Finding the Right Cosmetic Dentist
Extreme Makeover
Now this is an
extreme makeover. I know that lots
of plastic surgeons and cosmetic people out there
have some pretty outrageous claims. But believe it or
not, some of the results available today using
plastic surgery and cosmetic dentistry can be truly
amazing. I am going to post a few pictures here of
real transformations that simply involved changing
the smile. If you are thinking about a cosmetic
transformation, there are a few things you need to be
sure to do. First, sit down and ask yourself what it
is you are looking for. If you want a dramatic change
like above, find a good therapist. Seriously, how
will the changes that you want effect your life? Is
your nose really crooked? Or have you become obsessed
with changing your looks like Michael Jackson? Next,
go to at least 3 plastic surgeons for consultations.
Make sure the plastic surgeon is board certified in
plastic surgery, not something like podiatry. If you
are going for a smile change, get consultations from
dentist who have finished advanced training programs
like The Las Vegas Institute(LVI). Most of all, look around for
pictures of faces and smiles that you like. Go in
with a precise idea of what you want, and make
sure you communicate with your doctor what your
desires are. A good doctor will under promise and
over deliver.
The photos below are actual cases that were done.
These smile makeovers resulted in dramatic changes in
these people's lives. You can see more photos like
this at The Dental Sedation Center.
Dental Bonding-How does it work?
The Procedure: The first step in bonding is to make sure that you properly match the material with the color of the existing tooth. Then, a drill is used to roughen the enamel surface of the tooth, so that there is a smooth transition from the existing tooth to the bonding material. Often times you don't even need anesthesia. A conditioning gel is placed on the tooth to "open" the enamel, ensuring a better bond to the tooth. Then a resin adhesive is placed on the tooth, like a very thin film of glue, to help the bonding material adhere to the tooth. The bonding material is then applied to the tooth and shaped and sculpted to the desired form. A high intensity curing light or laser is used to harden the material, and then it is polished to a high finish.
Results: Very large bonding restorations can break and stain if the individual is not careful with them, but in most cases, tooth bonding will last from 3 to 7 years. If you are interested in a prettier smile, ask your dentist about cosmetic tooth bonding.
Click here for more information about cosmetic bonding.
Dental Insurance: A Good Thing?
Dental insurance has been around for a long time, but many people are confused about what it really is. I hope to clear some of that up.
It really is not insurance Dental insurance is not really insurance, rather it is a package of benefits that act as a discount towards your dental needs. Many people assume that it will cover 100% of their dental work.For most of us, the word "insurance" carries certain expectations. If, for example, we are in a car accident we expect our insurance to cover the major repair costs of our car. Your car may be insured but your teeth are not.
Dental Insurance is generally a limited benefit provide to you by your employer. The benefits that it provides will depend on how much the employer (or the employee) pays in premiums. The more the premium, the better the benefit.
Dental Insurance is not what it used to be In 1984, when I first started practicing, most dental benefit packages offered $1,000 in covered benefits per year. Now, 22 years later, most benefit packages offer the same $1,000 in coverage.
A $1,000 toward your dental needs may seem like a great benefit, but it is not what it used to be. Crown fees 20 years ago ranged from $200 to $400. Today, with new technology, techniques, new materials and inflation, crowns can average from $800 to $1,500. Yet, the benefits are the same. So, 20 years ago, your insurance would cover 3-5 crowns per year. Now they barely cover a single crown.
What to do So, how can you take advantage of the benefits that your employer is giving you?
• Change your attitude. Recognize that your dental insurance is only an extra benefit, not a true form of insurance. Any benefit to help defray the cost of your dental treatment is a good thing.
• Ask your dental office about the team member who handles the insurance. Get them to help you as much as possible to maximize your benefits. Be sure to have read your benefits manual before going to the dentist, and ask any questions that you might have.• Be sure you understand the positives and the negatives of your plan before you get any dental work done.
• Be aware that the dental office has no connection to your insurance company. The company will listen to your more readily than the dental office because you pay the premium. You will achieve more by dealing with the insurance company than your dentist can.
• Most dental offices will be happy to submit the necessary information to your insurance company to maximize your benefits.
• Most preventive procedures such as cleanings and x rays are usually well covered by most dental plans. Be sure to take advantage of this and see your dentist for preventive cleaning appointments.
It would be much better for the doctor/patient relationship if insurance companies were to make their benefits very clear to the consumer. Unfortunately, it is a very competitive business, and the companies are more conerned with sales.