How much does a porcelain veneer cost?
We had a phone call yesterday asking this question. The short answer in my office is $1200. The long answer is we need to see you to evaluate if veneers are even your best solution. For example, we had a patient in for a veneer evaluation a month ago. She was quoted $900/ veneer at another office for 10 veneers. We found that with just 6 months of wearing an orthodontic invisalign retainer we could get a better cosmetic result and the patient only needed 4 veneers. The total cost was $5500 rather than $9000! So much for the "less expensive" $900 veneers. Also, it should be noted we could charge less for our veneers if we used a cheaper lab and took less time and care with treatment. Before you invest in something as important as your smile, be a well informed consumer. For more information on veneers click here.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Monday, July 9, 2012
Dental Implants vs Bridges in Flagstaff, AZ
When a person is missing a tooth and wishes to replace it, the two non-removable options are implants and bridges. Neither is always the answer.
Usually opt for the bridge if:
1)There are already crowns on the teeth on both sides of the missing tooth or if both these teeth need crowns anyway.
2) It has been determined there is not enough bone to place an implant in the area(There are ways, however, to sometimes ad bone).
3) Insurance sometimes pays a lot more on a bridge. Finances can be a determining factor.
An implant can be the best option because:
1) You can floss easier around an implant and won't catch as much food
2) You don't have to have work done on the adjacent teeth, just the implant crown.
Flagstaff dentist Dr. John Bacon usually recommends an implant over a bridge when it is practical. Dr. Bacon is happy to consult each individual case at 902 N Beaver in Flagstaff, AZ. 928-774-1168. More info at flagstaffdentist.com
Usually opt for the bridge if:
1)There are already crowns on the teeth on both sides of the missing tooth or if both these teeth need crowns anyway.
2) It has been determined there is not enough bone to place an implant in the area(There are ways, however, to sometimes ad bone).
3) Insurance sometimes pays a lot more on a bridge. Finances can be a determining factor.
An implant can be the best option because:
1) You can floss easier around an implant and won't catch as much food
2) You don't have to have work done on the adjacent teeth, just the implant crown.
Flagstaff dentist Dr. John Bacon usually recommends an implant over a bridge when it is practical. Dr. Bacon is happy to consult each individual case at 902 N Beaver in Flagstaff, AZ. 928-774-1168. More info at flagstaffdentist.com
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
How can I lighten 1 dark tooth?
Often, when one lone tooth is darker than the rest that tooth has a history of trauma or has had a root canal. If the tooth has had a root canal we place bleach in the canal of the tooth and it will become much lighter. If your tooth is dark and it has not had a root canal, it may need one! (An X-ray would tell us). Another possibility is your tooth is darker for unknown reasons. If that is the case there are several options such as bonding or a porcelain veneer. Each case is unique but Dr. Bacon( Flagstaff, AZ) can take a look any time and let you know what the best treatment would be. For more information on veneers
Click here
Click here
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Cerac dental crown in flagstaff
A decision for todays patient is what kind of crown to get when one is needed.
Cerac crowns are "milled out of a hard cube of porcelain like material". The advantages are:
1) They can be made and cemented the same day, saving the patient an appointment.
2)The cost is about $25 for the dentist lab bill versus $250 for a custom made lab crown.
(This is only an advantage if the dentist passes along these savings.)
Disadvantages:
1)Monochromatic(one color)
2) Generic anatomy. They look similar to my temporary crowns.
3)Strength. I have replaced many of these crowns made by other dentists. They sometimes break.
Summary: A good deal for dentists, a bad one for patients.
(In my opinion as a long time flagstaff dentist).
I often make decisions on patient treatment by asking"What would I want if it was my mouth".
At this point in dentistry, the custom lab made crown is my choice. I have no doubt that technological advances will make the computerized crown an equal in time.
I did indeed borrow a Cerac crown making machine for a day from the company. A dentist and a technician spent the whole day with me in hopes of a sale. When at the end of the day I asked them about some of the problems we experienced that day with the 3 crowns I made, the response was that it was due to my inexperience. My only reply was"Wait a minute, I had the three experts guiding me all day." For more information on crowns at Dr. Bacon's office, go to http://www.flagstaffdentist.com/cosmetic-dentistry-flagstaff/dental-crowns.asp
Cerac crowns are "milled out of a hard cube of porcelain like material". The advantages are:
1) They can be made and cemented the same day, saving the patient an appointment.
2)The cost is about $25 for the dentist lab bill versus $250 for a custom made lab crown.
(This is only an advantage if the dentist passes along these savings.)
Disadvantages:
1)Monochromatic(one color)
2) Generic anatomy. They look similar to my temporary crowns.
3)Strength. I have replaced many of these crowns made by other dentists. They sometimes break.
Summary: A good deal for dentists, a bad one for patients.
(In my opinion as a long time flagstaff dentist).
I often make decisions on patient treatment by asking"What would I want if it was my mouth".
At this point in dentistry, the custom lab made crown is my choice. I have no doubt that technological advances will make the computerized crown an equal in time.
I did indeed borrow a Cerac crown making machine for a day from the company. A dentist and a technician spent the whole day with me in hopes of a sale. When at the end of the day I asked them about some of the problems we experienced that day with the 3 crowns I made, the response was that it was due to my inexperience. My only reply was"Wait a minute, I had the three experts guiding me all day." For more information on crowns at Dr. Bacon's office, go to http://www.flagstaffdentist.com/cosmetic-dentistry-flagstaff/dental-crowns.asp
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