Most of us dread going to the dentist. The drilling, cleaning, and scraping is uncomfortable, and if they find anything amiss, it can cost you a small fortune to have it fixed. Are you wondering how to pay for an expensive dental treatment? The great news is that you have several options to explore.
Dental Insurance
We insure our car, our house, and even our pets, but do you have insurance for your teeth? Dental insurance helps cover the cost of any unexpected procedures that you or your family need. Some providers offer dental insurance with no waiting period, meaning you can afford the treatment you need right away.
Consider your unique circumstances when choosing a provider. Are you single? Do you have a family? Are you after general dental cover for small fillings, plaque removal, cleaning, and fluoride treatments, or are you anticipating more significant expenses such as wisdom teeth removal, braces, dentures, crowns, or bridges?
Small Cash Loan
If you can’t find the right dental insurance to help cover costs, you may need to borrow money. While most people use a credit card as their go-to option because it is quick and convenient, it isn’t ideal for large expenses that you won’t be able to pay off straight away.Â
The average credit card interest rate is around 16-18%, compared to approximately 10% for cash loans. If you search hard enough, you may be able to find cash loans with rates as low as 3-4% and flexible repayment options. Low-income earners could also be eligible for debt help in the form of a no-interest loan.
Payment Plans
Because dental treatments are expensive, and people often struggle to pay upfront, many dentists offer payment plans for certain procedures. These plans could be either with the dental clinic you visit or through a third-party provider. Once you have one set up, you can pay weekly or monthly installments to cover the total cost over an agreed period of time.Â
If you are looking at entering into a payment plan, make sure you read the fine print carefully and understand the terms and conditions. You should check whether the dentist will charge interest, at what rate it will be charged, and whether a credit check is required before you can qualify.
Shop Around
If you were looking for someone to paint your house, it would be worth getting several different quotes before you settle on the company you feel confident with. The same goes for dentists. Prices and skill sets can vary quite dramatically from clinic to clinic. Some of the factors that influence fees include location, experience, and overheads. So, it’s worth shopping around to find a skilled and reputable dentist you can afford and trust.Â
Tighten Your Belt
If you are reluctant to take out a loan, and can’t find the appropriate dental insurance to work for you, consider how you can cut your costs over the next few months to save the money you need. You could try putting your Netflix and Amazon Prime subscription on hold, implementing a clothes buying ban, taking your lunch to work every day, and committing to three months without takeaway coffee. You may even develop some frugal habits that are so beneficial you decide to keep them for good!
While going to the dentist can be expensive, poor dental hygiene is linked to many serious health issues, including cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. So, for the sake of your smile and your longevity, don’t neglect your pearly whites. Using the methods above, you should be able to cover the cost of the dental treatment you need.
