8 Insider Secrets to Save Money at the Dentist
Maintaining good oral health is essential for a healthy and happy life. However, dental procedures can be expensive, and many people struggle to afford them. But there are several ways to save money on your oral health. Let’s discuss some tips that can help you save money while keeping your teeth healthy.
Practice good oral hygiene and come in for preventative dental services
It goes without saying that the best way to save money on your oral health is to practice good oral hygiene.
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day
- Floss daily
- Eat a low sugar and low carbohydrate diet
This will help prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems that can be costly to treat.
In addition, preventive dental services such as cleanings, X-rays, and fluoride treatments can help identify and address oral health issues before they become more serious and expensive to treat. Schedule regular dental checkups with your dentist to catch any issues early and avoid costly procedures down the road. A missed cleaning, can lead to a deep cleaning, and even further treatment, so act early and treat early!
Wear a nightguard or occlusal guard
Up to 1 in 3 adults clenches or grinds their teeth during the day and/or nighttime. It is by far much more common than you realize and may even happen when you’re sleeping and you’re unaware it’s even an issue.
The consequences of constant and consistent patterns of grinding can be gum and bone recession, wear and cracks in existing fillings, and deep pits and grooves in enamel, exposing the second layer of dentin in teeth. All of this requires additional dental work along with the inevitable pain and soreness in the jaw muscles. A night guard or occlusal guard might be the best investment in your overall oral health and many dental benefit plans cover a portion of it!
Take advantage of flexible spending accounts (FSAs)
Many employers offer FSAs, which allow you to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified medical expenses, including dental care. You can save money on your oral health by taking advantage of an FSA and using the funds to pay for dental procedures. Ask us for a detailed receipt at the end of your procedures, so you can get reimbursed accordingly!
Treat oral health issues early
If you do develop an oral health issue, such as a cavity or gum disease, treat it early. The longer you wait to address the issue, the more expensive the treatment will be. Ignoring oral health problems can also lead to more serious health issues, which can be costly to treat along with added time and discomfort. It may be more expensive to skip a checkup when as I’ve seen $100 fillings turn into a cracked tooth and need a $1,000+ root canal!
Sign up for a dental membership plan
If you don’t have insurance, dental treatment can be expensive and costs can get very high. Dental discount plans, such as ours, offer coverage for things like:
- 2 cleanings per year
- Unlimited x-rays
- 1 emergency visit
- 10% discount on all other procedures (such as implants, crowns, etc.)
This and other office’s membership plans are excellent options for patients, as they function as a hassle and insurance- free alternative, and without the downside of the insurance company skimming off your premium or deductibles, downgrades, or waiting periods.
Many membership plans offer monthly payment options, including ours, that can make the discount plan even more appealing. It may sound crazy, but depending on how robust your benefits are, you may be spending more on your dental insurance premiums, than the cost of your dental visits or monthly membership fees.
In conclusion, taking care of your oral health is important, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. By practicing good oral hygiene, taking advantage of preventive services, and being a bit more proactive and smart you can save money while keeping your teeth and gums healthy.
Remember, prevention is always better than treatment, so take care of your oral health today, to avoid costly procedures in the future.
