Skip to main content
Category

Blog

Jun 17
dental-implant-bg-2

Is this quote Chicago Clear Choice really how much implants cost?

By Blog

I am in need of some serious dental work. I just retired after 30 years at my company. I have limited dental insurance and I need dental implants. I went to Clear Choice dental and they quoted me $30,000-$40,000 to do dental implants. I can’t do that with my budget. I picked Clear Choice because it is obviously a large practice. I like the feel of having multiple doctors in a practice in case something goes wrong or my doctor isn’t available. At least there is someone else that can pick up where my doctor left off. I guess I want to know is if that price from Clear Choice is really what the implants are going for and if I can get them for less. – Alan

Alan – Your case needs to be examined by a skilled implant dentist to get an accurate second opinion on the recommendation and estimated cost you received from Chicago Clear Choice.

There are so many factors that affect the cost of implants. Your bone density, the type of implants used, the number of implants you need, the implant crowns, the implant surgery—all contribute to the cost of your dental implants. And other factors can affect the cost.

You will be able to find an implant dentist who will address your concerns and let you know your treatment options. Most dental insurance plans provide very little benefits, if any at all, for dental implants. Many implant dentists offer no-interest financing or payment plans, which can make treatment more affordable for you.

This post is sponsored by Naperville American Board-certified prosthodontist and implant dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Apr 30

If I have a treatment plan from Clear Choice is a second opinion necessary?

By Blog

I went to ClearChoice and got a full exam and x-rays. The whole process was very thorough. I have a couple of friends who have implants and from their description what they experienced was nowhere near as comprehensive as Clear Choice. I can’t imagine what another dentist could come up with to beat the in-depth prep that was done there. My wife is a stickler for second opinions and she pretty much told me that I was increasing the risk of something going wrong with my implants if I didn’t get a second opinion. It’s just that I feel very confident about my visit with them. I even have a treatment plan. Is a second opinion really needed? Thanks Thom

Thom – Usually, a patient has several options that will resolve his or her dental issue. Clear Choice is known for offering a single solution to a patient, and quite often, that option is the same from one patient to the next. Their high-pressure sales tactics are very convincing for many patients.

While All-On-4 dental implants may be an option for your case, multiple standard implants may also work well. Ensure you know and understand your options as well as the pros and cons for each of them.

The dental implants process requires an investment of time and money. Ensure you understand what is involved your treatment. Ask Clear Choice for your options and information on how they compare.

We do recommend that you seek a second opinion from a skilled implant dentist who can exam your diagnostic studies and let you know your implant options. You may decide that you want to proceed with All-On-4, but a Clear Choice second opinion will increase your comfort level about your decision.

This post is sponsored by board-certified implant dentist Dr. Anthony LaVaca.

 

Apr 06

Wondering if Clear Choice Reviews are Fake

By Blog

I need 4 implants. My dentist referred me to a periodontist and I saw a prosthodontist on my own. Within the past 3 months or so Clear Choice ads run heavy in my TV viewing area. I think it’s to get exposure because before the TV ads I didn’t know about Clear Choice. We live about 60 miles from the Clear Choice office. If I heard the name before I sure don’t remember. So I looked online for patient reviews for Clear Choice and some reviews were great but others were not positive at all. I am a skeptic so I am not really sure if reviews are real or if someone got paid to write them – good or bad. Dental implants are a big deal so if the bad Clear Choice reviews are true I need to stay clear of them. Then again if the positive reviews are true, I would be missing out if I didn’t choose Clear Choice. Have you heard anything about the reviews being fake for Clear Choice? Wagner

Wagner – Although many companies, small and large, have been the subject of news clips for having fake reviews, not all reviews are fake. ClearChoice is not one of the companies that has been marked for having reviews that are not legitimate.

ClearChoice does have a reputation for pushy sales pitches. If you look throughout the website at different review sources, you will find mixed reviews, depending on the doctor that provided the patient with treatment and the ClearChoice locations. Some patients have better or worse results with certain doctors or certain ClearChoice offices.

Find an implant dentist you can trust. Review his or her credentials and experience, and stick with a dentist who isn’t pushy. You should clearly understand your options before you select one, and avoid making a rushed decision. A second or a third opinion is always appropriate if you need more time or information to make a confident decision.

