Dental work can put a serious dent in your finances, and it’s appropriate that you take every opportunity to finance it through insurance coverage. The problem with this option is its limitations; Cosmetic dental procedures are barely covered by insurance, if at all, and you are often required to pay for treatment and professional fees out of your own pocket. The next time you consider teeth whitening or porcelain veneers, think about cost first, if you can and are willing to compromise. Some treatments also come with significant maintenance. The placement of dental implants requires several sessions, and the cost of the procedure is located in each tooth, depending on the placement area.
Make sure your dental treatments are covered to the extent your plan allows, and your dentist should always know that you prefer subsidized treatment. The cost is always determined during consultations and it helps if you are upfront with your dentist. This way, all profitable alternatives are considered and you can choose which one you are willing to settle for. You’ll save yourself the trouble of paying for treatment after the fact. Delayed gratification is always the best option. Some treatments require recovery periods, and you don’t want to add the costs of the procedure to the days of work you’ll miss recovering.
Fees also vary between states, and it’s best to familiarize yourself with the average costs of procedures. Finding estimates is easy enough, simply check your local dental association’s website, enter your zip code and confirm current rates. Your dentist can’t refute this, but you shouldn’t settle for averages either. Negotiate the price until you feel comfortable or satisfied, dentists will accommodate requests reducing professional and laboratory fees. Your negotiating skills will pay off, in the hundreds or thousands of dollars.
An alternative to dental insurance to consider is a discount plan, and it also varies from state to state. These depend on the participating dentists and clinics and your area, but you can take advantage of up to 60% discount on certain dental procedures, a significant reduction in the cost of your treatment. Dental coverage is usually waived on discounted treatments, but consider yourself lucky if your clinic accommodates compounding savings. If you are really desperate for cheap savings, then you can sign up for treatment at dental schools. Students are welcome to volunteer to participate in their internships, and treatments are completely free of charge. The only trade-off: The students still have to get their license, so there’s a risk their treatment will get worse.
