If you’re on a strict monthly budget, needing to get a costly procedure from the dentist can set you up to struggle financially for the following months. Many people aren’t aware that they can avoid those situations by keeping on top of taking care of their teeth and gums. Read on for three tips that can help you save money at the dentist.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Even though it sounds like an oxymoron to say “visiting your dentist regularly can save you money at the dentist,” it’s true! Whether you have dental insurance or an in-house dental savings plan, most benefits cover the cost of two checkups and cleanings every year. The goal during these appointments is to diagnose and treat any lingering oral health problems to prevent them from turning into more severe issues down the road. As you probably know, the more serious the problem is, the more costly and invasive the procedure.
Taking advantage of your covered dental visits every year can help save you thousands of dollars in the long run. Even though you may be tempted to put these appointments on the backburner, don’t!
Maintain A Thorough At-Home Oral Hygiene Routine
Not getting a cavity or tooth infection is always cheaper than having to receive treatment for these problems. That’s why a great way to save money on dental treatments is to keep your teeth and gums healthy so you never need them! Here’s how you can regularly remove harmful substances from your mouth and prevent oral health issues from arising:
- Brush twice each day for two minutes using fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily.
- Rinse with antibacterial mouthwash every day.
- Maintain a nutritious diet.
- Be conscious of your consumption of sugars and carbohydrates.
- Get preventive treatments such as nightguards for teeth grinding and fluoride treatments, when necessary.
- Quit bad oral habits such as tobacco use.
Take Advantage of Your Dentist’s In-House Savings Plan
If you don’t have dental insurance and are concerned about how much it would cost to get checkups and cleanings, you can benefit from asking your dentist about whether they offer in-house savings plans. These cover the cost of basic maintenance and care for the year for a low cost, including two checkups and cleanings, X-rays, and a discount on other treatments.
With an in-house savings plan, you won’t have to worry about dealing with insurance companies, deductibles, annual maximums, or tedious forms that are stressful to navigate. Instead, you’ll be able to just sign up for the plan, receive your dental care, and leave. Without the hassle, you’ll be able to enjoy all of the benefits of dental insurance while remaining in your budget.
Preventive dentistry can keep your mouth problem-free while also saving you money in the long-run. Instead of costly and invasive treatments, you’ll be able to spend your budget and time on activities that make you happy!
About the Author
Dr. Barry Isadaner has over 45 years of experience in dentistry and is incredibly passionate about helping his patients optimize the health of their teeth and gums. He focuses on preventive dentistry so he can keep his patients from developing severe oral health problems that cause them pain or discomfort. He also offers a great in-house savings plan for patients without dental insurance, so everyone can get the affordable, high-quality dental care they deserve. For questions or to schedule a checkup and cleaning, visit Advanced Smile Design’s website or call 215-659-3334.
