What are some tips to find affordable dental care?
Everyone should have access to affordable medical assistance and dental care. We believe affordable dental care should be your right rather than a privilege, especially when it comes to medically necessary procedures. You should look for an affordable dentist near me who actively considers your budget and financing options to help minimize your out-of-pocket financial burden. Below, we have some tips to help you access affordable dental care in Houston, TX.
#1. Look for affordable in-network dentists in your area
You should look for affordable, in-network dentists in your area. If you have dental insurance, you must look for in-network dentists that accept that insurance plan. In-network dentists are obliged to provide dental treatments at a negotiable and fixed-rate, so there’s no risk of hidden fees and exorbitant extra costs. Furthermore, in-network dentists allow you to access the treatment at a discounted cost after insurance coverage, so you don’t have the hassle of applying for insurance after the fact. In-network dentists can help you save a lot.
#2. Consider third-party financing plans, such as CareCredit
If you don’t have dental insurance, or you’re seeking a treatment not covered by insurance, you may want to consider your third-party financing options. Your dental clinic should help you with third-party financing plans, such as CareCredit. You can apply for CareCredit within minutes — it’s basically a credit card for healthcare purposes. You can pay for your dental treatments, medical and cosmetic, with CareCredit, and then pay it off over several installments. CareCredit has numerous no-interest and low-interest payment options.
#3. Look for dental clinics with in-house savings plans
If you don’t have dental insurance, it will really help to identify dental clinics with affordable in-house savings plans. Most dental clinics offer some form of in-house savings plans to help you access affordable treatments. With the in-house savings plan, you might be able to access complimentary dental cleanings and dental exams and discounts on several dental treatments. Please look for a dentist near me open today with in-house savings plans that lower your financial costs.
#4. Ask your affordable dentist for cash discounts
You can also lower your financial cost by offering to pay for your dental treatment upfront in cash. Some dentists provide 5% to 10% discounts for dental treatments that are paid for immediately in cash. Dentists are generally willing to offer this discount because upfront cash payments save them from a lot of hassle. While dentists and dental clinics don’t advertise this on their websites, you should ask the dental clinic staff about this availability.
#5. Go for regular teeth cleanings and maintain oral hygiene
The best way to access affordable dental care and reduce the cost of dental treatments is simple: maintain optimal oral hygiene. Most dental problems can be avoided with optimal oral hygiene, which includes brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, minimizing sugar and alcohol, and going for regular professional teeth cleanings. You must go for at least two teeth cleanings and check-ups per year. This helps you maintain optimal oral hygiene and prevent dental problems that would place an immense burden on your finances.
Professional teeth cleaning refers to preventive procedures wherein the dental hygienist removes the accumulated plaque and tartar from your teeth. The dentist also examines your teeth to look for early signs of dental problems, such as fillings and gum inflammation. Most dental problems are chronic, so it’s best to address them at the earliest stage possible. If you go for regular dental check-ups, you can identify and treat dental problems at the earliest stages using relatively affordable dental treatments, such as fillings.
How much does a affordable dental care cost?
The cost of a routine dental cleaning depends on numerous factors, such as the location of the dental clinic, whether you have dental insurance, and whether you receive additional at-home products. Generally speaking, most dental insurances cover at least two complementary teeth cleanings per year. If you have dental insurance, you don’t need to worry about paying for routine dental cleaning. If you don’t have dental insurance, please contact an affordable dentist in my area to inquire about the treatment cost.
Can dentists fix really bad teeth?
Yes, dentists can fix really bad teeth if the internal structures, such as the pulp tissues and root canal, aren’t damaged. If the damage only exists on the external components, such as the enamel, the dentist can fix the problem. You may need dental fillings, veneers, or crowns, depending on the nature of the dental trauma. However, if the dental fracture extends under the gum line or into the root canal, you may need a dental extraction or root canal therapy.
Is it OK to go to the dentist once a year?
Yes, it’s okay to visit a dentist for a routine dental checkup and teeth cleaning once a year. However, you should ideally go for professional teeth cleanings once every six months. If you go for dental cleanings twice a year, you’ll be able to identify and address dental problems at the earliest stages possible, saving you from expensive treatments later.
Schedule an appointment with an affordable dentist in my area today
URBN Dental is a state-of-the-art dental clinic with some of the best dentists in Houston, TX. Our dentists always examine your teeth, run advanced tests, diagnose the root cause of your problems, and curate personalized dental treatment plans. Our personalized approach to dental treatments ensures optimal results. Please schedule an appointment with your nearest emergency dentist in Houston, TX, today.