You’re not alone if you’re frustrated by aesthetic flaws in your smile, like chips, cracks, stubborn stains, or mild misalignments. Many people like you turn to cosmetic dentistry to enhance their smiles and boost their confidence. In fact, sources estimate that Americans spent at least $4.2 billion annually on these elective procedures.
Unfortunately, many people mistakenly assume that they can’t afford the treatments required to upgrade their grins, so they never schedule a consultation. Continue reading to learn about 3 tips that can potentially help you afford the desired services!
Tip #1: Choose the Right Treatments
Many dentists offer a variety of procedures to improve your appearance, and each has its own associated cost. If you’re on a tight budget and want to reduce out-of-pocket expenses, one way to do that is by choosing options that are more affordable to begin with.
For example, if your enamel looks more yellow or brown than pearly white, topical teeth whitening can help remove surface stains for a lower price than other potential treatments, like placing porcelain veneers. Similarly, you might opt for dental bonding to repair chips and cracks rather than veneers, as porcelain shells typically cost more.
But keep in mind that for cosmetic dental services, quality is often reflected in pricing. In many cases, it’s worth paying a higher upfront cost if the treatment lasts longer and requires fewer repairs, replacements, or repeat procedures, thereby saving money over time.
Tip #2: Check Your Insurance Policy
Dental insurance plans are typically designed to promote proper prevention and repair, and therefore, they don’t usually cover cosmetic services intended to enhance your appearance more than your oral health. However, there may be exceptions, such as if a dental crown or veneers is deemed medically necessary to protect your teeth.
There might also be other applicable benefits, such as exams or imaging, that can help reduce your final invoice. It’s worth verifying your information before proceeding to get a better idea of what’s included in your policy.
Tip #3: Ask About Payment Plans
Many dentists understand that not everyone carries insurance and want to help meet their patients’ needs regardless of their current financial situation. As a result, many of them partner with third-party financers, such as CareCredit, to offer flexible payment plans.
These low-interest options allow you to divide the total cost of your services into more manageable installments paid over a designated period if your application is approved.
If you’re interested in enhancing your smile on a budget, let your dentist know during your cosmetic consultation so they can tailor your treatment plan to your individual circumstances.
About the Practice
Patients at Montague Dental benefit from a team of providers who are passionate about helping them improve their lives by enhancing their dental health. Dr. Oshidar, Dr. Roth, and Dr. Crincoli collaborate to offer a comprehensive menu of services, including cosmetic procedures, to meet all your needs under one roof. Their caring approach is combined with advanced technology to deliver accurate results intended to last. You can request an appointment on the website or call (973) 293-3404.