I have been wanting to see an implant dentist for many years to replace my dental flipper. When I was young, I was in a car accident and lost my two front teeth. I have been looking around at different implant dentists in my area and found one that seems to be known for cosmetic dentistry too. Since my front teeth are highly visible, I decided to schedule a consultation with the cosmetic dentist.
My family dentist always told me that dental implants would be the best permanent solution when I was an adult. He didn’t want to go that route when I was younger since I still had so much growing to do. I was really surprised when the dentist I had a consult with recommended that I get two porcelain veneers on each side of the dental implants.
My dental flipper isn’t beautiful. However, I have never worried that it didn’t blend in. Unfortunately, this recommendation has me questioning my plan. Porcelain veneers are expensive and together with the implants, the treatment plan is out of my budget. Is this normal? Is there any way that the dental implants can be made to blend in with my surrounding teeth, without having to get porcelain veneers too?
-Karen in Minnesota
Karen,
You are right to question the treatment plan because it is inaccurate. Honestly, unless there is something aesthetically wrong with the front teeth that surround your missing teeth, they will not require any treatment.
Any implant dentist that is experienced in cosmetic dentistry should be able to create beautiful, natural-looking dental implants that blend in well. Cosmetic dentistry requires extensive training and skill, as well as a passion for creating beauty. Not just any dentist can do this type of restoration, especially on front teeth. Assuming there is nothing cosmetically wrong with your teeth, this implant dentist may not be as skilled in cosmetic dentistry as you thought. Otherwise, it may be an attempt to increase the fees. Either way, it would be wise to get a second opinion from another implant dentist in your area.
If cost ends up being a factor, many dentists will work with you by breaking up payments throughout the course of the dental implant treatments. They typically are done and paid for in up to four stages, which may be beneficial to you. So, when you find the right implant dentist for you, be sure to ask about their payment options.
This post is sponsored by Petaluma dentist Dr. Rick Lane.