Money-Saving Ideas at the dentist
Good news in worrying financial times.
Here's what we are doing to help lower your dental bills
Let's start with the obvious. The more you look after your teeth and gums, the less we will need to do. We realise however that with the best will in the world. Teeth and gums may well need attention, although prevention is always a good idea too, so visiting the hygienist is really important. Regular dental examinations can also help diagnose more serious conditions such as mouth cancer.
On a practical note, If you are already a member of our Practice Plan you will have been informed that we did not increase our prices in 2009 in-line with inflation.
If you are not a member of Practice Plan why not consider joining? You will spread the cost of regualr visits and obtain valuable discounts on any treatment needed as well as worldwide accident and emergency cover. Just ask us and we will do the paperwork.
Long-term temporary fillings- Glass-ionomersA British invention, for some years now, "Glass-ionomer" filling materials have been available. They are quick to use and tooth-kind. They release fluoride and so help reduce new decay too. They look quite nice but are notas excellent in appearance as the standard "composite" resin fillings that can produce invisible mending. They are not as strong as other filling materials but in the right situation they can last for several years. This material is not suitable for the edges of front teeth but in other areas, If the appearance is not critical, they are quick to apply and so will save you time and money. We often think of these as long-term temporary fillings which may last from 2 -5 years. Quick and low cost crowns for back teeth Immediate Provisional Crowns (IPCs) If a back tooth needs a crown but your budget is tight, then this technique could be just the job. The tooth is reconstructed using a composite resin crown to get you by. The appearance and strength will be reasonable. This method may not always be suitable but we can adivise you. Advantages IPCs can be made in one visit and so avoids laboratory charges and additional time and visits. Typically this method would save £300-400 per cown plus 2 additional visits so saving time away from work travel and parking too! This type of crown for back teeth might last 1-2 years and uses a resin material that we have been using for over 5 years to build up the centre core for conventional porcelain crowns. For front teeth we can use Luxatemp which is more transluscent. This type of provisonal crown on front teeth could also last one to two years if necessary and then be replaced with a better permanent ceramic crown such as a "Lava" crown and the preparation work will have been done already! |  |
Have you lost a tooth?
Perhaps Stick-Tech could help.
Stick-Tech uses a revolutionary Finnish dental development to adhesively bond a resin tooth to the adjacent teeth. These can be completed in one visit so saving time and money. They cannot be considered permanent but again should last 5-8 years depending on use and the bite arrangement.
10 months interest-free credit
As licensed credit brokers we are able to offer credit if you require. Please ask us for details in confidence.
For more extensive courses of treatment discounts are available when fees are paid in advance.
Adults will be given priority appointments on Saturday, if you find it difficult to take time away from work during the week. Please let us know if this is the case.
We will look for ways to add value to your visits to us. Please visit us again for more information.