Cosmetic dentistry before and afters
Are there certain aesthetic elements of your smile you would like to improve? Are you hesitant to pursue treatment because you are afraid the cost of quality cosmetic dentistry.? At the practice of Dr. David Eshom, many of our patients come to us expressing similar fears. After all, choosing to spend your hard-earned money on cosmetic procedures is a difficult decision. You want to make sure treatment is affordable, and you want to know your new smile will last for years to come. We have been proudly serving our community for many years, and during that time, we’ve become familiar with the most common questions patients have about the price of cosmetic dentistry. Here, we will explore some of these questions, so you can know what to expect regarding the price of your treatment plan.
3 things Dr. Eshom advises a patient to think about when investigating prices, costs and/or fees regarding the cost of porcelain veneers, dental bonding or any other cosmetic dental procedure.
The right cosmetic procedure – Do you want the cheapest dentist? – Expertise/experience is vital
1. Are you doing the right cosmetic dental procedure to do get your desired result? Patients often call our office asking the cost of porcelain veneers or bonding but have not investigated which would be the best for the smile they desire. Dr. Eshom advises that you look to do the “right procedure” before you investigate the right fee or price. What he means by this is getting the right smile for you is complicated. How much of a color change do you want? How can it be done without destroying tooth structure? Will a less expensive and invasive procedure work for you instead of porcelain veneers which require tooth structure removal and costs the most. This is why Dr. Eshom offers free cosmetic consultations to make sure all his patients questions and dental considerations are know before suggesting any cosmetic treatment. Even if you choose to go elsewhere, it is important to him you make a fully informed decision for yourself.
2. So you researched the best procedure for you. (ie. Porcelain veneers, dental bonding or Biolclear) Dr. Eshom’s last suggestion is counter intuitive. Do you really want the cheapest dentist doing cosmetic work in the front of your face? You all have seen “chicklet” looking fake teeth in someone’s mouth. Those “veneers” were probably done by someone cheap or someone without proper training or experience to make a smile look bright and natural blending into the persons face and persona. You will need to pay above average fees or prices to get a result that is to your satisfaction. Mexico is cheap but patients are always dissatisfied. One patient who had gone to Mexico and Dr. Eshom retreated cried when you saw her finished result found it horribly inconvenient to get her problems corrected always had a huge wait at the border.
3. Sure you want the lowest fee but always consider the expertise of the dentist doing your treatment. You get what you pay for and in cosmetic dentistry it shows in your smile. You need to see the dentist’s cosmetic work. Do they have many cases on their website? Do you like the results of those smile makeovers? Do they have a credential in cosmetic dentistry? How man cases do they do per month? What are their reviews like? Do they stand behind their work? How long? You are investing in one of the most important physical attributes on your face. People judge you by your appearance and especially your smile. Don’t go for the cheap fix that you regret every time you smile. Do your homework and get a great smile at a great value. Dr. Eshom tells his patients, “I am not the cheapest cosmetic dentist in San Diego, but I am not the most expensive either. I provide my patients their best smile with the best communication and service. That is why I feel we provide the best value for cosmetic dentistry.”
Will dental insurance cover the cost of cosmetic dental treatments?
Because most cosmetic treatments are not always 100% aesthetic in nature, they are typically covered by dental insurance providers about 75% of the time. Cosmetic procedures often overlap with restorative dentistry. And in those cases, some treatments may be partially covered. Our financial team will check your insurance benefits and advise, you to the best of their knowledge what to expect regarding insurance cover on your porcelain veneers or other form of cosmetic dentistry.
What if my cosmetic dental procedures are not covered by my insurance at all?
Not to worry! If your insurance plans do not cover cosmetic treatments, we also offer a wide array of alternative financial solutions at our practice, including in-house payment plans and third-party options, such as Care Credit patient financing.
What about hidden fees?
No one likes surprises when it comes to dental fees. That is why Dr. Eshom and our entire dental team believe in cost transparency. At our office we offer a detailed free consultation. This consultation includes photos, necessary x-ray/x-rays of the area and the doctor’s full explanation of your concerns and Dr. Eshom’s view of the at least two different possibilities of improvement of your smile. The cost the number of appointments, the details of the procedure and recovery time. We want no surprises and only big smiles when we are done with your smile enhancement. This means we will do all we can to communicate detailed procedure and financial information to you up front, before your treatment ever begins.
What determines the cost of my treatment?
There are several factors that determine the fees associated with your cosmetic dental treatments. Dr. Eshom must first establish how many teeth require treatment to achieve your desired results. As you can imagine, there will be a significant price difference between a patient who chooses six porcelain veneers (uppers only) and a patient who chooses 12 (uppers and lowers). There are also a number of materials that can be used in the fabrication of dental restorations. For example, porcelain will typically cost more than composite, but it is longer lasting. Additionally, lab costs and number of visits must be factored into the fees as well. We use the most experience and artistic labs in the country so that your treatment looks bright and natural. Therefore, we must do the same to cover our costs. However, Dr. Eshom believes that high-quality dental care should be affordable. That is why he does NOT charge the highest dental fees in San Diego.
Why should I choose a cosmetic dentist when a general dentist may charge less?
General dentists and cosmetic dentists typically perform several of the same procedures. However, the difference is that cosmetic dentists have received additional training in the area of aesthetic dentistry. Dr. Eshom the only dentist in the world that is credential in cosmetic dentistry and a Top 1% Invisalign provider. He also believes in staying up to date with the latest technology and techniques, so he can provide unparalleled care to our patients. When you choose our practice, you will know you are receiving the highest level of care possible at the best possible value. On top of the above credentials Dr. Eshom has over 30 years’ experience and the best reviews from patients.
How can I know if cosmetic treatments will be worth it for me?
Any dental procedure is an investment, whether it is restorative or cosmetic in nature. When it comes to the aesthetics of your smile, you simply have to decide what is most important to you. We can help you design a personalized treatment plan to fit your goals and budget. When we plan out your entire treatment from beginning to end, we can determine the most effective and conservative method for achieving the smile you’ve always wanted.
Learn More about Affordable Cosmetic Dentistry
If you are curious about the cost of cosmetic dental treatments, we offer free online estimates or schedule a free consultation at our San Diego dental practice. Contact us online anytime, or give us a call at 858-201-4475.