Lumineers for a tooth gap

My boyfriend doesn’t like my tooth gap. He suggested I get something done about it. I talked to my dentist and he suggested lumineers. They’re awfully expensive. Is there another option?

Dana B. – Rhode Island

Dana,

I hope you won’t be offended if I say you should do something about about your boyfriend before you do your tooth gap. It’s fine if you want to fix it, but only if you want to. You shouldn’t have to change your appearance for anyone else.

There is another option if you don’t think you can afford lumineers. Dental bonding can close your tooth gap. There is a downside. It won’t last as long as lumineers.  Lumineers can last for a couple of decades or more. The dental bonding will only last a few years before it will have to be re-done. However, it can give you time to save up for something more permanent.

You can also get braces or invisalign to close the gap.

This blog is brought to you by Phoenix Dentists Drs. Kevin and Hillary Peck.

Must I look like a hillbilly because I’m poor?

I fell down a flight of stairs and knocked out one of my front teeth. My dentist said I needed a dental implant to replace it. When he told me the price my eyeballs popped out. Do I really have to choose between no food or shelter and having a front tooth?

Marcus G. – Little Rock,

Marcus,

No. You will not have to choose between that at all. I have to say that I am a little annoyed at your dentist for not giving you all of  your options. In fact, it is unethical.

There are plenty of other options available to you that are more affordable.  Did your dentist ever mention to you a dental bridge or a removable partial denture?

Both of those options are more affordable than a dental implant. If your dentist will only give the most expensive option, you should find a different dentist.

This blog is brought to you by Phoenix Dentist Dr. Kevin Peck.

I don’t get free dentistry with Obamacare

I thought i’d get free dentistry when I got my obamacare, but I didn’t. Is there some kind of special application for that?

Maurice I. – Benton, AR

Maurice,

Obamacare is designed for medical care, though not even that is free. Most people are having to pay a lot more than they did before Obamacare in order to subsidize the low income applicants. You need to understand that nothing is free, not even your medical care. Someone is paying for it.

That being said, there are some ways to get more affordable dental care. You can get cleanings at a dental school for a lot less money than other clinics because students are doing the work. In many of them, however, if you need any dental work done, such as crowns or root canals, you will have to go to a licensed dentist.

There are dentists who work hard to keep their prices affordable and even offer payment plans that are low and no interest. Call around. Let them know your financial situation and they’ll let you know if they’re able to work with you.

This blog is brought to you by Phoenix Dentist Dr. Kevin Peck.