Do you have some pressing questions about our practice and the services we offer, or dental care in general? We’re more than happy to assist you in person or over the phone, but you might also enjoy reading through the following frequently asked questions!
How do I find the best place to get dental work done?
It’s only natural to want to find the best provider to help you build and maintain a beautiful, healthy smile. However, if it’s been a while since your last visit, you may not know how to find a new provider.
The first step is to take a few moments to identify your main priorities. For instance, you may be seeking someone who offers a certain treatment you anticipate needing, like braces. Or it might be more important to find someone who is in-network with your dental insurance. This can help you narrow down your search results to find someone who meets your individual needs.
How much do braces usually cost in Albuquerque, NM?
Although it can depend significantly on your unique circumstances, traditional orthodontics in Albuquerque often ranges from about $4,000 to $7,000. However, your payment may vary depending on the severity of your condition, the type of braces, and the duration of your treatment.
Our team understands that not everyone can afford these higher prices, so we offer comprehensive braces treatment for just $2,600 if patients pay the entire balance in cash upfront. We also offer flexible financial payment plans if needed.
What is the best way to find a provider who places dental implants?
Unlike dentures and dental bridges, getting dental implants involves oral surgery. It’s only natural to want to find the most qualified dentist to perform your procedure, but you might not know what qualifications to look for.
This procedure requires specialized training and equipment, so many patients seek out experts, like an oral surgeon, prosthodontist, or periodontist, who have the in-depth knowledge and experience to place dental implants. With that said, many general dentists also complete advanced educational programs to be able to offer them.
At our office, Dr. Erika Belle earned her dental doctorate from the Creighton University School of Dentistry, and today, she has completed over 60 hours of advanced training to be able to place dental implants.
What level of education is required to become an orthodontist?
All orthodontists must become dentists before they can specialize in straightening smiles, which begins with their education. Typically, potential providers earn a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate field, then achieve a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery from one of over 70 institutions accredited by the American Dental Association (ADA).
These degrees typically require intensive classroom learning as well as hands-on experience with residencies or other programs. Then, a provider can choose to specialize in one of 12 specialties recognized by the ADA, such as orthodontics.
Dr. Lightheart is our on-site orthodontist, and he earned his dental degree from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry. He then earned his Certificate in Orthodontics at the UTHealth School of Dentistry.
What do you do if you can’t afford dental care?
We believe that everyone deserves to have a healthy smile they can feel proud of, but you might skip everything from routine visits to more complex procedures if you’re afraid you can’t afford them.
We offer several ways to help reduce your out-of-pocket expenses, including:
- We gladly welcome dental insurance. We’re considered in-network with most PPO dental insurance plans, and also accept Medicaid and Medicare.
- We offer a Valer Value Plan. For a low annual fee, you gain access to standard services and an additional 20% to 60% discount on other treatments.
- We provide flexible financial options. We’ve partnered with Sunbit and CareCredit to offer flexible payment plans that allow you to divide your total invoice into more manageable installments if your application is approved.