Some dental work can get expensive, especially if you don’t have insurance or you have a tight budget. Braces, dental implants, root canals and other important procedures can restore your smile, but money is sometimes an obstacle. Many people wonder how to pay for dental implants or braces. Let’s explore some options.
How to Pay For Dental Implants or Braces
A dental implant procedure can cost between $2,500 and $5,000 per tooth. Braces can cost between $3,000 and $10,000. However, you don’t have to pay for this all at one time. Financing options can help you pay for dental implants, braces, and other types of dental work. Here are a few of the financing options available.
Dental Financing with Sunbit
At Boston Dental Group, we use Sunbit to help our patients finance dental implants, braces and other expensive procedures. Sunbit can help you pay for dental work, even if you have bad credit or a tight budget. It’s easy to apply online, either at your home or in our offices, and 90% of our patients are approved. There is no hard credit check, and you can be approved for up to $6,000, with terms as long as 24 months. This can help to make monthly payments much more manageable.
Extended Financing with CareCredit
We also use CareCredit to make it easier to pay for dental implants, braces and other dental work. With a CareCredit payment plan, you can extend your payments over a longer period, while paying 0% interest. You can start the application process at home, and get approved before your visit, so you’re ready to get started as soon as possible. CareCredit payment plans are available to qualified applicants. There are no annual feeds, and it’s easy to see whether or not you qualify.
Medical Loan
Many banks, credit unions and other lenders provide medical loans to cover emergency room visits, medical procedures and dental care. You can apply through your bank or credit union, or apply online through private lenders. Before applying for these loans, make sure you understand the loan terms in full. Hidden fees or unclear payments can quickly make a loan unmanageable.
Dental Insurance
If you know you will need expensive dental care soon, such as dental implants or braces, get dental insurance. Some employers offer dental insurance programs, and private dental insurance plans are also available. Make sure you know what the dental insurance covers, and how much you’ll pay in premiums, deductibles and copays. Compare this to payment plans, and see which works better for you.
Health Department
Your local health department may be able to help you find free or low-cost dental care services in the case of an emergency. Some dental schools offer dental care to help students gain experience, while still working under the supervision of a qualified dental professional. The United Way also helps connect community members in need with essential services, like medical and dental care.
Non-Profit Groups
A number of non-profit groups and charities are dedicated to helping children and adults get the dental care they need. The American Dentist’s Care Foundation and Mission of Mercy works across the country to help make dental care affordable. Smiles Change Lives also works to connect dentists, orthodontists, and children in need.
Working with a tight budget and paying for dental work can be difficult. Talk to your dentist about your options. Explore local resources available, including charitable organizations and public health services. Research different payment plans and insurance plans available as well, loans through your bank or credit union, or talk to friends and family about a loan. Stick to your budget as much as possible, and try to save money beforehand, so you’ll be ready to start making payments, and you won’t get behind.
