Let’s get real—dentistry does not come cheap. Whether it’s a cleaning, fillings and crowns, and/or dentures, the sticker price has a tendency of really skyrocketing. You might be in a pinch if you don’t have coverage, and if you do have coverage, it’s limited coverage. You might be stuck with the pain and the tooth sensitivity and live with it. Here’s the good part—there are ways of bypassing dental financial pain.
There are ways that won’t drain your wallet yet will help keep you and your smile in top shape. Here’s how you can keep that dazzling smile of yours shining with the latest technologies and inexpensive options alike.
The Most Important Investment Is Prevention
The cheapest way of addressing dental care? Prevent it in the first place. This sounds simplistic, but a lot of people don’t realize how much they will be able to save if they stick with a good oral cleanliness routine.
Here is how you need to proceed:
- Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily to remove hidden plaque
- Use mouthwash to reduce bacteria
- Limit sweets and soft drinks that lead to cavities
- Get cleanings at least once a year at the dentist, even if it’s during a routine check-up
Preventative treatment saves you the expense of procedures in the future. Spending $50 on cleaning is a lot better than a $2,000 root canal.
Saving You Money with the Latest Technologies
Today’s dentistry is evolving, and technologies are making procedures faster, painless, and—most of all—less costly.
3D Printing: Traditional crowns take weeks to make, but 3D printing allows the dentist to create them in a single sitting and skip the additional laboratory fees.
Teledentistry: Virtual consultations provide treatment options at a fraction of the cost if an in-office appointment is not within budget.
Laser Dentistry: Laser technology has the use of fillings and gum treatment with minimal anesthesia compared to conventional drilling methods.
Affordable Dental Care Solutions
While you might need extra treatments in addition to routine cleanings, treatments can be made budget-friendly:
Community Dental Clinics:
There also exist free and low-cost dental clinics within multiple cities that offer crucial services including cleanings, fillings, and extractions. They’re normally supplied by non-profit agencies or schools of dentistry.
Dental Schools:
Just so by the way, did you know that treatment – at a fraction of the price – is available at a dental school? Under the supervision of experienced professionals, students fill cavities and fit dentures at a fraction of the price of private practitioners.
Membership Plans & Discount Programs:
If you’re not covered, look at dental savings plans. They’re programs that charge a small annual fee in exchange for discounted rates on procedures. Some programs will give you a 50% discount on treatments.
Negotiate Or Request Payment Plans:
Several dentists will be willing to treat the patient with financing and discounting if the patient pays cash upfront. Ask yourself—what’s the worst that can possibly happen?
Home Solutions for Your Mouth
If you’re facing minor dental pain, there are home treatments that will ease the pain until you’re able to get it professionally treated:
Tooth sensitivity: Use a desensitizing toothpaste like Sensodyne
Gum inflammation: Rinse with a saline solution of warm water to alleviate swelling.
Early cavities: Fluoride treatments and fluoride-rich toothpaste can sometimes reverse the cavities at an initial stage.
Alternative Materials: chairside soft denture reline material, for example, will be a comfort and longevity boost for those with dentures at a fraction of the price of a dentist appointment. This inexpensive and easy-to-apply solution ensures an excel.
Is the Cost of Dental Insurance Justified?
If you’re fortunate enough, a good dental coverage program will take the strain off the wallet. Just be careful not to accept any coverage that does not include preventative treatment, major procedures, and short waiting times. Employer programs will often be the greatest options and should be examined closely so that you know the options that you’re working with.
A Good Smile Won’t Cost an Arm and a Leg
Yes, it’s true that dentist treatments come with a price tag. But no, you don’t need to skip it altogether. Using preventive treatment, low-cost options, and state-of-the-art technology, you can keep a clean and healthy mouth and not blow your budget. Therefore, don’t be deterred by the price—there’s a solution for every budget. Begin small, get familiar with the possibilities, and take charge of your oral health today!
