists to Get Affordable Care

You don’t have to compromise on your procedure to afford the care you need. First, you should know that in most cases the dental implant procedure is paid for in stages because the procedure itself is done in stages. That may help you with the cost.

If you’re having trouble finding a dentist who’ll allow you to do that, I suggest you do a search for “affordable dentist” online. They will be much more willing to work with patients financially. Those who don’t have in-house payment options will work with Care Credit.

Care Credit is a medical credit card. But, it has better features. You get to pick your terms. Depending on your credit, you can even get zero percent interest on repayment. Plus, if you end up having additional funds, there is no penalty for early repayment.

I hope this helps you.

This blog is brought to you by 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.