As time passes, your once beautiful smile may start to show signs of wear and tear such as yellowing, chipping, gaps, and misalignment. A cosmetic dentist can help you address these issues and bring back the glow to your smile. However, some cosmetic treatments can be expensive. If you’re on a budget, here are five tips to help you achieve an attractive smile without spending too much money.
#1: Dental Financing
To make cosmetic dental care more affordable, many dental offices provide low or no-interest financing options. With CareCredit, a healthcare financing company, patients can spread out the cost of their chosen procedures over several months, reducing the upfront expenses. The application process is quick, and most patients are approved. Once approved, you can explore the available financing options and choose the one that aligns with your budget.
#2: Adjust Your Treatment Plan
In some cases, opting for a different treatment can significantly reduce the cost. For instance, porcelain veneers are ideal for addressing chips, cracks, gaps, discoloration, and minor alignment issues, but they can be expensive. Dental bonding, on the other hand, is a more affordable alternative that can correct the same issues. However, it is important to consult with your dentist to determine the best option for your smile.
#3: Insurance
While dental insurance typically doesn’t cover cosmetic procedures, certain treatments may receive partial coverage. Dental crowns, for instance, offer both cosmetic and restorative benefits, making them eligible for insurance coverage if they are deemed necessary to repair severely damaged, decayed, or compromised teeth. It’s worth checking with your insurance provider to see if a portion of the procedure can be covered.
#4: Crowdfunding
Crowdfunding is the practice of gathering funds for a venture, whether it’s business, educational, or personal, by soliciting contributions from a large group of individuals. Platforms like Kickstarter and GoFundMe are popular for raising funds, and people can utilize them to gather financial support for cosmetic procedures. This option becomes even more appealing if there is a compelling backstory, such as dental damage resulting from an accident, as it can garner greater interest in assisting.
#5: Other Options
Aside from the options mentioned above, there are additional ways to obtain treatment at minimal to zero expense, such as through charities, dental schools, discount clinics, and grants. However, these options often have specific eligibility criteria, so it’s essential to make sure treatment is of high quality to avoid wasting resources on results that are insufficient.
Achieving the perfect smile doesn’t have to be an expensive endeavor. By exploring financing options, considering alternative treatments, and looking into free or low-cost resources, you can work towards improving your smile without breaking the bank!
About the Practice
At Columbus Dental Arts, Dr. Maria Maiorino, Dr. Molly Makos Fraser, and their skilled team provide patients with a variety of cosmetic dental services, such as veneers, metal-free restorations, cosmetic bonding, teeth whitening, and full smile makeovers. They understand the importance of affordability and offer several options to help their patients achieve their desired smile without breaking the bank. To schedule an appointment or to learn more about cosmetic dentistry and payment options, you can contact Columbus Dental Arts by phone at (609) 324-9500 or visit their website.