Can You Afford A Visit To A Cosmetic Dentist?

A killer smile will open doors for you, but can you afford it? Teeth whitening, veneers, crowns, and other procedures that are typically performed by a cosmetic dentist are generally expensive. However, there are several options that can help you fund your goal. And whether you choose to save your pennies, charge it, or get a loan—remember to keep an eye out for dental discounts and special offers that frequently crop up in newspaper ads or on television.

The easiest way to afford treatment is by planning in advance and then saving. A few dollars every paycheck will quickly add up. You may even be able to negotiate with your cosmetic dentist for a better deal if you do pay with cash up front. Even saving for a portion of the procedure can help you save on interest fees that you would pay if you were to charge it on a credit card. Taking a Loan from a friend or family member is another great way to bypass interest and get a chunk of change in a hurry. Take your time to shop around for the best price for even more savings.

Many people resort to credit cards for funding their visit to a cosmetic dentist. While not ideal due to interest rates, there are some benefits. If you get rewards on your credit card that you can redeem for flights or other merchandise, then charging can be a great way to boost bonuses even if you have the cash in hand. If you're concerned about high interest rates, consider finding a new card with a lower rate or consolidating to a special no interest card. There are many available that won't charge you anything for the first six months to a year, and often it is enough time to pay off a sizable chunk of your procedure if not the entire bill.

Most dental offices offer in-house financing with reasonable interest rates and flexible monthly payments. Business is businesses, so a cosmetic dentist would rather spread out a bill over several months or even years than lose the client altogether. Always read the contracts and ask questions before choosing in-house financing. Generally, the terms will be much more forgiving than receiving a loan from a bank because you can work directly with the company. If you qualify for their financing plan; however, you may also be able to find a better deal elsewhere. Check out several different companies to compare interest rates and agreement terms.

Only a select few insurance companies will cover dental procedures such as teeth whitening or veneers, unless you are seeking treatment for teeth that have suffered from disease or severe damage. Many dental insurance companies offer emergency coverage, which could include an implant, crown, or veneer if necessary to make the tooth whole and functioning once again. For procedures that are purely cosmetic, such as whitening, that will serve no direct health benefits, you'd be hard pressed to find a company that would include coverage of such services.