How to Lower Your Dental Bills

Even the most financially savvy family can be blindsided by a big dental bill. All the cost-conscious choices you make, the nice emergency fund you built up – it can all be wiped out in one trip to the dentist. And for those whose budget is tight, just finding the funds to pay for dental care can seem impossible.

But with some negotiating tricks, you can lower your dental bills or make them easier to pay.

Comparison shop for dental care

Dentist’s prices for a specific treatment can vary by several hundred dollars or more. If you get a seemingly high quote for care, check the average prices in your area for that same treatment using a website like Fair Health. You can also call local dentists and see what they charge for the treatment you need. Remember though, that quality dental care can be expensive, unless you’re a plan member of a dental savings plan.

Dental tourism – what you need to know

Check prices in nearby towns/cities, and whatever other locations you might travel to – you may get a significantly lower rate on dental care elsewhere.

A porcelain crown in New York City will cost $2219.47- $2808.48, head to Miami and get the same crown for $1019.62- $1290.14, along with a seashore holiday. In Louisville, Kentucky that crown will cost just $889.98- $1126.09. Fair Health, mentioned above, is a good place to compare prices.

Obviously, dental tourism – in country or international – isn’t for you if you love your current dentist, but it may be a viable option for some. About 1 million Americans each year head to a country where health care costs are much lower – up to 75% lower, in some cases and many are traveling to get dental care. The most popular locations: Costa Rica, Mexico, and Hungary.

You’ll need to factor in the cost of flights and accommodation, as well as your dental care. Also consider what you’ll do if you need aftercare – a crown that breaks, a denture that needs adjustments. Will you travel back to the international dentist, or will your own dentist be OK with doing any follow-ups? If you’re counting on your own dentist, you may want to ask him or her what sort of treatment documentation they’d like to receive from your international dentist.

Bear in mind that price is not the only – or even the best – way to choose a dentist. But if you know what the average rates are in your area, you can ask the expensive dentist why his or her fees are higher. You may get a discount, or you may get useful information that helps you make the best decision for your oral health and appearance.

Dental negotiations = savings

When your dentist gives you a treatment plan, don’t just accept it and then go home and scream about the costs of care. Ask your dentist why you need a specific treatment, and whether there is another way to address the problem. Got cash on hand? See if you can get a 10% or more discount if you pay up-front for the treatment. Insurance? Perhaps your dentist can give you a break on those out-of-pocket costs. No insurance or dental savings plan? Ask if you can get an uninsured rate. Got skills? Maybe your dentist will reduce your bill in exchange for your professional services. You never know until you ask.

Be honest with your dentist about your financial situation and ask for guidance on how to make treatments affordable. For example, see if you can work out a payment plan with your dentist. He or she is more likely to be open to a payment plan if you are a regular patient – so that’s another great reason to visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.

Make a long-term dental plan

Talk to your dentist about their plan to keep your teeth and gums healthy over time. Preventive care provides significant savings in your oral health and your overall health. Ask your dental hygienist for tips on taking the best care of your teeth at home. Doing the right things will save you money and grief over the long haul.

Get a guarantee on the work

Ask your dentist how long the dental work you’re getting is likely to last. Five to seven years is the typical life span for a crown, 2-5 years for fillings in the front of your mouth, 5-10 for fillings in the back of your mouth. Bridges and dentures often require adjustments every few years.

Your dentist may offer a formal treatment guarantee that repairs or replacements within a specific period are performed at a reduced rate or at no charge. This guarantee may require that you get twice-yearly checkups and cleanings at the dentist’s office. (Note that a specialist may require you to get checkups/cleanings at the referring dentist’s office). Any guarantee will likely also be contingent on you following a treatment plan or preventive care plan. And of course, the guarantee doesn’t cover all damage. If -for example- you drop your dentures or pull out a crown when you’re chewing on a caramel candy, assume you’ll pay full price for a replacement.

Get the savings you need:

Dental insurance is a good choice for making preventive care affordable. But if you’re uninsured and facing big dental bills now, insurance won’t help.

Dental insurance policies typically impose a 6-12 month waiting period before coverage for restorative care is available. Your dental insurance may also set limits on how often you can get treatment for specific issues (such as replacement crowns or dentures). And dental insurance often does not cover treatment for pre-existing conditions (e.g.: dental conditions and problems that you had prior to purchasing the policy). Plus, dental insurance typically has an annual spending cap of $1,000-$1,500 per year (a few plans go up to $2,000). That works out to about one root canal and a crown if you’re lucky. After you exceed your annual spending cap, you’ll be paying out of pocket for dental for the rest of the year – or going without dental care, which can be dangerous to your oral and overall health.

If you’re facing big dental bills, consider a dental savings plan. Also known as “dental discount plans,” dental savings plans are a trusted alternative to dental insurance. Plan members report saving an average of 50%* on their dental care. And the advantages extend beyond reducing the cost of care. Unlike dental insurance, dental savings plans have no annual limits, no restrictions on existing health conditions, and your savings start right away, even on restorative care such as root canals, crowns, dentures and dental implants. Many plans even cover cosmetic dental procedures such as teeth whitening and overlays.

If you’d like help choosing the best dental plan for you, give us a call at 1-833-735-0399. We’re DentalPlans.com, the largest dental plan marketplace, with over 25 plans from the most trusted brands in healthcare, accepted by over 70% of dentists and specialists nationwide.

Want to know right now how much you could save with a dental savings plan? Use our calculator below for a quick peek.

*Discount Health Program consumer and provider surveys indicate average savings of 50%. Savings may vary by provider, location, and plan.