What if my Insurance Doesn’t Cover my Dental Work?

Cost is often a reason why a large percentage of the population neglects to get important dental work done. It’s also a big reason why some are afraid to seek out cosmetic dentistry or teeth straightening services that could make life better.  Read on for some advice for ensuring that you can take good care of your oral health and keep dental costs in check:

Prioritizing Dental Needs vs. Your Coverage

Don’t hesitate to talk to your dentist about financial concerns. If you have limited insurance coverage and don’t want to go too far above that coverage ceiling, your dentist can prioritize your dental work so that it fits your budget and your dental coverage. If you’ve got a limit per year, your dentist can schedule your needs based on that limit and could suggest the most cost effective treatments possible. (For example: if you want smile improvements but can’t afford porcelain veneers, your dentist might suggest tooth bonding or a Snap-on smile.)

Dental Financing

If some or all of the services you want won’t be fully covered by your insurance policy, ask about dental financing. Atlanta Dental Spa offers dental options including interest-free financing, reducing the burden by giving you a small monthly payment to make instead of a large lump sum (and instead of meaning you have to wait to get work done that you want done now).

Talk to Your Dental Insurance Company

Before having extensive work done, consider approaching your insurance company with your quote for dental work to find out exactly how much will be covered. There may be areas you’re not sure of and your insurance company can confirm, for certain, how much they will cover. This way, you won’t be left with any unpleasant surprises.

Invest in Your Smile

Yes, certain dental services aren’t covered by basic dental insurance but the difference they could make to your smile and your confidence levels could result in an amazing return on your investment. Certain dental procedures might even cost less than you expect. Why not set up a consultation with us at the Atlanta Dental Spa and find out what your options are?

Are Porcelain Crowns Necessary After a Root Canal?

If you’ve had a root canal, your dentist has likely recommended a porcelain crown. This is something that’s typically not covered 100% by your dental insurance and it can be pricey so you might be wondering,

“Do I really need a porcelain crown?”

Maybe you’re getting ready for root canal treatment and are trying to determine dental costs. And you probably wonder if the extra expense and extra appointments involved with porcelain crowns are worthwhile.  In summary, yes, a porcelain crown is worthwhile.

A root canal is an alternative to a tooth extraction that typically requires two or three appointments and involves removal of the deal pulp inside the tooth. Sealing then occurs. Because the balance of the tooth tends to be a very thin shell, you are at increased risk of tooth fracturing or breakage. A porcelain crown is a cap that fits on top of your tooth and is a protective shell. It looks natural and can blend well to match your natural teeth. It also does not aggravate your gums like metal crowns do.

The sooner you have a porcelain crown put in, the better the longevity of you tooth. If cost is a concern, Atlanta Dental Spa offers dental financing. You can split payments over several months or longer, easing the financial burden without sacrificing your teeth.

What if I don’t get a crown?

If you opt not to have a crown put on and there are problems with your tooth, talk to your dentist about repairs. If a fracture occurs, dental bonding could be a good solution. Some people who have extensive damage from broken teeth consider veneers or dental implants.

Caring for porcelain crowns:

Take care of your porcelain crown the same way you would your natural teeth. If you have any issues or problems, speak to your dentist. Have regular check-ups and dental cleanings to maximize the life of your crown.

If you want to review your options for root canals or porcelain crowns, contact the Atlanta Dental Spa. We’d be happy to discuss treatment options with you.

Researching Invisalign Providers in Atlanta?

If you’re looking to straighten your teeth with minimal impact on your social and professional life, then Invisalign might be the perfect solution for you. Because the effectiveness of this state-of-the-art process varies depending on the skill and experience of the provider, we encourage you to conduct thorough research before choosing your Invisalign^® doctor.

Following are a few factors you’ll want to keep in mind as you consider Invisalign providers in Atlanta.

Special Training

Be sure to ask each dentist you are considering about his or her qualifications. Only dentists who have participated in training from the Aligntech Institute are qualified to provide Invisalign treatment.

• Dr. Estep and Dr. Boulden regularly participate in training from the Aligntech Institute, making them highly qualified to determine which patients are the best candidates.

