Seniors: Get Cheap Dental Implants (Even Without Dental Insurance)
The chance of losing a tooth increases as you get older! In fact, 26 percent of Americans aged 65 to 74 have lost all of their teeth. Your dentist might recommend dental implants if you're missing teeth. They'll need to check the health of your gums first! Your dentist will also need to see if you have enough bone to support the implants! Implants are titanium posts an oral surgeon places directly into your jawbone underneath your gums. Artificial teeth are mounted on top of the posts! Dentists can put crowns, bridges, and dentures on top of the implants. Implants don't need to be anchored to other teeth.
Many find implants feel more natural and secure than other tooth replacement options! But implants cost more than these options. Dental insurance usually pays less than 10 percent of the total cost.
Act now to find the best tips for saving money on dental implants, even without dental insurance!
Visit A Dental School
Getting implants at a dental school could help you save up to 50 percent of the cost of treatment at a private practice. Some dental schools have specialized clinics just for implants. Treatment at dental schools is provided by students completing their dental training. The students are closely supervised by licensed dentists at every stage!
Dental schools have access to the latest technology. This means you might get better results than you would at an older practice! Dental students are graded on quality, and your appointment slot may be longer than what you'd get at a private practice. But not all dental schools offer implants! You should contact several different schools before making an appointment. Ask if you will need to be placed on a waiting list, and be sure to get a price estimate before booking.
Ask About Group Discounts
As a senior, it'll be easy for you to use a group discount to lower the cost of dental implants! To get this discount, you'll need to find friends or family members who also need dental implants. They need to get their implants at the same time you get yours. The treatment must be booked together, and it has to be done at the same dental practice!
Group discounts may not be available at all dental practices. So, ask several practices to see if they accept these discounts! Each practice will normally offer a different discount. Compare different practices to find the most affordable rate! If you get a group discount, make sure you have the discount confirmed in writing before you start treatment.
Discount Dental Plans
Discount dental plans are cheaper alternatives to dental insurance. They're available for seniors, and don't have an age limit! They work like a membership at a big-box store with a monthly fee that is usually around one-third of what you would pay each month for dental insurance. The monthly fee gives you discounts of up to 60 percent on certain treatments. Discount dental plans can only be used at certain dental offices. Some offices might give a bigger discount than other offices in the same area, so it can help to check with several places.
If you already have a regular dentist, ask their office which discount plans they take before buying one! Discount dental plans are normally valid for one year, and you can use them even if you already have a dental condition. While the plan might help you save a lot on dental implants, you will have to pay the full cost at the time you receive your treatment. If paying in full is hard for you, ask your dental office about getting on a payment plan. Be sure to bring your discount card with you to every appointment.
Talk To Dental Societies
Dental societies are professional organizations for dentists found in every state. Some metropolitan areas even have their own societies! The societies have information on specific dental offices that offer lower-cost care. Some of these clinics are even designed for seniors on a fixed income! Dental society websites usually list clinic locations, payment options, fees, and appointment times. The listed clinics might only treat people who live in certain zip codes. This may mean you will need to have proof of residency and income. Some locations might only see uninsured patients. Many dental societies also have resources to help reduce the cost of dentures or other specific treatments. Before visiting a clinic recommended by a dental society, call ahead to ask whether they offer dental implant services. It can be helpful to ask for a price estimate too!
Change Locations
You might be able to get cheaper dental implants by having the treatment at a different dental practice. As a senior, you might feel nervous about changing, especially if you've had the same dentist for many years! It's very common to change dental practices, and most offices try to make this as easy as possible. It can help to ask friends and family for recommendations. You might want to change locations by opting for another dental practice in your city or traveling to a cheaper dental practice in another area!
Research any new location you're considering. It may help to visit the facility to meet the dentist! You should check the provider's credentials and experience before having any treatment. When you change locations, you will need to have your records sent from your old dental practice to the new location.