Category Archives: Affordable Dentist

Affordable Dentist

This woman can’t afford NOT to go to the dentist

I can’t really afford a dentist, but lately some of my teeth seem to be a little loose. I brush regularly. Is there anything I can do to ensure they stay?

Melissa – New Hampshire

Melissa,

I know it is difficult when you’re on a tight budget, but this is one of those situations where you can’t afford not to get dental treatment.  I suspect you have gingivitis–likely in the advanced stages.  If you don’t get some sort of treatment soon, you’re very likely to lose your teeth.

There are ways to get treatment within your budget. Dr. Peck has some excellent examples of how to get affordable dentistry on his website.

Call around to some dentists in your area.  Explain your situation and see who is willing to work with you. You’re bound to find a few who are wiling to work with you.

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

Affordable Dentist

Free dentistry at dental schools?

I’ve heard that you can get free dentistry at dental schools. Is that true? How do you find them?

Mark A. – Little Rock, AR

Mark,

Many dental schools will do cleanings and check ups at a significantly discounted price.  Not all of them will do any other type of dental work, so you may find that while you can get your teeth cleaned at their clinic, if they discover a problem, you will still need to see a professional dental clinic. That doesn’t mean it has to cost you a fortune.

There are affordable dentists out there who do quality work.  Some advertise as affordable dentists and some don’t, but are willing to work with you financially if you speak with them ahead of time.  Communication with your dentist is the key.

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

Affordable Dentist

Need a dentist I can afford

I’ve never gone to a dentist. I’ve never really had problems with my teeth either, but now that I’m an adult i’d like to go.  I just finished college. I have a job, but it doesn’t provide dental and I’ve go loads of student loans.  I don’t know where to start in finding a dentist. I don’t even know how much it is supposed to be.

Daniel – Ft. Smith, AR

Daniel,

Congratulations for graduating college AND getting a job.  Those are two things that rarely happen together these days.  It’s scary getting started on adult life, but it is great that you are taking your oral health seriously. Don’t worry, there are affordable dentists.

To find out the norm for pricing in your area, I would call about 5 or 6 dentists at random and ask their prices for cleanings, filling, and crowns. That sampling should give you a reasonable range of what to expect.

After that, see what kind of reviews the ones that are closest to you get. Check to see if the ones you’re interested in have payment options that work with your budget. Their website should give you some indication of how they handle payments.

When you’ve done your legwork, you’re ready to schedule an appointment with your first choice and see how you like him or her.

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

 

Affordable Dentist

Losing money with dental insurance

I got dental insurance, but feel like I’m losing money with it. I can’t figure out how to navigate all the loopholes and filing deadlines.  Is there a better way to save money with dental work?

Terri B. – Kansas

Terri,

I’m sorry for your frustration. There’s nothing worse than paying for insurance in order to make your dentistry more affordable, but not knowing how to get full value for it.

However, I must say that I don’t think your dentist is doing his job.  It is your dental office’s job to understand dental insurance in order to get you all the value you can.  They should be filing your insurance for you.

If your dentist won’t help you with it, you’d be better served switching practices.

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

Affordable Dentist

How can I get dental implants when poor?

What do you do if you really want dental implants but don’t have the money?

Stacey A. – Oklahoma

Stacey,

It’s one thing to want a pleasurable item you can’t afford. It’s fairly easy to live with that. But, when you can’t afford something that would be best for your health, that is very hard to take.

You do have options. Many dentists find ways to give affordable dental care in situations like yours. One option, depending on the number of implants you need, would be phased treatment.

You could get one or two implants, while using a temporary treatment for your other teeth until you can save up more.

Many dentists have payment plans that would let you spread out the cost.  Some have zero interest.

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

 

Affordable Dentist

Can’t afford the treatment I want

I lost a tooth due to an accident. I really want a dental implant to replace it, but became very depressed when I realized I couldn’t afford it.  I don’t want to be stuck with a removable denture for the rest of my life. I want something that stays in my mouth. I know this sounds like not a big deal, but to me it is everything. I’ve been crying for days.

Annalisa M. – Portland, OR

Annalisa,

There are times in our life when our heart’s desires and our pocket books do not match.  I know it is disappointing. Fortunately, there is an affordable dental solution that I think you’ll like better than a removable partial denture.

Under ethical standards, your dentist is supposed to give you all of your options. We aren’t always able to afford the ideal treatment. That doesn’t mean that we can’t have a suitable treatment anyway.

Has your dentist mentioned getting a dental bridge. It will use a false tooth suspended between two crowns. It’s not as ideal as a dental implant, but it is not a removable applicance like a partial denture.

You could use either of those two procedures as a permanent or temporary solution. Your heart is set on implants. You can have them, it just might take a little longer than you’d hoped. Get the solution you can afford now and save for the one you really want.

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

Affordable Dentist

Is there affordable teeth whitening?

I want to whiten my teeth because I need another job and my smile makes me look old. It’s kind of pricey. There are over the counter whitestrips that are A LOT cheaper. Do they really work?

Yvette M. – Alabama

Yvette,

Over the counter whitestrips will work, but not the same way that professional teeth whitening will. First, the whitening gel is considerable weaker than what you’ll get at a dentist’s office.

While they may seem more affordable, they will actually end up costing you more money. You’ll have to do many, many boxes in order to get the same results.

Your best bet is to find a dentist who will let you pay out your teeth whitening.

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

Affordable Dentist

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.

Affordable Dentist

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.

Affordable Dentist

I want a free dentist

Is there free dentists for poor people? I can’t afford to go and I have a tooth ache.

Devon O. – Baltimore

Devon,

Each city generally has free dental service clinics, but they’re not permanent, instead they are once a year or so.  However, if you are having tooth pain now, it needs to be dealt with. That pain probably indicates a tooth infection. When left untreated, they can become quite serious.

Plus, it is more affordable to deal with things early. If not, you could end up having to replace a tooth, which can cost a great deal.  I understand you’re in a difficult financial situation. In that case, I would do an internet search for an affordable dentist in your area.

When you talk to them, be up front about your financial circumstances. They’ll likely work with you.

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