Soaring Dental Prices Are Not For the Faint of Heart!

 I saw an article recently that makes a good argument for Dental Plans! Not directly, of course, but if one considers that dentistry is among the most expensive in terms of healthcare and that there is no regulatory agency that holds dental prices in check, a Dental Plan can be extremely beneficial. 

Senior Citizens! Don't be fooled by Dental Insurance Companie's promise to cover $2000, $3000, even $4000 of your dental costs! Dental insurance companies actually pay little to nothing and put a cap on your benefits.  It never works out in favor of the patient.  Never. 

Back to Dental Plans. Now, when I say Dental Plan, I don't mean the ever growing "in-house" type of plan that some dentists are always trying to promote; those will save you very little money overall and if a problem arises...well, where are you going to go? The plan would not be accepted by another facility! No, I'm suggesting a bonafide, BBB accredited discount plan.
Dental plans go far beyond what insurance companies do in terms of savings.  More procedures are covered, there is no limit to benefits, coverage is immediate and there is no waiting 12 months for a large procedure...

Additionally,  any good dental plan can be used as a supplement to an insurance plan.  Once your insurance benefits are exhausted, you can switch over to the dental plan and still receive a benefit. 

Seriously, why would one NOT consider a dental plan? Do your homework, but at least check it out. You'll find that the savings and a small investment for a membership are well worth the effort, especially now, in an uncertain market.  Everyone needs dental work at some point.  Be prepared with a good dental plan.

Don't wait for a toothache!!

Sugar Free is Not Always Better for Your Teeth

 You may think that since your sodas, energy drinks and candy bars say "sugar -free" they are automatically better for your teeth. Sorry to say but according to recent research, they can still damage your teeth.

Australian researchers tested 23 sugar-free and sugar-containing products such as sports drinks and so on. They found that even if they say sugar-free, the acidic additives and low pH levels still harm the teeth.

Eric Reynolds the CEO of the Oral Health Cooperative Research Center at Melbourne University said his colleagues and himself found most soft and sports drinks caused dental enamel to soften by 30-50 percent. Both sugar-free and sugar-containing drinks and flavored mineral waters caused measurable loss of tooth surface.

Remember, cutting down on your sugar intake isn't always good for your teeth! Always check the list of acidic ingredients on drinks before you buy! Knowing what to look for can end up saving your teeth and smile!

Do You Need Corrective Jaw Surgery?

 Corrective Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery) is performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. This surgery is to help correct overbite, underbite, or misaligned teeth. This surgery can also improve facial appearance. Your Orthodontist will determine if you will need this surgery.

The procedure:
After about 1-2 years of orthodontic treatment, your orthodontist may recommend corrective jaw surgery. This procedure may take 1-3 hours to complete. Both your orthodontist and oral surgeon will be in the room for the procedure. This will take place at the hospital under anesthesia. You may have to stay overnight but usually released the next day.

Recovery:
After surgery you can expect pain, swelling, bruising, minor bleeding. You will be able to speak, drink, eat immediately because you will not have your jaws wired shut! Doctors will recommend blended food for 2 weeks and then gradually work to solid foods..

Cost:
Initial Orthodontic treatment (braces/retainer) usually cost around $2,000-$5,000. Corrective Jaw Surgery usually costs around $20,000 -$30,000. You may want to check to see if your insurance will cover this procedure.

*Many people go through this surgery just to change their facial appearance... Would you?

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