This post is sponsored by Naperville implant dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Mar 15

Looking for another opinion on Clear Choice because they won’t give me implants

By Blog

Clear Choice won’t give me implants and neither will another oral surgeon I went to. Both of them said my gums are in horrible shape. They told me I need to stop smoking which I refuse and get something done about my gums. I don’t want anyone to tell me that I have to stop smoking to get anything done. It’s not happening. The estimate in getting everything resolved with my gums is almost a year. I think that is crazy. Am I supposed to walk around with most of my teeth missing until 2017? Will your doctor see me and give me implants? – Luke

Luke – Dr. LaVacca will be happy to review your diagnostic studies, conduct an oral examination, and provide a third opinion. We can’t promise you that he will provide you with dental implants, though.

Clear Choice and the oral surgeon you saw correctly advised you that your medical health and oral health must be good for you to receive implants. Keep in mind that while it is possible to place dental implants while you continue to smoke and with poor gum health, it is not advisable. Your dental implants won’t last. They won’t even heal properly.

If you insist on receiving implants, someone who doesn’t care about your oral health may provide them for you. But you can almost count on infection, implant failure, and more oral health issues than ever.

If you schedule an appointment with Dr. LaVacca, he will recommend your options for replacing your teeth with or without implants. Even basic restorative treatment will require that your gums are in good condition. That’s a problem that does need to be addressed. Dr. LaVacca will recommend treatment and give you an estimate on how long it will take to treat your gums and get them healthy again.

 

This post is sponsored by Naperville board-certified prosthodontist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Nov 12

Clear Choice rep says I don’t need a second opinion

By Blog

I spent almost 2 hours at Clear Choice last week watching videos, talking to sales people and talking to a Clear Choice doctors. They didn’t keep me there that long, I just had a lot of questions. I was really surprised at the way they took time with me like I was the only person there, and they really had several clients. They were attentive to everyone. When I had all of my questions answered, I felt a little pressure to schedule an appointment to get the implants. Before I went to Clear Choice, I was determined to have consultations with 2 other implant dentists. In fact I have the appointments scheduled already. It was interesting that when I mentioned the 2nd opinion that the whole thing got a little sour. I was told by a rep that a second opinion isn’t necessary. Those were not the words used but the message was clear to me that they had everything I need for implants and there is no need to look any further. I did not schedule the appointment with them and I am keeping my other two consultations. I haven’t made any decision yet. I am just wondering what to expect when I go to the next implant dentist. Will I be pressured again? It’s just a consultation. Is there some unwritten rule of expectations after a consultation that I don’t know about? Thank you. Lloyd

Lloyd – You are correct. A consultation does not require a commitment from the patient. The purpose is to provide you with information about your treatment options, allow you to ask questions, and assist in determining which treatment—and which provider for the treatment—you want.

The majority of dental professionals recognize a patient’s right to get a second opinion—or even to change providers in the middle of treatment. It’s your right.

Our recommendation is that you ensure your consultations are with experienced dental implant providers. Ask about their experience, as well as how many implant procedures, similar to your case, the surgeon has performed. After care and follow-up appointments are necessary and important to the success of your dental implants, so observe how you are treated during your consultation. Your comfort with the office environment and staff should be included in your decision on a provider for your implants.

This post is sponsored by Naperville board-certified prosthodontist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

 

Jul 07

Should I get a second opinion after Clear Choice?

By Blog

I went into Clear Choice knowing what I wanted individual implants. I have some money saved that can pay for half of them, so the cost doesn’t scare me. During my visit I didn’t say anything to the representative or the dentist about my preference because I didn’t want it to influence the outcome. I was surprised that 90% of the conversation was about All on Four, which I really had not given much consideration. They almost convinced me. I came home and talked to my husband about my experience there, which was positive overall, and he recommended that I get a second opinion. Is this necessary, or since Clear Choice is so established can I just trust them? Thanks for your help. Joyce A.

Joyce – If you have any doubt or reservation, we suggest that you get a second opinion on the recommendation from Clear Choice. If 90% of the conversation was about All-On-4, it is likely that you were not given a clear picture of your options.

Individual implants may be fine for your case. An experienced prosthodontist will examine your mouth and gums, as well as your diagnostic studies, and let you know which implant options are best for your case. You will also receive an explanation of the differences and pros and cons for All-On-4 and individual implants.

After the second opinion, you can decide which treatment you really want, and choose a provider for your dental implants.

