Why Are Smile Makeovers So Expensive?

Fees for smile makeovers can be very confusing, and I likely can only add to the confusion.  Similar to fees for buying a new car, where one can be had for under $10,000 and can also cost well over $100,000.  Why the difference?  Don't they do the same thing?

Many dentists offer smile makeovers and have no experience or training (it is not taught in dental school), or use labs that cannot create life-like restorations.  Yet other dentists have years of experience, extensive extra training and use labs that create works of art.  Experienced dentists often can make the process very comfortable and quick, while others can create quite an ordeal.

There are many variables that go into fees for smile makeovers.  This is something where one can truly say, "you get what you pay for," as much of our makeovers are "re-do" cases from previous attempts.

A Smile Makeover  may cost over $50,000 if  it involves a Full Mouth Reconstructions but some smile makeovers may not require much work and hence the cost is a lot lower.  Treatment such as  Full mouth reconstruction involves a lot of steps and is very complex.  Other than the actual work that is done in the mouth there is a lot of planing and thought that goes into such cases.   It is always important that you find a dentist that has done such cases especially if they involve a lot of treatment.  If a case is planned properly the results are great and well worth the investment.  It is not uncommon to buy an expensive car knowing that we will only keep it for a few years but we tend to forget that our teeth will be with us for the long haul.  So just remember that your teeth, your mouth and your health are a worth while investment.

I know it's difficult for dental patients to understand why advanced procedures can cost so much. There are so many things that need to be considered. The details can be endless. The training, qualifications, experience and skill of the treating dentist is certainly a big factor. The same applies to the dental laboratory selected. When taking a step as big as this most patients want a Master Level Dentist and Dental Ceramist. Your mouth is no place for on-the-job training. Too many things can go wrong in the process if the dentist isn't fully trained and prepared. These advanced skills are not taught to the undergraduate dental students in dental schools. It's also important to understand there are significant costs to the dentist that need to be paid. The bigger the case, the more it costs the dentist to do it. This is called overhead and it encompasses everything that goes into building, supplying, running and staffing a dental clinic. And don't forget the taxman. He always gets his. This all comes out of dental fees.

A properly trained Dentist who has had years of experience in Smile Makeovers has had exposure to many hours of continuing education. The necessary steps and time to design a new smile requires hours of commitment among Doctor, Patient and the Ceramist. With so much at stake searching for bargains and or shortcuts depending on the case often times leads to dissatisfaction and failure. The costs for Smile Makeovers can certainly be expensive but this fact is no different for consumers looking for quality and satisfaction in any other area in the marketplace. Do consumers always look to seek out the least expensive alternatives in autos,clothing,food,furniture or travel accommodations? The reality is is that quality and satisfaction demands expense.It is an excellent idea for patients who are considering Smile Makeovers to take with their relatives, friends or co-workers who have had one done. This type of conversation can allow a prospective patient to gain useful knowledge about the time that is involved to get that great result! Additionally it is important to realize although there are many porcelain ceramists, there are relatively few who are capable of translating the Doctors instructions and use the information given to provide a Life Like beautiful Porcelain Veneer or Crown. These highly skilled Ceramists will naturally demand a higher fee for their expertise. Lastly, there is infinite intrinsic value that a patient can derive from obtaining that beautiful smile.I'm not saying its that's master card moment but to many it can be pretty darn close!

The costs associated with smile makeovers can be very confusing for most patients.  Why does one office seem so expensive while another seems so cheap.  The real answers lie in two categories.

1. Experience level and training of the Doctor.  Experienced, well trained dentists will have more options and abilities to handle complex cases with a greater degree of success.  This often times is a more expensive route for patients, however when a case is well planned out and executed, the results and longevity are well worth the higher price.  Remember, you get what you pay for.

2. Experience level and training of the dental lab.  There is a distinct difference between a low cost crown/veneer and a higher fee crown/veneer.  Highly trained lab technicians have the ability to create natural life like teeth which look and function perfectly, this however, does come at a higher fee.

When choosing an office to complete a smile makeover, remember it is always easier and less expensive to do it right the first time, than it is to take the time to have it redone because you were trying to save money.