Even though many dental procedures are considered “cosmetic,” they can have profound influences on your bite and your overall oral health. In addition, increased confidence can stave off depression and anxiety. However, cosmetic procedures are usually not covered by health insurance plans. Therefore, you’ll need to find a way to fund your new smile. First, make sure you choose a dentist who is experienced and who keeps up with the latest techniques through publications such as the Journal of Dental Implantology. A cheap dentist who botches your smile isn’t worth the dollars that you save.
Health Savings Accounts
Pre-tax health savings accounts offered through your employer may be able to be used for dental expenses. Check with your plan’s administrator. Paying for treatment with pre-tax dollars can reduce by 30 percent or more the dollars you need to earn to cover the expense. There are savings accounts attached to high-deductible health insurance plans, and then there are flexible spending accounts (FSAs). If you are using a FSA, try to estimate the best you can your dental expenses for the next year. Contributions that you do not use are lost at the end of the year.
Health Lines of Credit
Some companies such as Care Credit offer financing plans specifically for health-related expenses. There may even be zero interest plans available. Just make sure you understand all of the terms and how long you have to pay off the balance. If you do not pay the full balance on a zero-interest plan by the end of the promotional balance, you may need to pay a large amount of interest on the entire original charge.
Office Payment Plans
Ask your dentist whether your treatment plan may be carried out in stages. This may allow you to pay for your procedures in pieces. Alternatively, your dentist’s office may offer an in-house payment plan.
Don’t let finances get in the way of taking care of your dental health. Investigate payment options that may help you.