Tips for Saving Money on Dental Visits

Going to the dentist is an important, but sometimes expensive, visit. Dental health is crucial and can have an impact on your overall health, so you shouldn’t skip going to the dentist because you can’t afford it. But there are some procedures that can be planned in advance, like wisdom teeth removal, which five million Americans undergo each year. So how can you save on dental visits and procedures? Let’s look at a few simple ways to save money on dental visits.

Set Strict Budget Goals

If you know you have a dental visit coming up, like a bi-annual cleaning, it’s important to budget for it well ahead of time. You should know in advance how much your visit will cost, especially if your insurance will cover part of it. And after you know how much you need to save, it’s important to start putting money aside. If every member of your family goes to the dentist every six months, you can easily budget for these visits by putting some money into a savings account each month. With specific and strict budget goals, you should have no problem saving up. This can help stick to a credit card utilization ratio below 30% of the original credit limit, which is recommended by FICO. And it can always be beneficial to put away more than needed in case of an emergency procedure. Having that extra money set aside can come in handy when someone cracks a tooth or needs a cavity filled.

Ask if Procedures Are Necessary

There are certain procedures at the dentist that may not actually be necessary. Before getting anything other than a normal cleaning done, ask if the procedure is really necessary. Sometimes, x-rays or other services may just be recommended, not really needed. And while it’s important to take your dental health seriously, you may simply not have the money to spend on extra services. So when in doubt, ask your dentist what you actually need done. And if your dentist says you need something done, ask for multiple treatment options so you can choose the most reasonable one. Never be afraid to ask for treatment options — it’s your money being spent and you should have a say in what you spend it on.

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

While this isn’t exactly a budgeting tip, keeping your teeth in good condition will help you save money on dental services. By simply brushing your teeth with a good toothpaste, using mouthwash, and flossing every day, you can keep your teeth healthy and strong. And when you do this, you eliminate the need for getting dental procedures done. So next time you think about eating a bunch of sugar without brushing your teeth afterward, think about how much getting a cavity filled can cost. Keeping your teeth healthy is the easiest way to save money at the dentist.

You should never skip going to the dentist to save a little money. By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to budget for and afford dental visits as necessary.