7 Simple Ways to Keep Dental Costs Down
Low Cost Dentistry
Most people want to be healthy and have good oral health, but sometimes it comes at a cost. If you haven’t been to the dentist in a while, it might feel like it’s going to cost some anxiety and embarrassment. Most of all, it’s easy for finances to add up quickly, especially if you don’t have insurance. Usually, the more severe the dental concerns are, the more expensive treatment becomes.
Lincoln Dental Plans exists to alleviate these costs and concerns. We believe in quality but affordable dental care. Whether or not you are an LDP member, we came up with 7 simple ways to help you achieve low cost dentistry.
1. Use up your insurance benefits every year
Most dental insurances have a “maximum.” A dental insurance maximum is the amount your insurance company will pay for dental treatment before you have to pay the entirety of your procedures – as opposed to only a percentage. Because you pay for insurance, the best way to get the most out of your money is to use up your allowed maximum as frequently as you can.
Note that Lincoln Dental Plans does not give you a maximum each year. There is no end to your savings if you’re a member and we won’t cap your discounts.
2. Take advantage of regular cleanings and exams
Keeping up with your dental cleanings and exams can also help you keep your dental costs down to a minimum. One goal of regular dental cleanings and exams is to catch smaller, cheaper dental problems before they become more costly. Low cost dentistry starts with routine maintenance covered by almost every insurance company or dental plan. If you keep your mouth clean and healthy, your dental treatment costs will be next to nothing!
3. Fix cavities as soon as possible
Contrary to what some people think, cavities don’t actually hurt. When you have a cavity, it can be tempting to put off treatment since it doesn’t cause any pain. Although they don’t hurt, they grow in size and severity every day. As a cavity grows, it gets closer to the nerve beneath your tooth. If it reaches your nerve, it will begin to cause you pain. At that point, it’s probably too late for a simple filling. Instead, a dentist will likely need to perform root canal therapy. Not to worry though: if you take care of cavities before they cause you pain, your dentist can help you prevent more expensive dental procedures.
4. Don’t ignore swollen or bleeding gums
Swollen or bleeding gums are often signs of gingivitis or periodontal disease. Both are infections of the gums that can lead to worse complications like tooth loss. If tooth loss occurs, you’ll have to replace your teeth. Taking care of bleeding or swollen gums is an important way to achieve low cost dentistry.
Visiting your dentists frequently is the best way to keep your eyes out for this problem. Regular dental visits will help you stay on top of homecare and catch any problems before dollar signs start to add up. If you’re not sure what dentist to see, Lincoln Dental Plans recommends Nebraska Family Dentistry which has several locations throughout Lincoln.
5. Enroll in Lincoln Dental Plans if you don’t have dental insurance
Lincoln Dental Plans is a special plan designed for patients who do not have dental insurance. For a reasonable price, you and your family can receive two free cleanings and exams every year, in addition to necessary x-rays and huge discounts on any necessary treatment. Lincoln Dental Plans gives you and your family access to low cost dentistry without the hassle of going through insurance companies.
6. Use dental payment plans
If you do need to invest money in your dental treatment, find Lincoln dentist that offers dental payment plans. Lincoln Dentists at Lincoln Family Dentistry offer dental payment plans in order as a way to allow low –cost dentistry for their patients. Using a dental payment plan can help you get the treatment necessary to restore your oral health without the stress of worrying how you will pay for it all at once, once again leading to affordable dentistry for your family.
7. Find a low cost dentistry at a public health clinic or the college of dentistry
If you do not have dental insurance or are on a tight budget, seeking a public health clinic or dental college might be a good option for you. You will still receive quality low cost dental care. Usually the exchange for low cost dental care at a public health clinic or a dental college will be worth your time. At a dental college, dental students are usually the ones performing the work under the supervision of their professors. Because they are still in school, a professor must check their work after each step of a procedure. If the professor is with another student, this can keep you waiting until he or she is available. A simple appointment for one or two fillings may cost a bit less, if you’re willing to spend the extra time.
Final word about low-cost dentistry:
Saving money and taking care of yourself makes for a win-win situation. Unfortunately, affordable dentists just won’t come to you – It’s typically up to the patient to find a low cost dentistry. Follow these steps, and you might just land yourself cheap, effective dental care!