Chips, stains, and other dental imperfections got you down? Fortunately, a skilled cosmetic dentist can erase nearly any flaw, giving you the symmetrical, bright, and beautiful smile you’ve been missing. But what if you are on a budget? Can you still pursue your smile goals? In short, the answer is yes! Read on to learn three helpful tips for making your dream smile a reality without breaking the bank.
Tip #1: Consider All Your Treatment Options
Of course, one of the biggest factors in the final price is the type of smile-enhancing treatment you select. While you may have your eyes set on a certain one, it’s important to consider all of the options available to you so you find what suits both your smile and your wallet best. With this in mind, here are a few of the most common cosmetic dental treatments and some important price-related information about each:
• Veneers – Veneers have become one of the most sought-after treatments. With immense versatility, complete customization, and a 15+ year lifespan (with proper care), it’s not hard to see why! While the upfront cost is much more significant, it has the potential to be the best choice for your wallet in the long run. So, don’t write off this service simply because of the initial investment.
• Dental bonding – If you’re looking to address small imperfections, like minor chips and slight staining, then dental bonding may be the best solution. In addition to being incredibly versatile, it’s more cost-effective than veneers. Of course, the results don’t last as long, but it allows you to transform virtually every aspect of your smile at a much lower price.
• Teeth Whitening – If dental discoloration is your main concern, then professional teeth whitening is the best choice. While over-the-counter kits might be cheaper, they also rely on one-size-fits-all applicators and diluted brightening agents, which lead to lackluster results at best. Plus, the initial investment isn’t too substantial, making it great for the budget-conscious patient.
• Invisalign – Although dental bonding and veneers can address some cases of misalignment, Invisalign is designed specifically to correct overcrowding, spacing issues, and bite problems. Even better, there are no metal brackets or wires involved! While this treatment can range anywhere from $3,000 to $8,000+, the results have the potential to last a lifetime, making it extremely cost-effective in the long run.
Tip #2: Utilize Flexible Financing
Don’t want to pay for your entire treatment upfront? Good news: you don’t have to! Trusted third-party financiers like CareCredit offer patients multiple payment plans, allowing you to break up your payments into chunks that fit your monthly budget. Even more helpful, there are little-to-no interest options for qualified patients. So, don’t hesitate to talk to your dentist about which flexible financing solutions they welcome.
Tip #3: Don’t Forget Dental Insurance
It’s true; dental insurance doesn’t typically cover cosmetic dentistry. There are a few exceptions, however! For example, metal-free restorations benefit both the look and function of your smile, so your provider may cover a portion of the cost. Some plans also include a once-in-a-lifetime benefit for orthodontic treatment, which can help you save significantly on teeth-straightening solutions like Invisalign. In short, don’t automatically assume that your dental insurance won’t help — there’s a chance it might!
As you can see, there are several ways you can get the smile of your dreams without breaking the bank. The first step? Scheduling a consultation with your cosmetic dentist so they can learn about your smile goals, create a treatment plan, provide you with a price estimate, and help you navigate your payment options!