What Affects the Cost of Cosmetic Dentistry?

The first question that many patients seeking cosmetic dental treatment ask is, “How much is improving my smile going to cost?” While there are typically no flat-fees for cosmetic dental care, given that every patient and dentist is different, there are many things that affect how much your final cost of treatment may be, such as:

Materials – Prosthetics used to make your smile look more appealing vary in their composition. For example, dental crowns and bridges can be made with metal components, or can be solid porcelain or ceramic. While metal-based restorations are considered by some to last longer, and are generally more economical, they don’t age as well as solid porcelain prosthetics. Getting tooth-colored treatment with porcelain and ceramic can be more costly, but looks more natural over longer periods of time.

Treatment Methods – There’s more than one way to make your smile look flawless, and the treatment you select will affect final cost, depending on your dental concerns. If you’re trying to replace missing teeth, a dental bridge or partial denture is less expensive than a dental implant, though an implant is longer-lasting. If you’re trying to make your smile look whiter and better aligned with veneers, you can use traditional veneers, no-prep veneers, or bonded resin veneers. Resin veneers are cheaper, but may not be as strong as the others.

Pre-Treatment or Other Associated Costs – For some patients, getting one treatment may require preparing for it with certain pre-treatments. A patient seeking dental implants, who has thin jaw bone density, may need bone grafts before an implant can be placed. Additionally, any treatments that require the use of anesthetic injections will add to the cost of the care plan. It’s important to discuss your whole treatment plan with your dentist so you can anticipate all potential costs.

A Dentist’s Level of Education and Experience - It’s true that you get what you pay for. A dentist who’s well known for, and specializes in, cosmetic restorations may charge more for services, but may be more likely to provide you with superior results. In your research for a dentist who can provide you with the cosmetic treatment you need, make sure to consult their website and learn about their treatment options and materials to get a good idea of what you want and how that could affect your total.

If you have questions about cosmetic dentistry, our Brentwood dental office can help. We work with you to find affordable solutions for natural-looking cosmetic dental care. Call Drs. Harrison and Henderson for more information or to schedule your consultation.

Which Should I Choose – Removable or Permanent Dentures?

Both removable dentures and fixed, implant-supported dentures help you fill in gaps created by missing teeth. Full dentures can even restore entire arches of missing or extracted teeth. Both treatments come with advantages and disadvantages, but figuring out what will work best for you depends on your oral health, budget, and long-term goals.

Removable Dentures – These restorations are typically the most economic prosthetic teeth. If you’re missing whole arches of teeth, getting dentures helps you regain much of your natural bite function, as well as a full set of beautiful new teeth.  The process for getting your new dentures, which does require multiple adjustments and fittings, is non-invasive. Dentures can also be partial in order to replace just a few teeth.

Implant Dentures – Implant-supported, or permanent, dentures can also replace a full set of missing teeth. However, these dentures cannot be removed and are held in place with several dental implant posts. These posts are placed via oral surgery into bone on your jaw. As they are more stable than removable dentures, fixed dentures allow you to regain even more natural biting and chewing function.  Getting implant-supported dentures does tend to be more costly and more invasive than the removable option. If you only have one or two missing teeth, dental implants can also be used to permanently secure ceramic crowns and bridges.

Many patients choose removable dentures, as they tend to be most budget-friendly. However, implant-supported dentures have risen in popularity as being a solid long-term investment for your oral health and function. For those patients who are not good candidates for oral surgery, or who do not have enough health jawbone to safely anchor a dental implant, removable dentures are the best choice. If you currently have dentures and are interested in a more permanent restoration, dental implants can help.

At the office of William D. Henderson, DDS we provide both removable and permanent dentures to patients with missing teeth. To learn more about which treatment will work best for you, call our office today to schedule your consultation.

Treating Sleep Apnea: Oral Appliances vs. CPAP

Millions of people are living with sleep apnea, a disorder that makes it difficult for them to breathe regularly during sleep.  If you think you may be suffering from sleep apnea, it is important to talk to your primary care physician about getting a diagnosis. Depending on the type and severity of your condition, your doctor may recommend CPAP treatment, or send you to a dentist to be fitted with an oral device.

Both treat sleep apnea effectively, but what’s better --- CPAP machines or a sleep apnea mouth guard?

The go-to solution for treating sleep apnea used to be the continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP machine. This device is used to provide a continuous stream of air into the lungs while you sleep.  Your CPAP machine mask can be adjusted to be comfortable, especially if you are wearing a full-face mask. The air pressure delivered through the CPAP machine is also adjustable, to make it easier for patients who are having a hard time with forced air.

The alternative to the CPAP machine is an oral appliance, which is a device similar in size and feel to a night guard. Oral appliance therapy aids in the treatment of sleep apnea by holding your jaw in a comfortable, slightly forward position, which keeps the airway open and facilitates easy breath.  Using an oral appliance also allows you to sleep more comfortably on your side or stomach. Oral appliances are designed to custom fit your mouth in order to make your treatment as comfortable as possible.

The Verdict: Although CPAP machines are effective, many people find the machine too bulky and noisy, and are uncomfortable wearing the mask, which streams air into the body.  Oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea doesn’t produce the same uncomfortable side-effects as CPAP, such as a feeling of claustrophobia, dry mouth, or even skin irritation from wearing the mask and straps.

If you are interested in how a sleep apnea oral appliance can help you breathe easier, we invite you to visit us our Brentwood dental office. We are happy to discuss how we can provide you with comfortable, affordable relief from your sleep apnea. Please contact Dr. Harrison and Dr. Henderson today for your sleep apnea therapy consultation.