What is cost and what is Value?

One of the first questions people ask when they purchase anything is “what does it cost?”  Unlike buying a new pair of shoes or a new TV, dental treatment should not be seen as a discretionary expense. Considering only cost of treatment can be dangerous, however, because cost alone does not consider value.

Value is not solely based on the initial price of the good or service, but rather the initial price in relation to the return on investment over time. An old car that costs $5000 but also only lasts 6 months may be less expensive up front than a $20,000 car that lasts 10 years, but it is a worse value. If cost is the only consideration in purchases, you may end up with low value or low quality.

When considering how valuable proper dental treatment is, remember you only get one set of teeth. Teeth do not heal. If you get a scrape on your skin, it will heal. If you get a tooth fracture, the tooth will not heal.