Your Efforts And Time Are Valuable
We understand your busy schedule and make your appointments in our office as convenient as possible. Our dental services use the latest technologies that will save you time and effort, and our care will always be attentive to your individual needs.
These are the ways we make it affordable and easy for your whole family to achieve your best, healthiest smiles:
What’s Right for You?
How can I choose the right dentist for my family?
In the United States, any licensed dentist can do at least a passable job of fixing your teeth. However, not all dental practices are the same. Some take an approach that does not mesh with your style. Some do not use the latest techniques. Some have narrow specializations that would exclude some members of your family. Here are some things to look for when choosing a family dentist.
Education and Advanced Training: Family dentists are not specialists. Still, post-graduate certifications and continuing education classes expand the dentist’s skills and experience. Look for a dentist who is trained and experienced in the patient groups and procedures your family is likely to need.
Style: Some dentists are highly collaborative in their approach to patients, while others have a more old-fashioned, authoritative style. Some focus on cutting-edge treatments while others prefer traditional methods. Determine how you would want your dentist to approach a complex issue, and then find one who aligns with your vision.
Practical Matters: Does the dentist accept your insurance? Is the office location convenient for you? Do the hours work with your schedule? Is financing offered? Does the dentist know how to accommodate any phobias or special needs that a family member may have?
Pricing: Dental fees are highly complex, and you are unlikely to get firm quotes over the phone. However, it is worth calling around to get ballpark estimates on such common procedures as X-rays and fillings. Be skeptical of any dentist whose prices are much higher or much lower than the average for your area.
Environment and Personal Connection: These are the X factors that can make or break your experience as a patient. Check out the lobby and patient care areas. Do you feel comfortable and welcome? Is everything clean and tidy? Do you feel like a person instead of a number? Do you click with the dentist and the staff? If anything feels “off” to you, trust your gut and simply move on to the next dentist on your list.
How can I finance dental procedures?
Dental work is expensive but necessary. You can offset some of the costs with dental insurance, which typically pays up to 50% for major procedures such as a crown or bridge, but annual caps may be as low as $1500 per person. If you need help paying your portion of the bill, there are several options to consider:
Credit Card: If you have good credit and are a disciplined user of credit, a credit card may be the best choice. Some offer cashback or rewards, and many offer a 0% interest rate for a period of time. If your credit is poor, though, or if you do not pay off the balance during the promotional period, interest rates could be prohibitive.
Personal Loan: If you have excellent credit or a strong cosigner, an unsecured personal loan may be right for you. With a low interest rate and set monthly payments, you can divide up the bill by the number of months of your loan. Those with weak credit and no cosigner could consider a secured loan, which is backed by collateral, but be careful. If the loan goes into default, you will lose your collateral.
Medical Credit Card: Companies such as CareCredit offer credit cards specifically for medical, dental, and veterinary expenses. If the cost of your procedure is over a minimum threshold (such as $1000), you may qualify for a promotional 0% interest rate for up to 18 months. These cards are available even to those with steady income but not so good credit, making dental care accessible to most. Be sure to pay off the balance during the promotional period, though. If you carry a balance after that time, you will owe interest at more than 20% on the entire original balance, not just what remains.
Dental care is expensive, but there are options for paying the bills. If you are concerned about your ability to pay, let us know. We can often set up treatment plans that maximize insurance and break up payments into affordable chunks. We will also walk you through your financing options and help you choose the one that is right for you.
Schedule the First Step Toward Your Healthiest Smile
