Are you concerned about your appearance or dealing with Dental pain? You do not need to suffer because of worries about paying for dental care.

According to The American Dental Association, 100 million Americans do not see a dentist regularly. Why? Many Americans are working without the benefit of dental insurance and think it is their only option for getting the care they need.

If you’re in need of dental work, it’s important to consider your Dental Payment Options beforehand. This guide explains what options exist and how to pick one.

The Importance of Regular Dental Care

Regular visits to your dentist can save you money in the long run and protect your overall health.

The cost of regular cleanings and check-ups are much cheaper than letting an infection go on and become a larger problem that could make you very sick or cost thousands.

So, why are Americans not making dental care a top priority?

A lack of knowledge about health risks and ways to pay for dental care may be the answer. Let’s face it dental care is not cheap. The average cost of a filling is now $200 and orthodontics or surgery can cost thousands.

How To Pay When You Have No Dental Insurance

Ideally, it’s great to have a dental plan that helps offset the cost of regular dentist visits. However, most dental plans have a yearly expense limit that can make extensive dental work unaffordable.

Dental insurance is not your only option for taking care of orthodontic work, reconstruction, or dental surgery.

If you’re putting off necessary dental work because you do not have dental insurance, understand that dentistry is not just about vanity. Your overall health is affected by a lack of dental care. Affordable dental Payment Options are available.

Know Your Dental Payment Options

So, you know that you need to get to a dentist soon. You may already have an idea of the services you need and know that you cannot pay for them upfront.

Here are some dental payment options you can consider.

• Dentists Who Offer Discount Plans
• Companies That Finance Dental Care
• State or Charitable Dental Care
• Dental Procedures in Stages

Patient Discount Plans

There are dentists that offer their own in-house financing plans. This means that the dentist has a type of insurance plan that the dentist’s office finances. Here is an example of a dentist’s office that offers discounts.

Affordable Dental Boise has a program for patients called “Boise Family Dental Care Discount Plan.” The cost of this dentist’s patient plan is very affordable at $40 per month. It includes the following preventative care.

• 2 Exams Per Year
• 2 Cleanings Per Year
• X-Rays Included
• Discounts on Basic and Major Services
• No Deductible
• Maximum Benefit of $2,000

Ask your dentist if they have an in-house financing plan for patients. You may find that a discount plan is more affordable than regular dental insurance and offers a higher annual benefit.

Company Financing

Care Credit is an option if you do not have dental insurance or your dentist does not offer to finance through their office. This is a credit card that finances health and wellness visits not normally covered by medical insurance.

Interest rates with Care Credit are often lower than regular credit cards. Care Credit also offers promotional periods in which no interest is paid. Plans for 12-24 months are 0% interest if paid on time. The interest rate is 14% for financing longer than 24 months.

You will need a credit score of 620 or higher to get approved for a Care Credit card.

State Programs

If you are disabled or on a limited income, many states have care programs for citizens who are unable to pay for necessary procedures. This especially applies to children who are economically disadvantaged.

Your local DHHR office can guide you with finding dental payment options.

There is a charitable organization called The Dental Lifeline Network that has donated dental services throughout the country. They have an easy-to-use map on their website that gives locations for donated dental services in your state. Each state has its own qualifications for receiving donated dental care.

Also, check with your state for schools of dentistry in the area. Students who are studying to be dentists need the experience to meet graduation requirements. Public clinics with students on staff will provide dental treatment at reduced rates.

Getting Dental Procedures Done in Stages

If you are in need of extensive dental work and are not able to find financing, talk to your dentist about getting the care done in stages.

Your dentist can advise you on the procedures that are the most necessary for your overall health. These are any procedures and medications needed to cure a bacterial infection.

Once the overall health of your mouth is stable, ask your dentist to provide a written plan for the treatments still needed and cost estimates. This will allow you time to plan your budget and take care of your health in stages rather than go without the dental care you need.

Get the Help You Need For Expensive Dental Work

Dental work can be expensive and a hardship when you don’t have a plan. Yet, it is an important part of your overall health that should not be ignored or postponed.

Understanding your dental payment options can make going to the dentist regularly and financing expensive dental work possible.

If you have found this article informative, check out our page often for tips on protecting your long-term health and the services available.