How do I find the best place to get dental work done?
Every smile is unique, and it’s only natural to want to find the best dentist to help you meet your unique oral healthcare needs.
Before choosing randomly from a list of local providers and hoping for the best, it’s helpful to first establish the traits that
are most important to you. Then, you can customize your search to find dentists who can meet those needs.
For instance, you might be uninsured and are looking for a provider with flexible payment options. Others know that there are
certain treatments they’re going to want or need, like teeth whitening or veneers, so they must find a dentist near Chicago who
offers them. Establishing your priorities can help you find just the right provider for your individual circumstances.
How much does a dental checkup and cleaning cost in Chicago, IL?
Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from about $150 to $300 for a routine checkup and cleaning near Chicago,
though it depends significantly on your unique situation. For instance, if you have dental insurance, up to 100% of preventive
services, like an exam and standard cleaning, might be included.
Also, you’ll have to pay more if your dental team finds areas of concern, like tooth decay or gum disease, that must be addressed.
Unfortunately, dental problems don’t resolve themselves and tend to get worse over time, requiring more costly and complex
treatments to address. That means you can protect your smile and save on expenses by investing in a routine visit every six months.
What level of education is required to be a dentist?
In the U.S., all dentists must meet certain criteria to be licensed to practice. Typically, they earn a bachelor’s degree, then
they must graduate with a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from one of more than 70
programs accredited by the American Dental Association (ADA). Their education typically combines rigorous classroom learning with
hands-on experience through specific training or residencies to increase their practical skills. Then, they can focus on one or
more of the twelve specialties recognized by the ADA.
At our office in Chicago, Dr. Hammes earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Illinois-Chicago before completing
a one-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency. He has since completed additional training in dental implants, oral
surgery, endodontics, periodontics, and orthodontics. Dr. Kakar has 10 years of experience and earned her dental degree from the
University of Michigan.
What is the best way to find a cosmetic dentist?
Cosmetic dentistry isn’t an officially recognized specialty by the ADA, so any dentist can claim to be an expert who can enhance
your appearance. However, there are specific training programs and certifications your provider can undergo, or they might
participate in renowned organizations intended to improve their knowledge and experience with these treatments.
For example, Dr. Hammes has extensive training in various aesthetic and restorative procedures, and Dr. Kakar is a certified
Invisalign provider so you can trust that your smile is in good hands!
What do you do if you can’t afford a dentist?
Dental care can add up quickly, especially if you’ve developed issues since your last visit. If you avoid appointments because
you’re afraid you can’t afford them, our Washington Dental Care West Loop team has your back!
We proudly accept all PPO dental insurance plans, which can greatly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. However, we also
understand that not everyone carries dental insurance, so we offer additional methods to help you pay for required services.
For instance, you might benefit from a flexible financial plan through CareCredit or Alphaeon. If your application is approved,
these plans allow you to divvy your total invoice into more manageable installments over a designated period. You might also apply
for our In-House Premium Dental Coverage Membership. We offer several tiered options for a flat annual rate that include standard
preventive services and discounts on other treatments offered in the office, including cosmetics.