Experience

Don’t be shy about asking how many Invisalign cases the dentist has handled. A more experienced provider will know if clear braces are capable of the types of tooth movement you require.

• Invisalign is one of the most common cosmetic dentistry services we provide at the Atlanta Dental Spa, and our team has mastered the techniques required to obtain beautiful results using the Invisalign system.

Proven Results

Results speak for themselves. Any Invisalign provider should be willing to share before and after photos of successful treatments.

• We invite you to visit the Atlanta Dental Spa Invisalign smile gallery for examples of our past successes using Invisalign clear braces.

Patient Focused

Of course even the best dental provider isn’t right for you if they don’t put your needs and comfort first. Your dentist should make you feel completely comfortable and able to open up about your desires and anxieties related to straightening your teeth.

• The gentle dentists of Atlanta Dental Spa understand that going to the dentist can be a stressful experience. Our patients regularly tell us how Dr. Estep and Dr. Boulden made their visit to the dentist a more enjoyable experience.

We welcome the opportunity to consult with you about your tooth-straightening options. If you’re looking for an Invisalign provider in Atlanta, call us today for n appointment with our top cosmetic dentists.

 

Don’t Waste Money on Cheap Porcelain Veneers

High-quality porcelain veneers enhance your smile for many years to come, making them one of the best investments in cosmetic dentistry. Cheap veneers, on the other hand, may look fake and will likely need to be repaired or replaced within a few years.

The High Cost of Cheap Veneers

What if one of your veneers broke or fell off just before a big presentation or special event? Would the cost savings be worth it if your veneers started to stain or crack after just a few months?

You’re probably considering porcelain veneers because you want a million-dollar smile, so it just doesn’t make sense to sacrifice quality.

With some purchases, cost may be the most important factor. But veneers aren’t an item that you will use and discard. Cosmetic dentistry is something you live with all day, everyday.

Invest In Quality

Dentists who discount their work must find ways to reduce their costs, either through lower-quality materials or cutting corners on technique.

Quality of porcelain veneers varies depending on:

• Quality of the material. The technology used to manufacture porcelain veneers has advanced by leaps and bounds in recent years. The lithium disilicate often used in today’s porcelain veneers is the strongest material (aside from metal) that is available in cosmetic dentistry. And unlike metal, porcelain is also the most natural-looking material.
• Skill of the ceramist. Each porcelain veneer is hand-made, and only a master ceramist will be able to craft your so that they perfectly match the shape, size and color of your existing teeth.
• Cosmetic skill of the dentist. Each veneer must be carefully fitted and bonded to the tooth. This labor-intensive and technique-sensitive practice is best performed by an accredited and experienced cosmetic dentist.

Financing Options

If you are considering veneers for a full smile makeover, there are some dental financing options you can consider to help make the costs more manageable.

• Our staff will help you work with your insurance company to find out if your dental insurance will cover a portion of your veneers procedure.
• Atlanta Dental Spa also offers credit options from two of the leading companies in health care credit: Springstone Financial and CareCredit.
• We also accept all major credit cards, allowing you to pay for your veneers on your own schedule.
• We will not begin your veneers procedure until you completely understand the costs involved.

High-quality porcelain veneers are an investment in your image. Don’t shoot yourself in the foot by settling for a cheap imitation. If you’re in the Atlanta area, our top cosmetic dentists would love to help you review your veneers options and get you on the road to a stunning smile!

 

Searching For Dentists in Buckhead? Look to Atlanta Dental Spa

While cosmetic dentistry is our passion, Atlanta Dental Spa offers the complete range of general dentistry services. And with the opening of our new location, we are the Buckhead dentists you’ve been looking for!

In addition to regular teeth cleanings, following are two of the general dentistry services we often recommend to our Buckhead patients.

 

Dental Implants

• When you’ve lost a tooth or need a tooth extraction, one of your best options today for replacing that tooth is a natural-looking dental implant.

• It is important to replace lost teeth, even if they are in the back of the mouth, to maintain the stability and alignment of the rest of your teeth.

