If you are like most Americans, you are stunned at the rising costs of dental care today

Dental for those who have medical or dental insurance the impact of the bill of service may not be as great; however, for those who have to pay ‘out of pocket,’ the costs can be staggering. And dental issues are something that you will certainly want to jump on before they can become full-blown health issues.

From cavity fillings to braces and clenching teeth to root canals, it seems that all dental care or services are becoming more and more expensive. Some speculate that it is due to the expense of dental and laboratory materials.

For example, just one small bottle of gluma (a sensitivity agent) used when a filling is performed rings just over $120 each. Nightguards that are individually designed for your mouth will start at $350. Regular check-ups and cleanings are typically between $80 to $150 a visit and make no mistake, those toothbrushes you receive at the end of a visit are not complimentary. They are figured into the cost of your dental for which could mean that the price has been inflated.

To save on dental costs, many people live with toothaches and other issues. However, an infection of the mouth can have severe consequences such as further illness or injury, a fever, or bone damage of the jaw.

You will want to avoid this at all costs so here are some things that you can do to help lower the high cost of dentistry on your budget:

1. Barter– Ask to do a trade with your local dentist. When I was in college, I traded administrative services for some filling work that I needed to have done. By the time I completed the work hours we agreed upon, he was in need of a guinea pig for a new procedure. I quickly volunteered and the work was impeccable. I had zero pain or discomfort and the pictures of my teeth are still in his scrapbook, 15 years later!

2. Dentistry Payment Plans – Some dentists are kind enough to offer payment plans to their patients so that they can receive proper dental care in a timely fashion. Your dentist will often work with you to put together an installment plan. These have been known to be as low as $30 a month. Of course, a good credit score will come in handy when approaching your dentist with this option.

3. Dentistry Assistance Programs – According to the ADA (American Dental Association), they recommend assistance programs which may vary from state to state. Contacting your state dental society to see what programs exist in your area is a way to go and possibly get dental for free.

4. Dental Clinics – Another suggestion from the ADA is to check out a dental school clinic. “Generally, dental costs in school clinics are reduced and may include only partial payment for professional services covering the cost of materials and equipment. Your state dental society can tell you if there is a dental school clinic in your area, or you can search our list.”

If you happen to live near a dental school clinic, then you are in luck. Many clinics offer care to the public from dental students who are overseen by their professors that are experts in the field. If you don’t mind subjecting yourself to a longer dentist visit, then it will save you a ton of cash.

5. Emergency Rooms – If a serious dental emergency is ailing you, then go to the Emergency Room. Most likely, a dentist will be on staff to give you an exam and treat any infection you may have. While you will not receive the same number of dental services, you will get something to stop the pain and focus on further treatment.

6. Medical Tourism Options – Many people are traveling internationally to seek high-quality dental care at low discounted prices.  What would cost thousands of dollars in the States, costs only hundreds on things like fillings, braces, and root canals. Why not take the family on a vacation and save on the entire families’ dental for much less and possible tax benefits?

As always, it is important to practice dental hygiene on a regular basis which includes brushing at least two times a week and flossing every day. According to ADA recommendations, be sure to visit a dentist every six months for a routine exam and cleaning to keep your mouth smiling and your budget happy.

One solution to reduce the high costs of dentistry is dental care abroad.

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