Are you skipping the dentist to save money? This isnt the best plan. This line of thinking can backfire and lead to more expensive treatments down the line.
Instead of skipping the dentist, you should read this brief guide on how to afford treatments when your budget is tight.
Dealing with Dental Emergencies
If youre dealing with a dental emergency, like a broken crown or a tooth abscess, you should book an appointment with your dentist immediately even if the costs might be too much for your budget. You have to resolve the problem right away. Neglecting something like a tooth abscess can be very dangerous. The infection can spread to other parts of your body and cause life-threatening conditions.
So, how can you manage the costs of emergency treatment? If you dont have the savings, you could apply for a line of credit online. If youre approved for this open-end credit tool, you could request a withdrawal within your limit and use those funds to cover the treatment costs quickly. Then, you could follow a steady repayment plan.
Remember to narrow your online search for line of credit options in your state. So, someone who lives in Little Rock should look for a line of credit in Arkansas to help them with emergencies. And someone who lives in the great city of New Orleans should look for an option specifically available in Louisiana. This step will guarantee that the credit tool is accessible in your home state.
Dealing with Regular Treatments
You shouldnt skip your regular run-of-the-mill dental treatments to save money, either. What could have been a single appointment for a cleaning or cavity filling could become several appointments for fillings, root canals or tooth extractions later on. If youre worried about the costs of simple cleanings and check-ups, look at these 5 ways to make them more affordable.
1. Get a Discount Card
A dental discount card can offer you 10%-60% of savings on dental services. Its a more affordable alternative to private dental insurance. Instead of paying monthly premiums, you pay a lower annual fee to access the card.
2. Ask about Clinic Discounts
Sometimes dental clinics offer discounts for patients who do things like pay in cash or refer a friend. Check to see what special discounts your current clinic offers, or check whether other clinics in your area are offering better deals that you can jump onto.
3. Set Up a Payment Plan
Talk to your dentist about your financial situation. Find a reliable dentist in Oakland. They might offer payment plans for their patients that are unable to cover the costs of treatment upfront. Dividing up the costs through installments might be easier for you to manage.
4. Skip the Clinic
Another idea is to skip the traditional dental clinic altogether. Dental schools and community centers often offer reduced prices for basic dental services.
5. Take Care of Your Teeth
Of course, an excellent way to keep your dental costs down is to take good care of your teeth. Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Floss daily and use an anti-bacterial mouth rinse. And try your best to avoid foods that are bad for your teeth to prevent tooth decay. These simple habits will lower your risks of needing expensive dental treatments.
Its time to stop avoiding the dentist! You can take care of your teeth without destroying your budget.
