How to Save Money on Dental Care with Cheap Dental Insurance
Did you know that oral health is directly linked to overall health? Certain conditions, including periodontal (gum) disease and cavities have been linked to heart disease, diabetes and stroke, among other conditions.
Although prioritizing mouth health is proven to mitigate the risk for something more serious, many still avoid visiting their dentist for fear of lofty costs. Fortunately, there are cheap dental insurance plans that can help individuals get the care they need affordably.
Brush and floss at home
The first step in preventing steep dental costs is to practice proper oral hygiene every day at home. Brushing and flossing at least twice a day prevents plaque from staying and hardening on and in between teeth. Ridding your mouth of this plaque keeps bacteria under control and helps to avoid tooth decay and gum disease. And ultimately, you minimize the likelihood of having to undergo costly procedures, like gum treatment, oral surgery, and crown placement.
Keep up with cleanings
In addition to home preventative care, you should see your dentist every six months for a cleaning and check-up. Brushing and flossing is a great start, but your dentist has the expertise and tools to more thoroughly clean teeth and remove bacteria that can contribute to other health issues.
And not only do regular dental visits ensure your teeth are thoroughly cleaned, but they also allow your practitioner to identify any potential issues and treat them before they develop into a more serious—and expensive to treat—condition.
Consider dental insurance to help cover your dental care costs
Sometimes, either through lack of regular oral care or simple bad luck, patients reach a point where certain procedures are unavoidable. In this instance, saving money is a priority—and that’s where dental insurance is useful.
Many dental plans cover 100% of cleanings and exams (three per year) and partial coverage for other services and procedures for a monthly premium. You can choose to add a dental plan to your regular health insurance, which may have a waiting period and require you to use only in-network providers. Alternatively, you can purchase a dental plan separately.
How to get cheap dental insurance
Navigating the dental insurance market is overwhelming for the average patient. Spirit Dental makes it easy to find the right plan depending on your specific needs. All you have to do is enter who you need coverage for (individual, spouse or family) and your zip code, and Spirit presents plans in order of quoted price.
With a low-cost dental plan from Spirit, you can choose your own dentist with no waiting periods for preventative, basic or major dental services.
Cheap dental insurance FAQ
Does dental insurance really save money?
Over time, dental insurance can save patients hundreds or even thousands of dollars. With routine cleanings and exams 100% covered, you don’t need to fear going to see your dentist, and will therefore keep teeth and gums healthier—not to mention reduce the risk for more serious issues and costly treatments down the road.
In the event you do need a more invasive procedure, dental insurance can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Depending on your needs, you can find a plan that covers a percentage of basic services, like fillings and x-rays, and a plan that offers major services dental insurance to cover services like extractions and surgery.
Can you negotiate prices with your dentist?
Prices for dental services are often non negotiable, but it’s always worth asking. And even if your dental office has no wiggle room on price, they may be flexible with how and when you pay what’s owed. For instance, your provider may offer a discount if you pay in cash, or payment plan options where you can pay in installments over time. Or, there could be a temporary fix to hold you over until you feel more comfortable paying for the more extensive treatment.
If you plan to negotiate or discuss alternative payment plans, be sure to do so well ahead of your visit so you’re prepared. You don’t want to go into an appointment expecting a discount but ending up paying significantly more. And remember, the best way to save money on oral health care is to enroll in a dental insurance plan.
Do dentists prefer cash?
Paying cash for your dental treatment limits the hassle for both yourself and the dental practice, since there won’t be any paperwork to submit to third-party insurance providers. Further, they may offer a discount on out-of-pocket costs for those paying cash.
Ultimately, dentists don’t have much of a preference—they get paid either way. Have an open and honest discussion with your provider to determine what makes most sense for you financially. In most cases, investing in an insurance plan will be the long-term money-saver.
Find cheap dental insurance and start saving on dental work
Taking care of your teeth and gums shouldn’t take a toll on your financial stability. Doing your due diligence and finding a cheap dental insurance plan gets you the care you need without breaking the bank.
Spirit Dental offers patients affordable coverage for preventive cleanings, implants and other procedures with no waiting periods. Get a quote today to view available plans or call our Spirit Care Connect team at (844) 833-8440 to talk through your options.