Dental care can be costly, but these 5 tricks could save you money
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Many people are surprised to find that a routine dental checkup now costs more than seeing their doctor.
According to CareCredit, the national average price for an exam is about $203, but in some cases it can climb past $300.
More complicated procedures like crowns or root canals can easily cost $1,500 or more, creating significant financial strain.
These rising costs are leaving patients searching for realistic ways to care for their teeth without breaking the bank.
1. Stay Current on Routine Services
Dr. Catrise Austin, celebrity cosmetic dentist and host of the Let’s Talk Smiles podcast, stressed that prevention is one of the best ways to save. “Regular cleanings and checkups are far cheaper than crowns or root canals,” she explained.
Staying on top of appointments helps catch problems early before they escalate into costly treatments. Patients who delay routine care often face much larger bills in the future.
2. Join a Membership
Many dental offices now offer membership or in-house savings plans that can reduce expenses. These programs often bundle preventive services such as cleanings and exams into a fixed annual fee.
Members also receive discounts on additional procedures, helping offset costs when unexpected treatments are needed. For patients without comprehensive insurance, this option can provide a more affordable path to ongoing care.
Also read: The truth about toothpaste, timing, and tools—dentists break it down
3. Shop Around
Experts also encourage patients to compare options before committing to treatment. Costs can vary widely depending on the office, the provider, and even the location.
Community dental clinics and dental schools may also provide care at reduced rates, offering another potential savings path. Using tax-advantaged funds like an FSA can further help lower out-of-pocket costs.
4. Use In-Network Providers
Financial planner Marguerita Cheng emphasized the importance of staying within your insurance network. In-network dentists typically offer significantly lower rates than out-of-network providers.
Patients who make this a priority can avoid surprise bills and stretch their benefits further. It’s a simple step that can save hundreds of dollars over the course of a year.
Also read: Is your insurance working against you? A dentist’s bold move is exposing a growing issue
5. Be Aware of Any Changes and ‘Bunch’ Payments
Cheng also shared a strategy that worked for her own family when managing orthodontic expenses. “My daughter’s orthodontist gave me a $600 discount because I asked if I could pay for the remaining amount of her treatment,” she explained.
By combining payments and timing them with her FSA balance, she was able to reduce the total cost. Monitoring insurance changes and proactively asking about payment options can often lead to meaningful savings.
Read next: Save your smile: Why you shouldn’t cheap out on dentists
Have you found creative ways to keep dental costs down without sacrificing your oral health? Share your strategies in the comments to help others facing similar challenges.
According to CareCredit, the national average price for an exam is about $203, but in some cases it can climb past $300.
More complicated procedures like crowns or root canals can easily cost $1,500 or more, creating significant financial strain.
These rising costs are leaving patients searching for realistic ways to care for their teeth without breaking the bank.
1. Stay Current on Routine Services
Dr. Catrise Austin, celebrity cosmetic dentist and host of the Let’s Talk Smiles podcast, stressed that prevention is one of the best ways to save. “Regular cleanings and checkups are far cheaper than crowns or root canals,” she explained.
Staying on top of appointments helps catch problems early before they escalate into costly treatments. Patients who delay routine care often face much larger bills in the future.
Dental care can be costly, but these 6 tricks could save you money. Image source: Atikah Akhtar / Unsplash
2. Join a Membership
Many dental offices now offer membership or in-house savings plans that can reduce expenses. These programs often bundle preventive services such as cleanings and exams into a fixed annual fee.
Members also receive discounts on additional procedures, helping offset costs when unexpected treatments are needed. For patients without comprehensive insurance, this option can provide a more affordable path to ongoing care.
Also read: The truth about toothpaste, timing, and tools—dentists break it down
3. Shop Around
Experts also encourage patients to compare options before committing to treatment. Costs can vary widely depending on the office, the provider, and even the location.
Community dental clinics and dental schools may also provide care at reduced rates, offering another potential savings path. Using tax-advantaged funds like an FSA can further help lower out-of-pocket costs.
4. Use In-Network Providers
Financial planner Marguerita Cheng emphasized the importance of staying within your insurance network. In-network dentists typically offer significantly lower rates than out-of-network providers.
Patients who make this a priority can avoid surprise bills and stretch their benefits further. It’s a simple step that can save hundreds of dollars over the course of a year.
Also read: Is your insurance working against you? A dentist’s bold move is exposing a growing issue
5. Be Aware of Any Changes and ‘Bunch’ Payments
Cheng also shared a strategy that worked for her own family when managing orthodontic expenses. “My daughter’s orthodontist gave me a $600 discount because I asked if I could pay for the remaining amount of her treatment,” she explained.
By combining payments and timing them with her FSA balance, she was able to reduce the total cost. Monitoring insurance changes and proactively asking about payment options can often lead to meaningful savings.
Read next: Save your smile: Why you shouldn’t cheap out on dentists
