Keeping your smile bright, white and healthy costs more now than ever before, even with dental insurance. And since oral health impacts our overall health, it’s imperative to have regular dental check-ups. Keep those pearly whites in tip-top shape for less with these cost cutting tips.
Use the Dental Clinic at a Local University
Future dentists, oral surgeons and dental hygienists abound at local universities and they need teeth to hone their skills on. At your local university or dental school, students work under the close supervision of experienced professors and can provide dental care ranging from routine preventive care (cleaning, x-rays) to more complicated dental procedures at about half the price a dentist would charge.
Ask for Dental Options
The next time you have a dental problem and your dentist suggests an expensive procedure to fix the problem, ask what options you have. Technological advancements in dentistry provide newer treatments, more options and a wide price range. While an option may not be cutting edge, it may be sufficient to keep your smile healthy at a lower cost.
Get DIY Dental Insurance
If you are not covered by a dental insurance policy through your employer, you can still purchase DIY dental insurance and save money on dental care. Discount dental plans can be purchased by individuals (for self and/or family) for an annual fee, and when the plan is used at participating dentists, up to 60% can be saved on the price of dental care. To check into DIY dental insurance and find a plan that’s right for you, begin researching websites like DentalPlans.com.
Year End Dental Care
If you have dental insurance (either through an employer or DIY), there will be an annual cap on the amount the insurance will pay during each calendar year. When facing extensive dental procedures, that can still mean a large chunk of change coming out of your pocket after insurance has paid. To have the dental work done with less of the expense coming out of your own pocket, wait till the end of the year and split the expensive procedures between two plan years. Start the dental work in late November and finish it up after the first of the year to minimize the pout of pocket expense and still get top quality dental work.
Source: Dental Plan