How To Find An Affordable Dentist?
You can find an affordable dentist or possibly even find a dentist who can provide services at no cost to you when you check with your local and state resources. They will likely know of programs within your area that offer reduced-cost or free dental care. They can provide guidance regarding available financial assistance programs.
An Affordable Dentist Is Closer Than You Think!
Six ways to improve your oral health without going broke if you have not seen a dentist for an extended period because of the cost.
Americans aren’t going to the dentist, and the reasons are far more profound than just not liking the drills. According to the Kaiser study, one-third of Americans had not seen a dentist within the previous year, and two out of five said they skip routine visits due to cost or that that they couldn’t find an affordable dentist (according to a 2014 Harris poll for the American Dental Association).
The need for dental care is out there, and sadly, many Americans can’t cover the cost even if they find an affordable dentist, or a dentist who has competitive pricing. Prices for procedures can vary widely depending upon where you live. A basic adult dental cleaning averages just $95 in Des Moines, Iowa versus $205 in New York City, according to the Fair Health cost lookup site, which estimates dental prices based on your zip code. Nationwide, a dental filling can cost anywhere from $145 to $205. According to a 2018 survey of 1,688 dentists conducted by the American Dental Association, root canals can range anywhere from $765 to $1075.
According to data obtained from the National Association of Dental Plans, even if you have dental insurance, you’re more than likely still paying $168 to $384 annually in premiums. In addition to the annual premium for coverage, there is generally a yearly dollar amount the insurance company will payout. This number is typically capped somewhere between $1000 to $2000. After that, you’re left to cover the rest.
Unfortunately, it’s a grim financial landscape, and you shouldn’t ever have to choose between keeping your teeth and mouth healthy or saving your bank account. In the bigger scheme of things, oral health is very closely connected to overall wellness. Dr. David Preble, Senior Vice President of the Practice Institute at the American Dental Association, states that “as long as you have more regular dental care, you end up with less dental disease, and better oral health, which will contribute to better overall health.”
Do keep in mind that an affordable dentist is closer than you might think. Whether you live in New York City, or Lincoln, NE, an affordable dentist is likely only a phone call or click away. And even though you might think an affordable dentist offers lackluster care, Nebraska Family Dentistry has several top-notch dentists all who provide outstanding dental care.
6 Tips on How to Find an Affordable Dentist
To find an affordable dentist, or to find out how to get the dental care you can afford, consider these six tips:
Tip 1 – Max out free care with insurance
Dental coverage is often offered in addition to healthcare insurance if you work for a company that provides benefits. But that doesn’t mean you can go to any dentist and expect the entire bill to be covered. Before making an appointment, call the dentist’s office and ask if they participate in your dental network, then double-check with your insurance provider. Not doing research about your dental benefits before your visit can turn an affordable dentist into an expensive dentist. Unfortunately, when this happens people tend to forego necessary treatment because of the cost.
Two cleanings per year, or biannual cleanings, are generally covered. Having two covered cleanings per year means that a routine cleaning could potentially be done at no extra charge, or with a minimal copay. However, if you need a more expensive procedure, there is a chance you might bump up against your plan’s maximum, and you will be left to pay the difference out of pocket. Don’t be discouraged; however, if you have a flexible spending account, or a health savings account, you can pay any balance using pretax dollars. Never agree to a procedure until you fully understand your payment responsibilities. In short, getting a breakdown of the costs you will be required to pay can avoid any surprise bills.
Tip 2 – Do the math on discount plans
Some dentists aim to lower costs for their patients by offering membership plans, which comes with an affordable one-time annual fee in exchange for discounts of 10 to 60 percent. Discounts can be on services such as cleanings, x-rays, root canals, crowns, fillings, and teeth whitening.
Lincoln Dental Plans is a dental discount plan that has so much to offer. One low annual fee has you covered for an entire year.
Membership Coverage Includes:
| Dental X-rays | 100% |
| Comprehensive Exam | 100% |
| 2 Emergency Exams | 100% |
| 2 Routine Dental Cleanings (Every 12 Months) | 100% |
| Discounts on Select Procedures | 25% |
Added Benefits of an Affordable Dentist
Other added benefits that your affordable dentist, who partners with Lincoln Dental Plans, wants you to consider when comparing coverage to standard dental insurance:
| Dental Insurance | Dental Discount PlanLincoln Dental Plans | |
| Yearly maximum limit paid for treatment | Yes | No |
| Deductible | Yes | No |
| 100% guarantee on treatment costs | No | Yes |
| Limitations or procedure denials | Yes | No |
| Waiting period | Yes | No |
| A “missing tooth” clause | Yes | No |
| Timely processing | Yes | No |
| Yearly fee | Yes | Yes |
Tip 3 – Fix cavities
Most cavities do not hurt and are a silent disease. All cavities keep growing, and when the cavity reaches the pulp, the tooth may end up needing a root canal or even extraction. Fixing a cavity ranges from $110-$275 depending on its size. The cost of a root canal or replacing a tooth ranges from $500 to $4,500. Replacement options such as a dental implant or a dental bridge or even a partial denture cost a lot more than fixing a cavity. Fixing cavities is a way to keep dentistry affordable.
