Baton Rouge Dentist

Archives for August 2019

Where Can I Find the Cost of Dental Procedures?

Posted on by .

Hello there,

Why don’t dentists post their procedure costs online? I don’t want to waste my time with a dentist if I can’t afford their fees. I’d like to compare prices online before booking an appointment.

Simone, from Maine.

 

Hi Simone,

Most dentists don’t post their information online. Posting their prices can make a dentist appear “cheap” or “low quality”. Higher fees don’t mean higher quality, but a dentist willing to adjust prices by changing materials or cutting corners may not be the highest quality, either.

If a dentist doesn’t post their prices online, you can call the office and ask. Calling a few offices around your area and asking the costs of common procedures can help you find an affordable dentist. Doing so can help you determine the going rate in your area, and avoid any dentists that cost too much. Checking prices multi-surface composite fillings or crowns on posterior teeth or routine cleanings are a good place to start.

This blog post is brought to you by Baton Rouge affordable dentist and dental implant provider, Dr. Ryan Perry.

How Long Does Tooth Whitening Last?

Posted on by .

Hi there,

I got a free teeth whitening kit with custom trays as a promotion from my new dentist. At first, I was so pleased with the results after just a few weeks. My teeth looked so much brighter! However, it didn’t last very long — they’ve gone back to their usual shade. I’m due to go back in for a check-up anyway. Did my dentist give me a poor quality kit on purpose, so I’d come back in for a real whitening? Or is it just a coincidence?

Alice, from Versailles, Kentucky

 

Hi Alice,

The whitening kit you received was likely a professional-grade whitening kit. How long your teeth whitening lasts is based on several factors, such as:

  • Whether you drink coffee, tea, or red wine
  • Whether you eat dark-colored foods like tomato sauce, soy sauce, or curry
  • Whether you are a smoker

If you enjoy any of the above to excess, your teeth will stain more quickly. Enjoying them in moderation, along with healthy oral habits, will extend how long your teeth whitening lasts.

To prevent staining your teeth, try the following tips:

  • Avoid eating acidic foods — they will wear down your enamel faster
  • Brush your teeth after meals or at least 2-3 times a day
  • Avoid sipping on acidic beverages such as coffee or tea, or sugary beverages like cola or sports drinks. Drink them quickly, or use a straw to minimize contact. If you can, brush your teeth immediately after.
  • Cut back or quit smoking.

You can also use your whitening kit for a few days to get your teeth back to the shade you like, and talk to your dentist about your options at your next visit.

This blog post is brought to you by Baton Rouge teeth whitening provider, Dr. Ryan P. Perry.