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Dental bills needn’t be a kick in the teeth. There are many ways in which you can save money on dental treatment. Below are just a few tips for making a trip to the dentist less expensive.
Don’t ignore that toothache
A toothache is typically a sign of an infection. Catching it early can prevent the infection from spreading and causing greater damage. By acting early, you could save your teeth and save money on expensive dental treatment. Getting a tooth extraction or root canal treatment early enough could prevent an infection from spreading to other teeth, reducing the need for more expensive treatment in the future. If an infection is caught very early, it may even be treatable with antibiotics, which will cost a lot less than extraction or root canal.
Weigh up the cost of dental insurance
Regular health insurance does not cover dental treatment. Dental insurance can sometimes be a worthwhile add-on – particularly if you regularly have to go for expensive treatment. While you will have to pay a small monthly fee, it will save you from having to withdraw hundreds or thousands of dollars at a time for individual treatments. Compare dental insurance plans to find the best rates.
Discuss payment options with your dentist
Your dentist may be able to offer discounts in some instances. Many discounts will also offer installment plans (they may not advertise this upfront, so make sure to enquire about them). Such installment plans may not charge interest, making them a much better option than a loan.
Shop around for treatment
Every dental clinic has its own pricing. If you already know what treatment you need, it could be worth taking the time to shop around for prices. Simply by ringing up different clinics, you may be able to enquire about pricing. Some dentists may charge a lot less than others, saving you some money. Just make sure to also look up the reputation of the dentist to ensure that the cheap prices aren’t a reflection of poor quality treatment. Most people stay local when seeking out dental treatment, however, in some cases, it may be worth traveling to another state or even another country to get treatment – especially when it comes to expensive reconstruction in which you could save hundreds of dollars.
Stay on top of dental hygiene
The most obvious way to save money on dental treatment is to look after your teeth. Practicing good dental hygiene will reduce the risk of needing treatment. It’s worth investing in a good quality toothbrush (electric toothbrushes are recommended by most dentists) in order to improve cleaning effectiveness. This could spare the need for regular hygienist appointments and reduce the risk of cavities. Get into a good habit of brushing twice per day for two minutes each time and make sure that you brush every tooth individually.
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