How do I know which dental treatment is right for me?

The best treatment depends on your specific dental condition, goals, budget, and timeline. A comprehensive consultation with Dr. Prentice will include a thorough exam, digital diagnostics, and discussion of all appropriate options with pros, cons, and expected outcomes.

Can treatments be combined?

Yes, many patients benefit from combining treatments. For example, whitening before veneers to match shades, or orthodontics before full-mouth reconstruction for optimal tooth positioning. Dr. Prentice creates systematic treatment plans that sequence procedures for best results.

Does dental insurance cover these treatments?

Coverage varies. Preventive care is typically covered at 80-100%, restorative work at 50-80%, and cosmetic procedures usually aren't covered. We work with most PPO plans and help maximize your benefits. Financing options are available for out-of-pocket costs.

What if I need treatment but have dental anxiety?

Dr. Prentice offers sedation options including nitrous oxide and oral sedation to help anxious patients feel comfortable. The systematic approach with clear communication and test-drive phases (when appropriate) also reduces anxiety by eliminating uncertainty.

Treatment Decision Guide

Compare Dental Treatments Side-by-Side

Not sure which treatment is right for you? Compare pricing, timelines, benefits, and ideal candidates for same-day crowns, full-mouth reconstruction, implants, veneers, whitening, and more. Make informed decisions about your dental care.

Interactive Treatment Comparison Tool

Select 2-3 treatments to compare side-by-side (0/3 selected)

Same-Day Crowns

Restorative

Full-Mouth Reconstruction

Complex Restorative

Dental Implants

Tooth Replacement

Porcelain Veneers

Cosmetic

Professional Whitening

Cosmetic

Clear Aligners

Orthodontic

Bridges & Dentures

Tooth Replacement

Preventive Care & Cleanings

Preventive

Key Comparison Factors at a Glance

Treatment Time

Quickest/Lowest: Same-Day Crowns, Whitening

Longest/Highest: Full-Mouth Reconstruction, Implants

Investment Level

Quickest/Lowest: Preventive Care, Whitening

Longest/Highest: Full-Mouth Reconstruction, Multiple Implants

Longevity

Quickest/Lowest:

Longest/Highest: Implants (20+ years), Crowns (15-20 years)

Detailed Treatment Comparison

Compare treatments based on your priorities: budget, timeline, complexity, or specific dental needs.

Restorative

Same-Day Crowns

Investment

$1,200 - $2,000

Timeline

1 visit (2-3 hours)

Ideal For:

Single damaged tooth
Cracked or broken teeth
After root canal
Need immediate results

Key Benefits:

No temporary crown
Completed in one day
Perfect digital fit
Natural appearance

Important Considerations:

• Single tooth only
• Requires milling equipment

Complex Restorative

Full-Mouth Reconstruction

Investment

$25,000 - $60,000+

Timeline

4-8 months

Ideal For:

Multiple failing teeth
Severe wear or grinding
Collapsed bite
Aesthetic and functional concerns

Key Benefits:

Comprehensive solution
Test-drive phase (PMMA)
Predictable outcomes
Long-term stability

Important Considerations:

• Time commitment
• Multiple appointments
• Significant investment

Tooth Replacement

Dental Implants

Investment

$3,500 - $6,000 per tooth

Timeline

3-6 months

Ideal For:

Missing teeth
Failed tooth extraction
Permanent solution needed
Healthy jaw bone

Key Benefits:

Permanent solution
Preserves bone
Natural function
20+ year lifespan

Important Considerations:

• Requires surgery
• Healing time needed
• Bone density required

Cosmetic

Porcelain Veneers

Investment

$1,500 - $2,500 per tooth

Timeline

2-3 weeks (or same-day)

Ideal For:

Cosmetic enhancement
Stained or discolored teeth
Chips or gaps
Shape improvement

Key Benefits:

Natural appearance
Stain resistant
Minimal tooth prep
Long-lasting (15-20 years)

Important Considerations:

• Cosmetic focus
• Not for severely damaged teeth
• Permanent commitment

Cosmetic

Professional Whitening

Investment

$400 - $800

Timeline

1-2 weeks

Ideal For:

Stained teeth
Yellow discoloration
Quick improvement
Special events

Key Benefits:

Dramatic results (5-8 shades)
Safe and effective
Quick results
Affordable

Important Considerations:

• Temporary sensitivity
• Requires maintenance
• Won't whiten crowns/veneers

Orthodontic

Clear Aligners

Investment

$3,000 - $8,000

Timeline

6-18 months

Ideal For:

Crooked teeth
Spacing issues
Mild to moderate bite problems
Adults preferring discretion

Key Benefits:

Nearly invisible
Removable
No food restrictions
Predictable results

Important Considerations:

• Requires compliance
• Not for severe cases
• May need refinements

Tooth Replacement

Bridges & Dentures

Investment

$2,000 - $15,000

Timeline

2-4 weeks

Ideal For:

Multiple missing teeth
Not implant candidate
Budget-conscious
Quick restoration needed

Key Benefits:

Restores function
More affordable
Faster than implants
Non-surgical

Important Considerations:

• Affects adjacent teeth (bridges)
• Requires replacement
• Maintenance needed

Preventive

Preventive Care & Cleanings

Investment

$150 - $300 per visit

Timeline

Every 6 months

Ideal For:

Everyone
Cavity prevention
Gum health
Early problem detection

Key Benefits:

Prevents costly issues
Maintains oral health
Early detection
Professional cleaning

Important Considerations:

• Ongoing commitment
• More frequent if high-risk

How to Choose the Right Treatment

If You Prioritize Speed

Same-Day Crowns: Complete in 2-3 hours
Professional Whitening: Results in 1-2 weeks
Cosmetic Bonding: Done in minutes

If You Prioritize Budget

Preventive Care: Most affordable, prevents costly issues
Bridges: Less than implants for multiple teeth
Financing Available: For comprehensive treatments

If You Prioritize Longevity

Dental Implants: 20+ years, permanent solution
Full-Mouth Reconstruction: Systematic, predictable
Porcelain Crowns/Veneers: 15-20 years

If You Have Complex Needs

Full-Mouth Reconstruction: Multiple failing teeth
Comprehensive Consultation: Systematic evaluation
Phased Treatment: Break down into manageable steps

Still Not Sure Which Treatment Is Right?

Schedule a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Prentice. We'll evaluate your specific situation, discuss all appropriate options with transparent pricing, and create a personalized treatment plan that matches your goals, timeline, and budget.