• Dental implants consist of a titanium screw that replaces the root of the tooth, as well as a porcelain crown that replaces the missing tooth and an abutment that connects the screw and the crown. Replacing the root helps ensure that the bone remains healthy and strong, and implants do not require any drilling on the healthy adjacent teeth.

• The primary drawback to implants is the amount of time required – usually 4 to 8 months from start to finish. It is also important that the dentist carefully match the crown to the natural teeth, so Buckhead dentistry patients who need to have a tooth replaced should carefully screen their dentist prior to having work done.

Oral DNA Testing

• Do you know about the body-mouth connection? The bacteria in your mouth has been connected to heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, cancer and a range of other diseases. Given this critical link between your body and mouth health, it pays to be vigilant.

• In addition to regular cleanings, we also conduct oral DNA testing for many of our patients. Our Buckhead dentists offer two tests to help prevent gum disease.

• MyPerioID determines if you have a genetic predisposition to develop periodontal disease. MyPerioPath is a test to discover whether the bacteria that cause gingivitis and periodontal disease are present in your mouth. Depending on the results of these tests, we customize an oral hygiene plan to prevent or slow the progression of the disease.

• In some cases, a mouth sore alerts us to the possible presence of the Human papillomavirus (HPV), a mucosal viral infection that could potentially lead to oral cancer. But since early oral HPV infections do not typically cause any clinical signs, it is important to be proactive. The OraRisk® HPV test is a non-invasive screening tool to identify the presence of oral HPV.

If you’re looking for a new dentist, we hope you’ll stop by our new dental office for a complimentary consultation. We’d love to become your Buckhead dentists!

 

Veneers Buckhead: Top Cosmetic Dentists Answer Your Questions

Buckhead residents looking to create a radiant smile now have Atlanta’s top cosmetic dentists in their backyard! Dr. Peter Boulden and Dr. Susan Estep are bringing their meticulous veneers process to Buckhead with their new office opening in May.

Veneers are a popular way to make your smile whiter and more symmetrical. Buckhead residents considering this cosmetic dentistry option are in good hands with the dentists who won “Best in Show” and “1st Place for Smile Makeovers” in the Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics 2010 International Smile Gallery Competition.

Benefits of Veneers

Porcelain veneers have been used for decades to improve smiles, for a number of reasons:

• Natural-looking: Porcelain closely replicates human enamel because it has the same translucency, which means that light can enter and be reflected back out. Because of the skill required to match the porcelain to the surrounding teeth, only a master ceramist is qualified to create porcelain veneers.
• Strong: Generally made of lithium disilicate glass, porcelain is the strongest dental material available, other than metal. (However, it’s a myth that porcelain is stronger than enamel; any activity that would chip your natural teeth would also break enamel.)
• Long-lasting: With a life of 20 years or longer, porcelain veneers are one of the most durable ways to enhance your smile. Their durability is due in part to the chemical bonding process used to adhere these thin shells of porcelain to your teeth.

No-Prep Veneers

One of the potential downsides of traditional veneers is that they usually require some reduction of the underlying tooth, so that your smile doesn’t become overly bulky. However, newer technology has led to the creation of ultra-thin veneers that require no or minimal preparation of the teeth.

In addition to prepless veneers brands such as Lumineers, Buckhead cosmetic dentists Drs. Boulden and Estep have developed a special veneers option called UltraVeneers.

The benefits of no-prep or minimal prep veneers include:

• Minimally invasive: Typically, the dentist only needs to contour the teeth slightly, and usually no anesthetic is necessary.
• Cost: No-prep veneers typically are a less expensive option than traditional veneers or other cosmetic dental procedures.
• Turnaround: Most patients can have their no-prep veneers placed within 72 hours.

Buckhead residents have many options for perfecting their smiles, and cosmetic dentists Drs. Boulden and Estep would be happy to offer a complimentary smile consultation to determine whether veneers are right for you.

 

Looking for a Cosmetic Dentist in Buckhead?

If you’re searching for a Buckhead dentist who will give you a radiant smile, look no further than Atlanta Dental Spa, a full-service practice that specializes in cosmetic dentistry.

And now, top cosmetic dentists Drs. Estep and Boulden have expanded to a second Atlanta location, right in the heart of Buckhead.

