While each of us wants high oral health standards, there are also concerns about the high cost of procedures nowadays. Statistics indicate that each dental patient provides, on average, slightly under $900 to his or her dentist per year. The life-time costs are therefore enormous. Much of these costs are hidden in terms of group insurance, the impact of which is felt through co-payments and purchases of dental care products.
A possible strategy for managing personal costs is one that centers on satisfying basic dental hygiene and health needs before embarking on cosmetic and other enhancements. While there are cases where cosmetic and functional needs coincide, there are also cases where the two can be separated, the cosmetic need being one that can be postponed until a later date. Your dentist would be happy to provide you with a reasoned cost and benefit analysis for the best decision from a financial standpoint.
A case might adhere to the following scenario. A patient might come into the office with a large cavity, meaning substantial parts of the tooth have been eaten away by decay and major work is required. The dentist should offer two options. The first option is both a filling of the cavity and a crown to fully seal and protect the tooth from structural damage, as well as improve its look. The second option is to fill the cavity with a non-metal substance so it looks natural, and leave it at that. The second option is much less expensive.
Sometimes a procedure should be avoided for scientific reasons. Discoloration or stains on teeth can be removed by teeth whitening procedures. Traditionally, a dental solution of carbamide peroxide is used to activate stains to make them removable. In recent times, lasers have been brought in to enhance breakdown and activation of stains. The most current research, however, indicates that laser whitening is a strategy that has mixed results and warrants further refinement. Unless you find the carbamide peroxide alone is ineffective, consider avoiding the more expensive laser whitening.
One big expense that recurs is the purchase of regular oral hygiene products such as manual and electric toothbrushes, gum massagers, bristles, replacement brush heads, floss etc. Refrain from buying at supermarkets and instead head to a wholesale supplier such as Sam's Club. Buy in bulk to save money. Be sure to replace toothbrushes often as older bristles deteriorate in ability to remove plaque.
Electrical toothbrushes are a convenience because of their high speed and power at removing plaque. But the prices vary quite a bit. There's room to shop around for one that suits both your purposes and your budget. For example, a rechargeable base costs extra but saves batteries. However, considering that batteries need to be changed only once every 9 months means that effectively over the life of the toothbrush the rechargeable base may cost more.
A possible strategy for managing personal costs is one that centers on satisfying basic dental hygiene and health needs before embarking on cosmetic and other enhancements. While there are cases where cosmetic and functional needs coincide, there are also cases where the two can be separated, the cosmetic need being one that can be postponed until a later date. Your dentist would be happy to provide you with a reasoned cost and benefit analysis for the best decision from a financial standpoint.
A case might adhere to the following scenario. A patient might come into the office with a large cavity, meaning substantial parts of the tooth have been eaten away by decay and major work is required. The dentist should offer two options. The first option is both a filling of the cavity and a crown to fully seal and protect the tooth from structural damage, as well as improve its look. The second option is to fill the cavity with a non-metal substance so it looks natural, and leave it at that. The second option is much less expensive.
Sometimes a procedure should be avoided for scientific reasons. Discoloration or stains on teeth can be removed by teeth whitening procedures. Traditionally, a dental solution of carbamide peroxide is used to activate stains to make them removable. In recent times, lasers have been brought in to enhance breakdown and activation of stains. The most current research, however, indicates that laser whitening is a strategy that has mixed results and warrants further refinement. Unless you find the carbamide peroxide alone is ineffective, consider avoiding the more expensive laser whitening.
One big expense that recurs is the purchase of regular oral hygiene products such as manual and electric toothbrushes, gum massagers, bristles, replacement brush heads, floss etc. Refrain from buying at supermarkets and instead head to a wholesale supplier such as Sam's Club. Buy in bulk to save money. Be sure to replace toothbrushes often as older bristles deteriorate in ability to remove plaque.
Electrical toothbrushes are a convenience because of their high speed and power at removing plaque. But the prices vary quite a bit. There's room to shop around for one that suits both your purposes and your budget. For example, a rechargeable base costs extra but saves batteries. However, considering that batteries need to be changed only once every 9 months means that effectively over the life of the toothbrush the rechargeable base may cost more.
About the Author:
Specialty detail articles on dentists in Pasadena CA are free for your use. Discover the latest information and writings in regards to emergency dentist in Pasadena.
Geen opmerkingen:
Een reactie posten