How to Lower Your Dental Cost

Getting dental cost work can be expensive. Dental insurance can help with the costs, but there are also other options like discount plans and government programs like Medicaid.

Marketplace dental insurance often comes with annual deductibles, copayments for specific procedures and limits on coverage. We are insurance friendly and can help you maximize your benefits.

Preventive care

Routine preventive care like regular dental checkups and x-rays can help you live a healthier life. They can catch health problems early, when they are easier and less costly to treat. Preventive services can also keep you safe from serious diseases and infections.

Few studies have quantified how healthcare costs are impacted by the use of oral care. This study analyzed data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey and National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to measure how adherence with recommended preventive protocols affected healthcare costs for diabetes and coronary artery disease (CAD) patients who are members of a health plan that provides dental coverage.

A key finding is that adherence to a protocol of topical fluoride treatments and dental sealants on molar teeth significantly reduces healthcare costs for these patients. The savings are largely due to reductions in hospital admissions, which are more expensive than outpatient visits. Savings were highest among those whose medical claims indicated they had diabetes or CAD and lowest among those without either condition. In addition, those whose healthcare cost was impacted by high social determinant factors had additional savings over those not impacted by such factors.

Routine cleanings

Routine cleanings are usually the least expensive of all dental treatments. This is because they are preventive and therefore more cost effective than treating a cavity or gum disease once it has already developed.

Teeth cleanings remove plaque, tartar and biofilm that cannot be removed with regular brushing and flossing. They also help to keep teeth white and bright. They are a crucial step in maintaining good oral health and can catch signs of cavities in their early stages. Regular visits can also reduce the risk of gum disease, and research has shown that they may have a positive impact on whole-body health.

Routine cleanings are typically covered 100% by most dental insurance plans. However, for those without insurance the costs can be high. Flossy is a dental discount plan that can save you up to 50% on routine cleanings and other common dental procedures. Sign up for Flossy today. You’ll get a free toothbrush, and a discount on teeth whitening and other treatment at participating dentists. The best part? No monthly fees! Visit our website to see if Flossy is available near you.

Implants

Dental implants are expensive, but they can last a lifetime and are a better alternative to dentures or dental bridges. They also provide a more natural appearance and feel. Moreover, they don’t require additional care or maintenance like other tooth replacement options.

Dental implant cost varies depending on the type of dental implant and other preparatory procedures needed to prepare the jawbone. These include X-rays, dental exams, and models of the teeth and gums. Bone grafts and other invasive surgical procedures can also increase the overall dental implant cost.

Another factor that influences the cost of dental implants is the dentist performing the procedure. Dentists with higher credentials typically charge more than general dentists, and they may offer a variety of payment plan options. The patient’s insurance coverage may also influence the final price. Lastly, the type of anesthesia used will affect the overall cost of the treatment. Options include sedation, local anesthesia, and general anesthesia. Some patients can save money by using personal savings techniques, Bento dental, or HSA/FSA plans. However, these methods aren’t always enough to cover the entire implant cost.

Orthodontics

Orthodontic treatments can help patients straighten their teeth. While they can be costly, many dental insurance plans cover at least some of the cost.

However, the amount of coverage varies by plan type and the terms of the policy. Some plans include a lifetime maximum for orthodontics, while others require a waiting period or only cover a limited number of visits.

The average cost of braces varies between patients, but most treatment costs fall within the $3,000 to $7,500 range. The most important factor affecting fees is the complexity of the patient’s condition. Severe cases are more expensive than mild ones. Similarly, the longer the treatment takes, the higher the cost.

If you have dental insurance, look for a practice that offers discount options. You may also be able to save money by choosing standard metal braces instead of more expensive lingual braces or clear brackets. Also, ask the orthodontist about in-house financing. Many orthodontic practices offer flexible payment plans that are often interest-free. You can also use a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) to pay for orthodontic treatments.

Anesthesia

If you need sedation for your dental procedure, the cost will depend on the type of anesthesia used. The cheapest is laughing gas, which makes you feel drowsy but allows you to follow instructions. Oral medication sedation is more expensive but still cheaper than IV sedation. However, oral sedation takes a few hours to wear off so you’ll need a friend or family member to drive you home afterward.

Sedation dentistry can reduce anxiety and make dental procedures easier to perform. The sedative medications used vary in strength and how they’re administered, from a pill such as Valium to inhaled nitrous oxide or intravenous (IV) sedation. Your dentist can also adjust the sedation throughout your appointment to maintain the desired level of relaxation. Local anesthesia, which numbs the area around the tooth, is typically included in the price of the dental procedure. Its effects usually kick in within five minutes, but it can last up to an hour or two depending on the person and the dosage. The type of dental work will also affect how long the anesthesia lasts.