 

 

Atlanta Dental Spa offers a variety of cosmetic dentistry solutions for creating your perfect smile:

• Veneers, including no-prep and minimal-prep veneers
• Teeth whitening
• Invisalign^® braces
• Laser gum lift
• Tooth bonding
• Snap-on smiles
• Full-mouth rehabilitation

Quality Cosmetic Dentistry in Buckhead

With more than a decade serving Atlanta’s cosmetic dentistry needs, Drs. Estep and Boulden are bringing their high-quality cosmetic dentistry to Buckhead.

• Both Dr. Boulden and Dr. Estep are honored to be Fellows of the Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics (ACE), an elite group with only three Fellows in the state of Georgia.

• Dr. Boulden serves on the ACE Advisory Board and is a founding board member of the American Academy of Oral Systemic Health.

• For five consecutive years, Dr. Estep was voted one of America’s Top Cosmetic Dentists.

• Drs. Estep and Boulden have been voted among Atlanta Magazine’s Top Dentists every year since the competition began.

Specializing in the latest procedures

As you’re searching for a cosmetic dentist, no doubt you want a specialist who is current with the latest developments in dentistry.

• Drs. Boulden and Estep stay at the top of their field through continued research and education in an effort to provide the most cost-effective and long-lasting solutions to their patients’ needs.

• They embrace the latest in dental technology and have been involved in the development of many of the best practices used today in cosmetic dentistry, such as no-prep veneers.

The Focus Is You

Drs. Estep and Boulden believe dentistry should be as painless as possible, and that your needs and wants come first.

In addition to creating this website to answer your questions about family and cosmetic dentistry, our dentists truly know how to communicate with patients by speaking in everyday language – not dental jargon.

That’s just one part of the difference you’ll experience in our Buckhead dental practice, where patients are welcomed by the sound of waterfalls and enjoy Bose^® noise-cancelling headphones and Tempurpedic^® chairs during their procedures.

If you’re looking for a cosmetic dentist in Buckhead, don’t trust your smile to anyone else. Call Atlanta Dental Spa today for your complimentary consultation.

 

Veneers Financing Atlanta: How to Pay for Your Perfect Smile

If your smile isn’t what you want it to be, then high quality porcelain veneers or Lumineers could be the perfect option for you. However, many people do not consider these options, because they assume financing is not available for porcelain veneers. If you have always wanted veneers to create that brilliant, priceless smile (but didn’t think you could afford them) we have the solution for you!

At Atlanta Dental Spa, we want to make sure that each person who wants the best veneers in Atlanta has the chance to make their wish come true! We offer a variety of veneers financing solutions, and with our flexible payment options we will help you get the beautiful smile you have always wanted.

Porcelain veneers financing from Atlanta Dental Spa

• We offer many payment solutions to fit your needs. Two payment options that are quite popular with many of our patients are Springstone Financial and CareCredit.

• These are two of the leading companies in health care credit, and they offer credit cards to individuals looking to pay for their healthcare needs. Using one of these financial institutions can make affording your dental care from Atlanta Dental Spa a reality.

• In addition to the options above, we also accept all major credit cards. Whether you want to use American Express, Discover, Visa, or MasterCard, we have got you covered. This essentially gives you the option of paying for your veneers procedure over a period of time that is right for you.

• We will also work with your insurance company to receive maximum insurance benefits, if applicable. While we are not listed as providers on any insurance providers lists, it may be possible to get reimbursement from your insurance provider for certain cosmetic dentistry procedures.

• Of course if you prefer, we do accept cash payments, as well as personal checks.

Fee-for-service system

• Here at Atlanta Dental Spa, we institutionalize a fee-for-service system on all veneer work. This means that patients must pay for veneers on the same day as you begin the process. As you know, all insurance policies are different and many have stipulations on dental coverage.

• Therefore, we must make an educated guess as to how much your insurance may cover. While we cannot predict this, we make close approximations based on past patient experiences.

• However, we can assure you that your veneers procedure will not start without your full understanding of the costs involved.

• The cost of high quality porcelain veneers can scare some people; however, it is important to note that with our porcelain veneers financing options, we take away the scary part of the process!

