Showing posts with label Dentist. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dentist. Show all posts

Thursday, 22 March 2012

Impractical Budgeting

It never fails to surprise us the lengths people go to save a couple of bucks at the wrong time and over the wrong things. Now don't get us wrong - we are all for sensible living and budgeting. We understand that in today's world saving and budgeting is the only way to ensure a comfortable retirement. But sensible budgeting. Budgeting that doesn't involve what we term as being impractical.

So what is impractical budgeting ?

Silly budgeting is buying your kids expensive jeans that they will grow out of in 6 months and cribbing about a filling in a tooth that is going to help them chew food for a lifetime. Show your love for your kid by ensuring his health first.

Being impractical is paying a 25000/- EMI on a car loan for a second car when you are wearing removable dentures which can be easily converted into fully fixed teeth by implants for less than what you spent on that car you don't really need. 

Crazy budgeting is buying that 1 carat diamond to adorn your ears but having no smile to go with that look because you have huge gaps in your front teeth which you are hesitating to fix because of the cost involved.

If you can't afford certain treatments because you need to spend on household necessities - it is understandable that you ask for cheaper options. But if you have money to spend on the luxuries of life - you must put your health first.

The problem is that when we think of our teeth, we do not think long term. We choose short term solutions because they cost less and then grumble that dentistry doesn't have the answers.We choose dentists based on location/cost and then set ourselves up for a disappointment.

Do you tell your cardiologist that I will not do that angioplasty because it is so expensive and then go across the road and book the latest luxury car? Do you tell your skin specialist that I won't apply these creams because they cost so much and then jump into the first shop and buy a month's salary worth of clothes? Do you ask your general surgeon to use cheaper materials so you can afford that new sofa set?

No. You don't. Because you value your life and health don't you?Then why the step motherly treatment with your teeth? Your teeth are part of your body. The health of your mouth determines health in many parts of your body including important processes like your digestion.

Dentistry costs. Quality dentistry costs more ( not all but most of the time). Save for it.


Buy one less stuffed soft toy for your kiddo. Get that filling for him instead.He will forget that soft toy in a jiffy. He will remember that toothache and subsequent loss of that tooth for a lifetime.

Post pone buying that car by a year. Get those dental implants.Your stomach and digestive processes will thank you.

See only one movie in a multiplex this month. Use the rest of the money to get your teeth cleaned. Fresher breath and a brilliant smile will ensure that you get asked out to many more movie dates in the future. ;)

You don't need to buy that handbag today. You do need that root canal treatment today though.your handbag will not deteriorate sitting in that showroom - your tooth will.


Label each of your teeth. Call one a Mercedes, the next a Fendi handbag, another a platinum ring, the next  Roberto Cavalli sunglasses, Promod jeans....and so on and so forth.

So the next time you have to spend at the dentist - it will be easier. You can just tell yourself - " I am getting my Merc serviced... buying a Fendi handbag....polishing my platimun ring etc etc"

It will be just as hard on the pocket but much easier on the mind :)


Smile more at www.aryasdentalcare.com 
Tell us about your Merc and Cavalli sunglasses at draryasclinic@gmail.com

Monday, 11 April 2011

How to Choose your dentist?





I never cease to wonder when I see people talking about their doctors/dentists. Conversations often run like this -






Scenario 1:
Patient 1: hey... I need to see a skin doctor....you know anyone?
P2: yeah... but whats the problem? rashes? why don't you apply so and so cream? Its miraculous....
P1: Oh I tried that...didn't work...
P2: alright then ... there is this doctor practicing at xyz...he's good....
P1: yes...i have heard of him too.... but I want someone closer to my home in abc area... 






Scenario 2:




Patient 1: hey... I need to see a skin doctor....you know anyone?
P2: yeah... but whats the problem? rashes? why don't you apply so and so cream? Its miraculous....
P1: Oh I tried that...didn't work...
P2: alright then ... there is this doctor practising at xyz...he's good....
P1: yes...I have heard good things of him too.... but he's expensive.... Know someone cheaper??..




It is always interesting the factors that people consider - convenience, cost and recommendations. The latter is fine by me - and to an extent maybe even the cost.... but convenience?




Why'd you risk your health/smile with someone just because he/she set up clinic close to where you live/work?




