Affordable Dental is Possible

If you’re more focused on saving costs with affordable dental services than going to the qualified dentist you’d really like to see, you’re not alone. Many people see some random provider who takes their insurance, and they end up with serious oral issues down the road. As a result, fillings, crowns, and other procedures hit you with unexpected costs. Those who require extensive reconstructive work often pay many thousands of dollars, or sometimes tens of thousands, in out-of-pocket expenses.

It doesn’t have to be this way.

Take dentists like Jeffrey S. Thaller DMD in Westfield, NJ.  He goes above and beyond for his family dentistry patients—even when the practice is covered by one dental insurance plan. Dr. Thaller takes the time to submit your bill to your insurance company. And it doesn’t stop with dental insurance. He and many others explore whether medical insurance might cover some costs, and then bill the dental plan for the rest.

For example, dentists can seek medical coverage for the full head, neck and mouth exams they perform when they see a new patient, since the goal is to assess more than just the teeth. Medical insurers can also cover oral problems attributable to an underlying medical condition, such as diabetes or dry mouth, a common side effect of many medications. This is just one of the many excellent routes to affordable dental care.

Experience Family Dentistry with Jeffrey S. Thaller, DMD Many of us don’t know there are ways to get the care we need from a dentist we trust without worrying so much about the costs. With Dr. Thaller, you can. If you’d like a dental experience that’s truly focused on your total well-being, give us a call and we’ll explore your options for dentist prices.

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Once you do, you and your dentist will then be faced with the choice of white vs. silver fillings. Both have advantages and drawbacks. Let’s take a closer look.

What is the Difference Between a White or Silver Tooth Filling?

Used since 1895, a silver tooth filling, technically called an amalgam filling, is a mixture of mercury, silver, tin and copper. Mercury, which makes up about 50 percent of the compound, delivers a strong, durable solution by binding the metals together. When combined with the other metals, the mercury forms a safe, stable compound.

White fillings, called resin composite fillings, are made of a ceramic and plastic compound. Because resin mimics the appearance of natural teeth, these fillings blend right in.

White vs. Silver Fillings: Pros and Cons

Pros of While Fillings

• Invisible: Because this tooth filling is the same color as your teeth, it blends in.
• Easy adhesion: Resin composite bonds to the tooth surface.
• Preserves more of the tooth: The flexibility of resin composite means less drilling.

Cons of White Fillings

• More frequent replacement: Resin composite fillings last five to seven years, which is half the lifetime of a silver filling.
• Longer procedure: The process of placing a resin filling is more involved and time-consuming.

Pros of Silver Fillings

• Proven: Silver fillings have been used for over a century.
• Economical: Silver generally costs less than white fillings.
• Long-lasting: Last 10 to 15 years, so you don’t have to go under the drill as often.

Cons of Silver Fillings

• Noticeable: Metal fillings are hard to miss when you open wide.
• Allergies issues: Some people are sensitive to the metals in amalgam.

If you have a cavity, your dentist will discuss these options with you with a more personalized approach. Either way, you will have a safe, trusted solution that helps prevent future oral issues. Contact Jeffrey S. Thaller DMD and we’ll take care of all your concerns.

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What’s the Difference Between Veneers, Crowns and Dental Implants?

Veneers

A veneer is usually made of wafer-thin porcelain that’s bonded to the front of a tooth. The porcelain is color-matched to your natural teeth. It’s strong but brittle, and sharp or repeated impacts can dislodge or crack veneers.

Crowns

Crowns are essentially “360-degree” veneers that encase your entire tooth with a thin, natural-looking layer of porcelain or a similar material. It’s usually about double the thickness of a veneer, making it more durable and resistant to cracking.

If you’re choosing between crowns or veneers for front teeth, a crown is best if they’re structurally weak because it can provide the support and protection your tooth needs while simultaneously improving the look. if you break off a significant portion of your tooth, or if you are a severe tooth grinder, a crown is also probably your best bet.

Dental Implants

If you’re facing the prospect of a denture or bridge, your dentist may suggest a dental implant as an alternative.  A dental implant is an artificial replacement for a missing natural tooth or root. It offers more comfort and stability than dentures, lets you chew food comfortably and may improve your facial appearance and speech.

When it comes to cosmetic dentistry, your dentist will walk you through the benefits and costs of your options. Once you have all the information, it should be easy to make the right decision. Contact Jeffrey S. Thaller DMD for incredible care. Since 1989, we’ve been helping our patients improve their dental health with crowns, veneers and dental implants. Schedule an appointment today!

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