Tip 4 – Periodontal disease and keeping it under control and in remission
About 60% of Americans have Periodontal gum disease, and this is a disease that can go through the stages of being Active and Inactive. To keep it inactive and in remission, it is essential to continue flossing and brushing at home daily. Be sure to come in regularly to see a dental hygienist, so that they can remove the build-up below the gum line, which is impossible to remove without the proper tools. Keeping your oral health in excellent shape will make each visit to your already affordable dentist seem even better. With good oral health, you won’t have the need for expensive dental treatment!
Tip 5 – Keeping your gums and teeth healthy at home
Oral health and overall health are connected. Patients that live an anti-inflammatory lifestyle tend to have lower risks of developing dental disease. Most dental disease is preventable, and you can control the development of the disease by daily flossing and brushing plus following any of the tips for the overall health:
- Eating plenty of Omega-3 fatty acids like those found in fish and flaxseed.
- Eating high-fiber diets rich in fruits and vegetables and avoiding processed foods.
- Lowering their sugar intake and avoid drinking soda and energy drinks.
- Taking vitamin D regularly.
- Taking probiotics with multiple strains of beneficial probiotics.
- Exercising regularly.
- Reducing stress.
- Getting adequate sleep: 7-8 hours every night.
Tip 6 – Apply for payment plans with no fees or interest
When it comes to being able to afford the treatment you deserve, believe it or not, there are options. One of those options is CareCredit, which can offer you up to 12 months at 0% interest. CareCredit allows you to pay for medical expenses that are not covered by your insurance. Or, if you don’t have insurance, this will also let you get the treatment you need without having to pay fees and or interest. Want to learn more about CareCredit? Find out how it works, here.
CareCredit applications can be filled out online before you ever go in for your visit. What’s even better is that CareCredit isn’t just a one time use for yourself. CareCredit can also be used for other family members at local businesses like your veterinary office. Yes, that’s right; your four-legged fur child is covered, too! Other places that accept CareCredit are some chiropractic offices, primary doctor’s offices, or even home medical supply stores. CareCredit can give you peace of mind after you complete their short application, which you can be done online here in the convenience and privacy of your home.
Not every affordable dentist offers great advice. At Nebraska Family Dentistry, however, one of our many affordable dentists will always offer great tips for improving your smile, in addition to great options for making your treatment cost(s) reasonable.
An Affordable Dentist at Nebraska Family Dentistry Has You Covered
Here at Nebraska Family Dentistry, our dentists want to make sure getting the dental care you deserve doesn’t break the bank. Our prices are comparable and competitive with other local Lincoln dental clinics. That makes seeing an affordable dentist at Nebraska Family Dentistry, possible and easy!
Your dental health is our priority, and to show you how serious we are, one benefit we always offer is a handful of great payment options. When our dentists discuss a treatment plan with you, they keep your budget in mind. Offering payment options, with no interest, for whichever form of treatment you choose, is one way we can help make sure you get the dental treatment you deserve.
We know that when making any decision, the top choice, whether you’re buying a car or new dentures, always comes at a higher cost, and that doesn’t work for everyone. We respect that, and that’s precisely why we will always discuss a few fantastic options. Giving you options, and allowing you to choose the treatment that meets your needs, will help eliminate the feeling of being trapped by a huge financial burden. At Nebraska Family Dentistry, an affordable dentist, doesn’t mean you will sacrifice quality of care. Our dentists are about your dental health, while respecting your financial situation, whatever it may be.
Don’t Give Up; It is Possible to Find An Affordable Dentist
While there is much to consider when making any decision about your health, consider all the options. Don’t sell yourself short. Don’t be afraid to shop around, so that you can locate an affordable dentist. Find a dentist that you feel comfortable seeing and trust. Ultimately, it might be a lot easier for you to justify the cost of seeing a dentist (or any medical professional) if you think they’ll benefit you, and ultimately, your health. Whether it’s preventative treatment or critical treatment, we all have other ways we’d prefer to spend our hard-earned dollars. Preventative treatment, however, is what often prevents critical treatment that generally comes with a hefty price tag. Practice good oral hygiene at home, and be sure to incorporate seeing your dentist regularly to ensure that your teeth and gums stay healthy. The result will be a smile that lasts forever, and that’s something you can’t put a price tag on.