Taking a Bite Out of the Recession

Sad but true: Finding quality dental care can be expensive, even in good times. This causes people to skimp on necessary treatments, or even avoid dental appointments at all.

It is even more of a stretch during tight economic times. We can’t let our mouth fall apart though – how unpretty would that be? We chatted with, Dr. Lee Gause, DDS of Smile Design Manhattan, and he shared a few tips for keeping those pearly whites beautiful and healthy.

Don’t Skip your Cleaning!

Cleaning is great example of an inexpensive treatment that prevents problems from developing (cost: approximately $200). Many patients will put off cleanings and let problems develop into more costly problems. For example, if a patient has a small cavity (cost: $400 for a filling) and allows it to grow, it could easily become a tooth needing a root canal and crown (roughly $3,000 procedure).

Payment Plans are a Great Option

For cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as teeth whitening, or porcelain veneers, payment plans are often tremendously useful. Care Credit is a GE company that gives 12 month interest free loans to people that are interested in dental procedures. This allows patients to space out payments and not pay large sums of upfront money for dental work.

Yes, Over-the-Counter Does Work

Some over the counter whitening treatments are relatively effective. The most effective whitening is an in-office whitening treatment, but if a patient simply needs to whiten their teeth only a few shades, Crest White Strips and Listerine Whitening Rinse are two good over the counter products.

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