Updated: 1/23/2020
Let’s be honest: health care of any kind doesn’t come cheap.
It looks like an either/or scenario: break the bank for healthy teeth, or break the teeth for a healthy wallet. It doesn’t have to be this way! We have compiled a list of medical and dental coverage alternatives to help you save on health care costs.
How Can I Get a Discount on Dental Work?
If you have trouble finding affordable dental care, look into the options below. You may find the perfect duo for a healthy budget and healthy teeth.
- Discount Dental Plans. Rather than dental insurance, a discount dental plan will give you access to discounts on most dental procedures at any participating dental offices.
- 1Dental Discount Plans – At 1Dental, we provide affordable plans that cover a variety of dental needs, big or small. Members pay a discounted rate – depending on the procedure needed – from 15% to 60%. (For questions about our discount dental plans, call: 800-372-7615.)
- Medicaid. Medicaid is a program that provides free or low-cost health coverage for those with low income. Depending on the state that you live in, Medicaid may cover some dental services. To see if you are eligible for Medicaid, or about its dental coverage, call or go to your local Medicaid office.
- PACE (Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly) – If you are an older senior, this Medicare program allows you to get health care help in a community rather than a nursing home. The benefit of PACE is that they will cover any health needs even if your Medicare does not directly cover them.
- Non-Profit Organizations.
- Dentistry From the Heart – This organization’s goal is to provide free dental care to people in need around the world. To see if there is an event near you, check their calendar here.
- Health Resource Searches. Where do you start looking for low-cost dental help? If you are an older adult, you may want to take a look at the websites below to search and find help near you:
- Teeth Wisdom: Resources for Older Adults – a team of oral health experts that provide information and resources on dental health, as well as affordable care options for older Americans.
- Eldercare Locator – Just enter your location, and start finding options in your area.
- In the Community.
- Local Hospital – Call your local hospital to find out if they offer dental services, the process for becoming a patient and their costs.
- Dental Schools – Some dental schools provide low-cost care in clinics where students can get the experience needed. Check here for a list of dental schools.
- Community Health Centers – Including dental care, these community centers provide a range of health services across the country.
2. Caring for Your Teeth at Home
No matter how you save on dental care at the dental office, you still want to be tending to your teeth at home. It’s important to keep up healthy oral hygiene habits, such as:
- Brushing Your Teeth at Least Twice a Day. This will help keep your mouth safe from gum disease and cavities.
- If you have sensitive teeth, buy a toothbrush with soft bristles.
- Use an electric toothbrush for maximum efficiency.
- Use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen your teeth.
- Flossing. Flossing at least once a day will help keep your gums from getting inflamed and bleeding badly.
- Don’t like typical floss? Try using floss sticks. Super easy to use and grab on the go.
- Mouthwash. Not only will it leave your mouth feeling fresh, it will help clean and kill bacteria.
In order to get the most “bang for your buck,” check out one of our options above. Don’t ignore your dental health for the sake of saving money – it might lead to worse problems in the future that would need immediate attention or it could damage your teeth or wallet even more.
If you have questions about our discount dental plans, visit our website or give us a call.
Do you have any alternatives to taking care of your dental health at a low-cost? Let us know in the comments below!
