Insider Secrets: 6 Ways to Save Big on Dental Implants

If you have missing or damaged teeth, you might feel slightly embarrassing every time you smile or laugh. You feel self-conscious every time you open your mouth, and all you want to do is fix your teeth so that you can live a happier, more care free life. Unfortunately, dental implants can be very expensive and not everyone can afford them. If you research the cost of getting a single dental implant, you might be astonished find that dentists charge an average of $4250 in the US for the implant, abutment and crown. Nobody should have to break the bank to fix their smile. Here are 6 ways you can save money on dental implants.

 

Get Quotes From Several Dentists

The cost of dental implants varies widely from dentist to dentist. A newer practice may charge less for dental implants in order to bring in clients or gain experience, while an established dentist will typically charge more for experience and track record of success. Location is another major factor, as professionals in urban centers and wealthy areas will have higher fees. The first step to take when searching for affordable dental implants is to ask for an estimate from several dentists. That said, you should consider the practice’s reputation and quality first and price second. After you have found dentists with good reputations and affordable prices, you should ask for a breakdown of what is included in the estimate they gave you. Quotes should include the costs of the initial consultation, anesthesia, x-rays, surgery, crown, abutment, and any necessary additional procedures.

Schools of Dentistry

Graduates of dentistry schools must intern as a dentist before they can branch off and start their own practice. Many colleges and universities offer dental services to the public so that graduates can gain experience under the supervision of experienced dentists. You may need to provide proof of your yearly salary to qualify for an implant as some schools only offer their services to low income individuals. In most cases you will be added to a waiting list and will have to wait several months to a year before you get the procedure done. The discount is well worth the wait if you qualify.

Travel Abroad

If the waiting list for dental implants at your local school of dentistry is too long or you don’t qualify, you may want to consider traveling abroad. The cost of dental implants is much lower in developing countries in South America and Asia such as Thailand, India and Costa Rica. The average cost of an implant in the US is $4250 compared to the average prices of $1600 in Mexico, $1000 in Turkey and $850 in India. In addition, many people turn their trip to get dental implants into a vacation to take full advantage of their time spent abroad. As you can see, dental tourism can pay off and give you an opportunity to see other parts of the world at the same time.

Financing

Many dental practices offer financing options through third-party lenders. This option allows you to have the implants installed which are then paid for over the course of a year or two by making affordable monthly payments. If the dentist does not partner with Care Credit or another lending company, they may offer in-house financing options. This is typically only an option if you have a respectable credit score. You may not be able to save money on the implants using this option, but if you pay back the loan within a specified time period, you may not have to pay interest.

Discount Plans

There are several different dental discount plans that you can sign up for to save money on the price of a dental implant. These membership plans charge monthly or yearly fees, but you can save anywhere from 10% to 60% off many dental care procedures. Before signing up, make sure that the particular discount plan covers dental implants and verify whether or not your dentist accepts it. Also be sure to compare membership costs to the potential savings.

Insurance Coverage

Insurance companies usually do not extend coverage to policyholders for dental implants because they are considered a cosmetic procedure. However, if your teeth are causing pain, affecting your ability to chew or your overall health and dental implants are the only solution to the problem, then your insurance will most likely cover a portion of the cost. Some insurance providers will cover up to the cost of alternative (but less expensive) procedures such as bridges or removable dentures.