If you would like to finance your veneers, take advantage of our wide array of financing options by calling our top Atlanta dentists today at 770-998-3838 to schedule your consultation!

Highest Rated Dentists in Atlanta: Dr. Estep and Dr. Boulden

Going to the dentist shouldn’t be a stressful experience. Two of Atlanta’s highest-rated dentists, Dr. Susan Estep and Dr.  Peter Boulden believe in taking the fear out of dentistry. Both doctors have been recognized by their patients and their peers for their expertise, as well as for their patient-focused approach to dentistry.

Top rated dentists

• As Fellows of the Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics (ACE), both Dr. Boulden and Dr. Estep are honored to be among an elite group of the most renowned cosmetic dentists in the world. (Only three ACE Fellows call the state of Georgia home.)

• Dr. Boulden also serves on the ACE Advisory Board and is a founding board member of the American Academy of Oral Systemic Health.

• Drs. Boulden and Estep stay at the top of their field through continuing education and research, so that their patients can rest assured they are receiving only the best care possible

• The Atlanta Dental Spa doctors also understand the link between bleeding gums and systemic illness and are leading the way to bridge the gap between physicians and dentists on this matter.

Award-Winning

Drs. Estep and Boulden have been voted among Atlanta Magazine’s Top Dentists every year since the competition began.

Other honors include:

• For five consecutive years, Dr. Estep was voted as one of America’s Top Cosmetic Dentists.

• Dr. Boulden received “Best of Show” and “1^st Place for Smile Makeovers” in the Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics 2010 International Smile Gallery Competition

• Dr. Estep has been recognized in Who’s Who of America’s Leading Female Professionals for nearly a decade.

• Dr. Boulden is a six-time award winner for excellence in smile designs and cosmetic dentistry from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry

Giving Back

Drs. Boulden and Estep believe that being among Atlanta’s top dentists carries a responsibility to give back to the community. That’s why the doctors participate in the Give Back a Smile Program for domestically abused victims who are in the need of dental care.

Find out for yourself why the doctors of Atlanta Dental Spa are among Atlanta’s highest-rated dentists. Call or stop by today for a free consultation about your cosmetic dentistry questions or overall oral health.

 

Searching for a Family Dentist in Atlanta? Look no further

At Atlanta Dental Spa, we’re more than cosmetic dentists. We’re also respected family dentists in Atlanta, performing routine cleanings, crowns, fillings and implants, in addition to veneers, Lumineers and other cosmetic dentistry procedures.

Our doctors enjoy the long-lasting relationships they build with patients and their families. We want to treat all your dental needs, from a 2-year-old’s first checkup to regular cleanings, fillings and oral cancer screenings.

Regular cleanings

• We know that protecting your family’s health and wellness is what is most important to you, and regular visits to the dentist are a key part of that health regimen.
• For many patients, we recommend three cleanings per year. This recommendation is based on the fact that it takes only about three months for bacteria to establish a colony in your mouth. By the fourth month, they are producing the toxins that attack your enamel and gums.
• By doing three cleanings a year, we are able to interrupt this cycle and detect or even reverse decay.
• Because we know that you will likely need to pay for the third cleaning out of pocket (as well as any cosmetic procedures needed), we offer convenient dental financing options.

Oral cancer screenings

• During every cleaning, our doctors and hygienists are doing a visual oral cancer screening. Because the risk factors for oral cancer now include tobacco, alcohol, and/or exposure to the HPV virus, nearly every adult in the US is at risk for developing oral cancer.
• Atlanta Dental Spa also recommends an additional oral cancer screening (ViziLite or VELscope) once per year. These screenings have the ability to detect early stages of oral cancer before a lesion is visible.

Like a day at the spa

Family life can be hectic. Isn’t it nice to be pampered now and then? Most people don’t expect a visit to their family dentist to be the highlight of their day, but for our patients, it actually is. From the soothing waterfalls in our lobby to the ergonomic patient chairs and Bose noise-canceling headphones, we are changing how people feel about going to the dentist.

Trust your family’s dental care to the experienced, gentle dentists and courteous staff at Atlanta Dental Spa. We want to be your Atlanta family dentists!