Pricing and Treatment Plans at Premier Smiles
Dentists have varying views on approaching a case or a patient, which is why treatment plans can vary from one dentist to another. Some dentists focus more on an immediate fix for a problem, while others focus on a long-term outcome for the patient. Generally, different dentists possess different levels of training and skills, and everyone has their own perspective on how to approach a case.
For example, some doctors adopt a more conservative approach to treating a tooth or teeth, whereas other dentists, while not necessarily aggressive, think more about a long-term solution versus a short-term solution, leading them to choose different options.
How does dental technology and my diagnosis change my treatment plan?
Nowadays, technology is definitely a wonderful tool in helping diagnose patients and providing the best care possible. When I refer to technology, I mean digital imaging, intraoral cameras, 3D scanning, and 3D printing. All of these tools help provide a much better service for the patient with a much better outcome.
When choosing a treatment plan, patients need to be informed of the outcomes of each option they might have. They need to understand that quick fixes often don't provide durable solutions with a very good outcome. While more involved treatment plans may cost more upfront, they will provide a much better long-term outcome. It also depends on the patient's priorities, whether they emphasize cosmetics, a quick fix, or full rehabilitation.
What advice do you have for a patient who has different treatment plan options?
My advice to patients when receiving different treatment options is to ask questions about the type of materials used, the labs involved in their treatment option, the type of restoration that the particular dentist offers, and the follow-ups, which are very important in many cases. They need to understand the differences between treatment plans, not just the financial aspect. They need to understand what each treatment encompasses and offers versus the cost of those treatment plans.
Why are prices between dental practices different?
When trying to compare prices from different dental practices, a patient needs to ask questions to that particular practice regarding the type of materials they are using, the type of procedure that is done, the lab they are using, the technology involved in diagnosing and providing and assisting that procedure from start to finish. Additionally, the patient needs to know the follow-ups included, the warranties for the restorations provided to the patient, and the bottom line is how long these restorations will last.
In the dental market, there are a multitude of materials and also a multitude of dental labs. As in any other industry, there are good materials and not as durable materials. As far as labs, they focus more on quality than quantity. The patient needs to ask these questions from their dental care provider regarding what kind of lab they're using, what type of materials they are using, and based on that, they will understand better the price they are paying for that particular restoration.
Definitely, a dentist's training is very important and can have a significant impact on the price of a specific dental procedure. Different dentists have different levels of training, with some emphasizing simple emergency care, while others have had more training in restoring complex cases, viewing the patient from multiple angles to provide them with the best standard of care.
The fees are also influenced by the location of a dental practice. If that practice is in a more affluent or central area, that would affect the prices of the restorations that practice offers. The number of staff and the amount of technology incorporated in that practice are key factors in the final price of a procedure performed in a specific dental office.
When comparing prices, patients need to look beyond the numbers. They should consider the materials used by each practice, the labs employed to manufacture those particular restorations, the durability of those materials, the warranties, and the follow-ups included with those particular procedures. Some practices focus more on volume, while others take their time, spending more time with the patient, evaluating the patient more carefully and thoroughly, allowing them to diagnose and overall provide a much better outcome and a more durable treatment option.
Learn more about Premier Smiles and what we can do for you!
At Premier Smiles, you come first. Whether you need dental care or simply have questions, call us at (610) 553-3389 or email [email protected] to schedule your visit. Our team is here to help you every step of the way.
What do you do when patients have objections or questions to treatment?
We get this question quite a bit when we present a treatment plan to a patient, and most of the time, we just have to take our time to explain the treatment plan in detail, step by step, explaining to the patient what each step of that treatment plan includes, what the benefits of that treatment plan are, and why the treatment should be done. This way, the patient has a better understanding, and it will help them see the value of the treatment proposed.
In my opinion, nobody is ever too old to have a healthy mouth and a functional mouth. When we do an exam for a patient, it doesn't matter their age. Our philosophy is that the patient is entitled to having a healthy mouth, having a functional mouth, being able to enjoy eating anything they want without any restrictions or limitations, and overall, it helps them prolong their lifespan when there is less bacteria and fewer problems in the mouth.
What if a patient says they do not have the time for the recommended treatment?
When the patient's objection is that they don't have the time, most of the time, it means that they really didn't understand what we're trying to accomplish in their mouth and what the benefits are of doing the treatment that we're proposing. A lot of the time, when the patient says they don't have the time, we should actually take our time and explain it to the patient with dental X-rays, pictures, and videos, explaining the benefits they would have by going ahead with the treatment. This way, once they learn the importance of the treatment and the value of the treatment, then for sure they will find the time to get it done.
What if a patient says let me talk to my spouse?
When we get the objection of “let me talk to my spouse,” it's usually that they need more time to think about it, which means you have to, as a professional, give them more information, explain the treatment plan again, and present the benefits, the pros and cons, and the disadvantages if they prolong the time before doing the treatment.
Most of the time, when patients have issues in their mouth that don't really hurt, they should be informed that procrastinating and waiting longer often makes treatment more expensive, more involved, and more complicated. Sometimes, you can end up losing teeth. They can crack. You may need more procedures like root canals or extractions. They need to understand that being more proactive is to their advantage and benefit, to fix their teeth and bring them back to normal health and function, and overall, get the benefit of using their teeth with no problems.
Understanding your dental care options is an important part of protecting your oral health. Contact us at (610) 553-3389 or email [email protected] with any questions.