Dental care can be expensive. Insurance often covers preventive items, like cleanings, but more serious procedures can be a hit on the wallet. Believe it or not, there are some easy ways to cut your costs.

So what can you do?

First off, go.
Skipping routine visits to the dentist can lead to more expensive visits down the line. In fact, this is one of the most common problems in children under age five. Many parents do not take their children to the dentist regularly and this can cause a need for extensive work at a young age. Visiting the dentist twice a year for an exam and cleaning can help reduce dental costs greatly. Preventive care is the most successful way of ensuring your child’s oral health at a low-cost.

Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
These accounts are similar to a savings account but the money you deposit into them can only be used for health care expenses and is a pre-tax item. HSAs are a good way to save if you expect expensive dental care.

Payment Plans
Many dentists’ offices are willing to work out a payment plan for expensive procedures. Call your dentist and find out if this is an option they offer prior to scheduling any procedures.

CareCredit
This is a credit card that is used specifically for health care procedures.

Moral of the story? Take the time to get your and your children’s teeth checked and cleaned twice a year. If there are problems, the earlier you catch it, the better it will be for both you and your wallet!

Do you have other tips on reducing out-of-pocket costs for dental care? We’d love to hear them. Leave us a comment.