I grew up with a difficult childhood and dental care wasn’t a regular part of my life until after high school. At 27 years old my teeth show it. My dental flipper just broke and I already have over $2o,000 in work that needs to be done. I simply can’t afford it. But I really wish there was a way to improve things. My dentist won’t work with me. I wish the crowns and bridges could somehow be reduced but he won’t budge on fees.
Do you have any recommendations or ideas? Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
– Linda from Wisconsin
Linda,
I’m not aware of any special resources or an extremely affordable dentist that would provide discounts. But I do have some recommendations that you may find helpful.
Without knowing exactly what services you require it is difficult to make specific treatment recommendations. Although, from what you have described it seems as if you should be able to phase your treatment out over time. This will allow you to pay as you go which will make your dentistry more affordable.
If decay is a big issue and you have several teeth that need to be extracted, then you may be able to treat things economically. If the dentist removes the decay then the tooth can be filled as cost-effective as possible. Or if it’s a crown you need, the dentist can build up the area without actually placing the crown. Both of these options will help and will hopefully be less expensive.
Or temporary fillings can be placed to help with the decay. This isn’t a long-term strategy but the material used for these fillings contains fluoride. This will be a good base for a crown and the fluoride will help resist future decay.
As for teeth that need to be removed, a partial denture is much less expensive than dental implants or bridges.
If your dentist won’t work with you then make some calls and hopefully you can find one that will. Just be honest and upfront about your financial situation. I would explain that you have a lot of work to be done and you need to phase it out over time. Also, some dentists offer complimentary consultations where you can go in and discuss specifics and hopefully come up with a personalized plan that works for you.
Best of luck.
This post is sponsored by Gilbert dentist Vista Dorada Dental.
Related link: affordable dental implants