About Me Archives - Page 99 of 131 - Blogging Away Debt Blogging Away Debt

Here’s How to Cut Down on Your Dental Costs

Did you know that 48% of Americans between the ages of 18-24 have untagged a picture of themselves on Facebook because they didn’t like their smile? It’s a staggering number, showing how important dental health and appearance are to many people. Let’s be honest; maintaining a healthy and attractive smile can be expensive. Thankfully, there are ways to cut down on your dental costs without sacrificing the quality of your care.

Regular Dental Visits: The Key to Savings

It might sound counterintuitive, but one of the best ways to save money on dental costs is by going to the dentist regularly. In 2020, only 63% of adults visited the dentist. By skipping appointments, people might think they are saving money, but they are setting themselves up for higher costs in the long run.

Regular check-ups allow your dentist to catch issues early on before they become expensive problems. By investing in preventative care, you can avoid costly treatments like root canals and extractions. Additionally, cleanings help remove plaque and tartar, which can lead to cavities and gum disease if left unchecked. Make dental appointments a priority, and your wallet will thank you.

Choose a Dental Plan Wisely

If you have access to dental insurance, take the time to evaluate different plans and choose one that best suits your needs. Look for programs that cover a high percentage of preventative care, which can save you money in the long run. You might also consider a plan with a lower annual maximum if you have a history of good dental health.

Find Affordable Dental Providers

Another effective way to cut down on dental costs is by searching for affordable dental providers. For example, many dental schools offer low-cost services performed by supervised students. This can be an excellent option for cleaning, fillings, and extractions.

You might also consider checking if your local community health center offers dental services. Depending on your income, these centers often provide care at reduced rates or on a sliding scale. Don’t be afraid to shop around and compare prices for different providers in your area.

Embrace the Power of Prevention

When it comes to saving money on dental care, prevention is key. Incorporate good oral hygiene habits into your daily routine, and you’ll reap the benefits of a healthier smile and lower dental bills. Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and use mouthwash to keep your mouth clean and fresh. Limit sugary foods and drinks, and opt for water over soda to help protect your teeth from decay.

Consider Orthodontic Alternatives

Orthodontic treatments can be a significant financial investment. Over four million people in the United States wear braces, and 25% are adults. If you’re considering braces to improve your smile, take the time to research different orthodontic options to find the most cost-effective solution.

Invisalign, for example, is often a more affordable option than traditional braces. Plus, they are nearly invisible, so you won’t feel self-conscious about your smile during treatment. Consult with your dentist or orthodontist to discuss your options and find the best solution for your needs and budget.

Dental Discounts and Payment Plans

Many dental providers offer discounts for services if you pay upfront or in cash. Don’t hesitate to ask your dentist about potential discounts or any available payment plans. Some dental offices even offer in-house membership plans that can help you save on treatments.

Taking care of your teeth doesn’t have to break the bank. By prioritizing prevention, choosing the right dental plan, and finding affordable providers, you can significantly cut down on your dental costs. Additionally, exploring orthodontic alternatives and inquiring about dental discounts and payment plans can help you save money. With a little effort and planning, you can maintain a healthy, radiant smile without emptying your wallet. So, smile confidently, knowing you’ve taken charge of your dental health and finances.

My Medical Costs May Be Lower Than Expected

by Vicky Monroe

I wasn’t expecting good news when it came to my medical costs because I’m a bit of a pessimist. However, I’ve gotten good estimates back from my oral surgeon and the psychologist who’s going to do my ADHD testing.

I was expecting wisdom tooth surgery to cost $4,000, the same as what my spouse paid a few years ago. However, the oral surgeon I met with this week said it would cost $2,000 even with anesthesia. And that’s before potential insurance reimbursement. I forgot my dental insurance information when I rushed out the door for the appointment. However, I’m going to call the surgeon’s next week to give them the details they need to estimate my out-of-pocket costs for the surgery.

Wisdom Tooth Surgery May Not Be Necessary

However, it’s possible that the surgery may not be necessary, so I’d love to get your opinions on this. The oral surgeon was very honest and gave me a range of treatment options I could pursue. He said that my wisdom teeth are in good enough shape to keep because they’re not impacted and I’m doing a good job keeping them clean.

The main downside of keeping them is that they’ll be much harder to remove in the future. Apparently bones in our mouth tend to get harder as we age, which makes extractions more challenging. My wisdom teeth are so far back in my mouth that filling them would be difficult if I ever got a cavity. The surgeon said that most dental offices do not fill cavities in wisdom teeth and would advise me to get them extracted instead.

After talking to my parents, I found out that both of them have been able to keep their wisdom teeth, so genetics may be on my side. However, I think I’m still leaning toward doing the surgery to prevent a more complicated, painful surgery when I’m older. I’d love to hear what you think. Have any of you kept your wisdom teeth? How have things turned out for you?

Invisalign May Not Be Medically Necessary Either

I also asked the oral surgeon about Invisalign so I could get a second opinion. I have one tooth in the bottom of my mouth that sticks out because there isn’t enough space for it. Unfortunately, that tooth broke in half because it protrudes and rubs up against my two front teeth.

Although I could get Invisalign to fix this crowding issue (which my dentist said would cost $4K to $5K), I could just get that problem tooth extracted instead. I would have an empty space in the bottom row of my teeth, but it would be a low-cost solution. I wondered if a lot of food would get stuck in the gap, but the surgeon said I should have no problem keeping it clear since it’s so close to my tongue. I’m planning to play around in Photoshop and see how I might look with this small tooth missing.

If I decide to get the tooth extracted and end up hating the results, the surgeon said I could get Invisalign after the fact to push the remaining teeth together. Doing things this way (tooth extraction then Invisalign) would enable me to keep my wisdom teeth if I wanted to. Otherwise, I’d have to get my wisdom teeth out to make enough room in my mouth for the bottom tooth that’s protruding, then proceed with the Invisalign.

I’m curious to hear what you all would do. Would you:

Do the wisdom tooth surgery, then proceed with Invisalign.
Keep the wisdom teeth, get the protruding bottom tooth removed, and then get Invisalign if I decide I can’t live with the gap. This is probably the cheapest option.

ADHD Testing Costs

I wasn’t having much luck finding a provider who could test me for ADHD, so I decided to ask my primary care physician for a referral. The psychologist she suggested does take my insurance, and it turns out the testing will be pretty cheap. The psychologist’s office consulted my insurance company, and it turns out I should only owe a $35 copay. I decided to go ahead and book the appointment for the beginning of June and am looking forward to getting some answers.

Hopefully once I decide what to do with my teeth, these medical issues will stop taking up so much of my brain space so I can think and write about other things! In the meantime, thanks for listening and leaving lots of helpful comments that have aided my decision-making process.

Medical Bills Rolling In

More Medical Costs and Mortgage Update

Confession: We’ve Taken On A Little More Debt

Vicky Monroe

Vicky Monroe is a freelance personal finance and lifestyle writer. When she’s not busy writing about her favorite money saving hacks or tinkering with her budget spreadsheets, she likes to travel, garden, and cook healthy vegetarian meals.