Dental care is essential to your health. However, it can also be very expensive. If you need dental care, you’re not alone. 69% of adults between the ages of 35 and 59 have lost a tooth to an accident, gum disease, or decay. Meanwhile, more than a quarter of adults over the age of 75 have lost all of their teeth. Many times, this is because of a lack of dental care, often due to the cost. If you want to save money on your next dental procedure, here are some tips to help.
Get Dental Insurance
Dental insurance, like all other forms of insurance, is something you buy to prepare yourself for the future. 40% to 50% of Americans rely on their employer for health insurance, but dental might not be included. You’ll likely need to find dental coverage on your own. If you need expensive dental treatments, your dental insurance can save you a lot of money. Look for different policies and compare the costs, as well as what they cover. You might find that you can save a lot of money by researching different dental policies and buying the one that fits your needs.
Get a Second Opinion
While your regular dentist is likely very skilled, they aren’t infallible. If they recommend a dental procedure that would cost you too much money, you are within your rights to get a second opinion. Go to another dentist and ask their opinion. They might have a less expensive solution for you. If they agree with the first dentist, they’ll confirm that this is a price worth paying. Make sure you’re getting the best value for your dollar.
Shop Around
Many times, dental offices will provide specials to get new patients into their practice. Take advantage of these specials; shop around and find a good dentist for your needs. Different offices charge different amounts for the same procedures. If you don’t look at all of your options, you might end up getting overcharged at your current dental office. While shopping around can take time and effort, it will save you money and potentially find you the ideal dentist for your needs. You should also shop around when your dentist refers you somewhere else. About 3.9 million children in the United States are orthodontic patients. Look for an affordable orthodontic clinic when it comes time for you or your child to get braces.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
The best way to save money on dental procedures is through prevention. Make sure you brush and floss your teeth every day. If you take care of your teeth in between dental appointments, it will reduce your risk for a lot of different problems. If you avoid these problems from the start, then you won’t need to spend any money to fix them. While you can’t guarantee that good hygiene will prevent the need for dental procedures, it can certainly help prevent unnecessary ones.
Go to a Dental School
Dentists in training need people to practice with. You can save a lot of money on dental procedures by having them done by dental students under the supervision of a professional trainer. Look for dental schools in your area and see what kinds of programs they do for free student clinics. This option can get you professional treatment for a fraction of the usual price. This is beneficial to both you and the dentist in training, so why not get your teeth cleaned at a reasonable price while helping out a student?
Dental procedures are expensive, but most are very necessary for your health. If you don’t get them done, you increase your risk for more damage and bigger bills in the future. Keep these tips in mind as you plan for your next dental procedure. They can save you a lot of money and grief.