How do you choose a good piece of jewellery? Do you go to the first shop near your home? or do you check up on several outlets? Do you prefer a place with a reputation for selling genuine stuff or do you write out cheques for anything that glitters?




The following guidelines should help you get a good dentist:
  1. REPUTATION: People don't acquire reputations overnight. Talk to people -friends and family. Find out their experiences. If someone has something good to say - make a mental note of the name of the dentist. (remember no one likes dentistry - so its difficult to find someone who will rave about a dentist - but even if he/she agrees that the dentist was good - its a truly positive sign)
  2. AMBIANCE: Check out the general appearance of the clinic - is it clean/hygienic? Does the ambiance put you off or is it pleasant?If the doctor has gone to the trouble of ensuring that you are seated in clean/neat/pleasant surroundings - it means the dentist is interested that you have a pleasant experience.
  3. STERILIZATION AND SAFETY: Inquire about their sterilization protocol. Are all instruments put through the proper cycle of autoclaving and sterilization? Are they stored properly? Are disposables actually disposed of - after every patient? 
  4. PERSONAL ATTENTION: Note the way the dentist speaks to you. The general vibe from the dentist should be friendly and confident. Does he allot sufficient time to listen to your queries? Does he/she take note of your requirements or does he thrust his own treatment plan onto you without your proper explanation? A doctor who listens to you fully, then formulates a treatment plan with more than one option - is someone who cares about what you need. The dentist should explain to you your condition, how he diagnosed it(showing you x-rays and photographs ) and possible reasons for its occurrence.
  5. PATIENT CASE PHOTOGRAPHS: If you are going in for aesthetic/cosmetic procedures or dental implants - request to see previous cases done by the dentist. Most well established dentists have a patient case gallery. This is well within your rights as a patient. Moreover it will give you a fair idea what to expect, the possibilities available and the skill/experience of the dentist. 
  6. DO YOUR HOMEWORK: If you have been referred a dentist's name - check online to see if they have a website. This way you have a basic idea about the doctor, the kind of work they do and also the facilities available. Also most dental procedures/products can be googled up anytime. Ask your dentist for names of procedures and products. If you need to decide about a procedure in a hurry - use the dental office computer to educate yourself immediately. Every good dental office has patient treatment related books/pamphlets/brochures available too for those not too net savvy.
  7. COSTS: Do not reject a dentist on the basis of his/her treatment charges being higher than someone else. Ask the dentist politely to justify/explain the charges. Remember - there are a wide variety of materials used. Dental materials come in various qualities - and their prices differ naturally. Also a more experienced dentist will naturally charge you slightly higher than someone with less qualifications and experience. Listen - question - and then choose. ( A little note here for compulsive bargainers - please do not embarrass your doctor by attempting to bargain. Instead - if you cannot afford a certain treatment - explain your budget restrictions and request him for an alternative treatment plan).
  8. CONVENIENCE: Nobody likes travelling miles to visit a dentist but forsaking a good doctor for convenience is foolishness. If you have identified a good dentist but he/she practices some distance from your place - ask him/her to reduce the number of appointments required. If you are co-operative and do not mind keeping your mouth open for larger amounts of time- the dentist will be willing to accommodate longer appointments for the sake of your convenience. This way you have achieved your objective of visiting a doctor of repute as well as decreased your travel time. Also identify convenience stores/relatives nearby - this way you can get some shopping/visiting done on the same day - justifying the distance you have traveled. 
Just like your health - your smile is something that enhances your life. It makes you feel good about yourself. It make you confident when you face the world. Entrust your smile to someone qualified, experienced and caring. 

Entrust your smile to someone who cares about your smile as much as you do. 










Saturday, 12 March 2011

A Smile Inside You...


There is a smile inside all of us....



Sometimes it is a tentative one... 
Sometimes it is a full blown laugh....

There is a smile for each day...each moment... each occasion... each person....

There is even a Fake smile. 
Usually saved up for a person/event we don't particularly fancy....

A lot of people wonder why is a dentist so important.... 
or why should they be spending on a great set of teeth instead of a fancy set of wheels.....

The reason is simple.... 
A new car may not be noticed by everyone.... 
A new outfit will not lift another person's mood....
A fancy interior decor will not change your colleagues attitude at the office.....

But
A genuine smile - unleashed suddenly and without holding back - can and will.