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Several opinions-collapsed arch, jaw, bite. Osteoporosis Implants

Osteoporosis & Bone Health | Last Active: Mar 7, 2023 | Replies (38)
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@tmtm4

I qualify for Medicare Nov 1st. I have Metlife and Delta Dental now. I remember always using my teeth to open drinks because my hands don't work so well.
I clear $2500/month from my teacher benefit and SS retirement. Health and dental insurance is over $900/month and rent is $$750. That leaves me with $850 for utilities, food and gas.
Even though I qualify in five areas for SS Disability I don't have enough work credits. Teachers in MO had to pay into PSRS instead but they do not have Disability after you are eligible to retire. In other words, I get no help.
With my health history, I am scared Medicare and supplements will add up. IDK.

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Replies to "I qualify for Medicare Nov 1st. I have Metlife and Delta Dental now. I remember always..."
Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | Jul 1, 2022

I have an idea. It’s very unorthodox but I remember in the dental practice where I worked, we occasionally had patients who absolutely could not afford a full porcelain crown, but we needed to preserve their teeth.
So as a stop-gap measure, we’d make a temporary crown to help save a deteriorated tooth. We removed all the decay from from the tooth and basically prep it as though it was getting ready for a crown. But, we’d place a temporary plastic crown or construct a resin crown to go over the prepared tooth and used permanent adhesive. That was for front teeth. Molars, we used stainless steel crowns. Again, this was a temporary fix to buy time… As long as the patients didn’t open bottles, eat corn on the cob or chew taffy it lasted a really long time. Then when the money was available, we constructed the new, permanent crown.

So, I’m wondering if your dentist would consider this option for you! It’s not unreasonable to request this.
You need to save those two front teeth on the bottom but can’t afford to right now. See if he’d clean out the decay and place a more ‘permanent’ type of temporary cap on for you now. That way those teeth wouldn’t deteriorate any further. Then, keep up with regular cleanings so the rest of your teeth remain strong and stable
Hold out for your Medicare in November. Your health insurance rate should drop and often a dental supplemental policy can be added. Or with the difference in premium cost you may have more discretionary money available. It’s worth a try. Then you may be able to afford the new permanent crowns.
Since you’ll be eligible in November, I’d suggest calling or going to see a Medicare insurance agent in your area soon. Where I live, there are several of these insurance companies who help retirees get their Medicare set up. My husband and I used this service. The guy knew his stuff and there was absolutely NO charge for this service. That way you can find out what your benefits will be in the future and this can help give you a plan going forward. I don’t want to see you frightened for the future.
What do you think?

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