Fitting oral health care into your budget is a necessity. Unfortunately, oral health care can be expensive, especially when you need major oral surgery. Of course, the best way to ensure you can fit oral health care into your budget is to focus on preventive health care. However, if you need extensive oral surgery, you may be able to save on the treatment by using these four tips.
1. Ask for A Discount
Sometimes, to protect your budget, you must step outside your comfort zone. It may seem unconventional to ask for a discount, but in many cases, it is the best way to find some savings. Negotiating costs is not typically associated with oral health care, but you can ask for a discount.
Many providers will offer a “cash” price for care. If you ask for the cash price, you may be surprised by how much you can save. Some providers will not reduce the cost but will provide added-value services to compensate for the costs.
2. Shop Around
You should shop around, Whether oral health services for yourself or a family member. The cost of dental care can vary greatly depending on the provider. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 20% of all children in the United States have untreated tooth decay. This may be because they are uninsured and their parents cannot afford the treatment.
Shopping around for the best price can make oral health care more affordable. It is a lot easier to fit oral health care into your budget when you compare prices. The cost difference between providers can add up to thousands of dollars in savings.
3. Consider Dental Insurance
If you need extensive oral health care to get your teeth healthy, consider getting dental insurance. Dental insurance plans can help to offset a great deal of costs. Most plans cover 100% of preventive dental treatment and about 50% of other dental treatments. It is far better to pay 50% of treatment costs than to find a way to squeeze 100% of treatment costs out of your budget.
Dental insurance plans can vary in premium costs. You want to compare plans to ensure you get the best value. Check with your employer to see if they offer a dental insurance plan. If you have children, biological or adopted, it’s important to inquire about whether they can be on your insurance as well. Keep in mind, to adopt a child in Tennessee, you have to be at least 18, married for six months, and pass a home study by the Department of Social Services.
4. Keep Specialty Appointments Down To a Minimum
Any time you must see a specialist, it will cost more. General dentists can do a lot of the work that a specialist does. Make the job easier for your dentist by taking preventive steps at home. For example, according to the American Dental Association, if you crack a tooth, rinse your mouth with a saltwater rinse, and place a cold compress on your face to reduce swelling.
A good home oral hygiene program will make the job easier for your general dentist and help you to avoid those costly specialty appointments. If you need extensive work on your teeth, good oral hygiene will shorten your recovery period.
Oral health care can be more affordable than you think. You must work for the savings sometimes, asking around or doing some research to determine what resources are offered near you. Learn more about how to save money on oral health care and how to protect your budget. It’ll benefit you and your family in the long term!