How to Save Money on Regular Dental Cleanings
Thursday, December 7, 2017, 6:00 PM | Leave Comment
Dental cleanings are an important part of your oral hygiene routine. Your smile says a lot about you, so it is only natural that you want to keep your teeth pearly white.
Unfortunately, many businesses do not cover dental work in their employee insurance plans, and paying out of pocket can be a significant financial burden. Keeping costs down is a must.
In that spirit, here are a few tips on how to save money on your next cleaning.
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Take Care of Your Teeth at Home
This should be an obvious tip, but many people are only brushing once a day and using poor technique.
Make sure you are brushing for two minutes a session, two sessions a day. It is also important that you angle your brush so that the bristles gently massage under the gum line as you move them in a circular motion.
By maintaining proper oral hygiene at home there will be fewer invasive cleaning procedures, which means fewer lost dollars when you are sitting in the chair.
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Speak Frankly about Your Financial Needs
Most dentists care about the needs of their patients. They got into the business to help keep teeth and gums in good shape, after all.
Speak candidly about any financial limitations you have and ask about low or no-interest financing options.
Many dental offices offer billing and discounts for paying in cash. This helps them to offset credit card processing fees and other billing hassles, which will make them more likely to pass the savings on to you.
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Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Going to the dentist more often may not seem like a way to save money, but those regular six-month cleanings are actually a gold mine in preventative care.
Even the best at-home oral hygiene practices cannot stop plaque build-up completely.
By visiting the dentist for regular teeth cleaning in Marion, IN, you spare yourself the costs associated with gum recession, cavities, root canals, and even dangerous abscesses.
All of these can cost much more than a simple cleaning.
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Explore Dental Discount Plans
When insurance is not an option, there are lower cost discount plans you can buy into which come with significant discounts at participating dentists.
These plans are fairly hassle-free. You pay a small yearly fee for access to discounts, and then present your member card at your next cleaning.
You can see a list of reputable plans that service dentists in your area on the National Association of Dental Plans’ website by clicking here.
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Get Treatment at a Dental School or Free Clinic
Every great dentist has to start out somewhere, and you can take advantage of this by scheduling your cleanings at a local dental school.
There, you may find dramatically lower costs than at a regular clinic and will have your service carefully monitored as dentists-in-training hone their skills.
Likewise, you can ask about scheduled free clinics who service eligible individuals. These are frequently available to those making under the federal poverty limit, and to veterans. Expect to see most of them held in the summer and near Christmas.
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Create a Plan
Transparency is rarely offered outright at your dentist’s office, but you do have the option of asking for itemized lists of various procedures and what they cost.
Depending on the nature of your cleaning, you can peruse the list and ask about whether or not particular services can safely be put off.
By knowing more about how your visit is itemized you have the power to direct your care as suits your financial needs.
Regular cleanings are an essential part of keeping up with good oral hygiene. Take care of your teeth at home, and speak openly with your dentist about your financial needs when you do go into the clinic.
Explore low-cost options for care, like getting your cleaning done at a dental school or buying into a discount plan.
Know how your dental office prices its services so you can be better informed about what cleaning procedures best suit your financial needs.
By keeping these easy tips in mind you can shave valuable dollars off the top of your next cleaning bill, which is a great reason to smile.
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Rachelle Wilber is a freelance writer living in the San Diego, California area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. When she isn’t on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, at the beach, or at the gym. Follow her on twitter and Facebook.
