There are a variety of ways to finance dental treatment if you do not have dental health insurance or if your insurance does not fully pay for dental care, leaving you with heavy out-of-pocket expenses. Finding the right kind of financing depends on your dental health and finances. People with good teeth might consider different options than those who need to visit a dentist frequently.
Paying for Treatment
Step 1
Ask your dentist for a cash discount if you do not have insurance. Some dentists offer discounts if you pay in full for treatment before dental work is completed, according to Animated-Teeth.com. This would be a cost-effective option if you have the money and are willing to part with it in advance. Many dentists are glad to reduce the paperwork needed for filing an insurance claim, along with trimming the workload for their office staff.
Step 2
Use your credit card. Charging your dental treatment to your card is the same as giving yourself a loan. The best way to method is to pay off the bill immediately and avoid any interest. If that's not feasible, only use a credit card with a low interest rate and pay off that portion of the bill quickly.
Step 3
Ask about in-house dental financing. Some dental offices offer their own financing for regular patients or people who will be undergoing work for a period of time. The payment plans vary by dentist. Some require a down payment, with the balance being paid off when treatment is completed. Other dentists offer monthly payment plans. Interest or penalties may apply for late payments in some instances.
Step 4
Look for independent dental financing offered at dental offices. Many of these finance companies try to meet the needs of people who seek expensive cosmetic and restorative work. They might offer plans for out-of-pocket co-payments or entire fees. Some have low or no interest rates for certain periods with little or no down payment. You can be approved within minutes of applying if you qualify.
Step 5
Check to see if your employer offers flexible spending accounts. These programs allocate a portion of your income to the account before taxes, according to Consumer Guide to Dentistry. You get an extra boost from tax savings, and you can use the funds for health care expenses, including dental treatment.
Tips and Warnings
- Keep up with the latest discount dental plans that offer savings on most dental treatments, from X-rays and cleanings to extractions, crowns and bridges. Unlike many insurance plans, discount services often have no annual limits, no health restrictions, no excluded services and no restrictions on pre-existing conditions.
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