This post is sponsored by Naperville implant dentist and board-certified prosthodontist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Jun 09

Why won’t Clear Choice do my dental implants in phases?

By Blog

Hi. 3 weeks ago I went to 2 prosthodontists in my area who are willing to do my dental implants in phases. Last week I went to Clear Choice for a consult but they are not giving me as much flexibility. Why is this? – Gene

Gene – You are wise to have received several consultations. Most prosthodontists are willing to provide you with dental implants in phases. Naperville Dental Specialists recognizes that your schedule or your budget can determine when are able to receive the treatment you need, so we are flexible with our patients and help them plan treatment accordingly.

We are unable to speak for Clear Choice as to why they are less flexible with a treatment plan for you. We suggest that you contact Clear Choice directly to discuss your concerns and ask questions. Use the responses you get from them to help you make the final decision on a provider for your dental implants.

This post is sponsored by Naperville board-certified prosthodontist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Apr 06

Clear choice review – teeth are too big

By Blog

I thought about dental tourism in Mexico for my all on 4 implants but I decided against it and went with Clear Choice. After the procedure ,I had much more pain that I expected or was told about but the implants healed well. I’ve had the implants for about 5 months. My problem is that the teeth on the implants are too big for my mouth and they make my lips poke out. I am sure that I will get this resolved soon. – Miranda

Miranda – Thank you for your Clear Choice review. We are glad to know that with the exception of your implant teeth, you had a good experience.

We recommend that you continue to pursue the issue with the size of the crowns on your implants. If your teeth are too large, they will detract from your smile and eventually you will regret not insisting on replacement crowns that look natural and fit well. Don’t settle or get used to them. You’ve made an investment in your smile, and your teeth should be beautiful.

This post is sponsored by Naperville implant dentist and board-certified prosthodontist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Mar 15

Should I get a second opinion from Clear Choice for dental implants?

By Blog

My dentist sent me to an endodontist for 3 missing teeth. I usually get 3 opinions for anything this major and I realize that implants will cost me thousands of dollars. Clear Choice is nearby. I am wondering if I should include them for one of my opinions. thx Jayne

Jayne – You may choose to go to ClearChoice for a second opinion. Just realize that your visit will be a little more time-consuming than at smaller practices, and ClearChoice costs will likely be much higher.

ClearChoice has a sales pitch that prospective patients need to listen to. In addition to watching a video, you will speak with a sales person before speaking with a dentist. The heavy marketing that ClearChoice does increases their overhead costs. Those costs are passed on to the patient. If you choose to see this provider, be prepared to not allow the high-pressure tactics cause you to sign an agreement for implants before you are ready to do so—before getting your third opinion.

We suggest that you include experienced, board-certified implant dentists for your second and third opinions. These dentists have seen hundreds of cases, and can efficiently let you know what is required for your particular case. You will also find that your care is much more personalized, and you won’t be pressured to make a decision right away.

This post is sponsored by Naperville implant dentist and board-certified prosthodontist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Jan 05

Very impressed with Clear Choice consultation, but have a question

By Blog

I am very impressed with my consultation at Clear Choice. It was very informative and all of my questions were answered. Based on reviews from patients, I expected to pay a lot for dental implants at Clear Choice – more than at other places, but my reasoning is you get what you pay for. The representative that I met with wanted me to schedule an appointment right away, but I was hesitant about doing that. Should I just go ahead and let Clear Choice do my implants or do you recommend that I get a second opinion? Rich W.

Rich – Thank you for your Clear Choice review. Whenever surgery of any kind is recommended, it is good to receive a second opinion from a provider who is skilled in that specialty.

Dental implants can last a lifetime if quality implants are used and if the implant surgeon is skilled. An examination and diagnostic studies by a board-certified prosthodontist will give you additional information on your particular case. A prosthodontist is a specialist who has two years of post-graduate training in the restoration and replacement of teeth.

The second-opinion implant dentist will let you know your options for implants, which may or may not have been discussed at Clear Choice. The second opinion will also allow you to compare costs of the same treatment recommended by Clear Choice, as well as the cost of alternative treatment.

You will also have the opportunity to ask questions about the pros and cons of treatment recommended by Clear Choice, as well as the treatment recommended by the prosthodontist. Comparing the information you receive will help you choose a provider, and help you determine if you want to receive a third opinion.

This post is sponsored by Naperville implant dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Close Menu