Did you know that people with dental problems are more likely to develop anxiety or depression? If you’re overly worried about being judged for the way your smile looks, you might feel so self-conscious that you avoid spending time with others, which can detract from your daily quality of life.
Your dentist offers various cosmetic services to enhance your appearance and boost your self-esteem, but many patients assume that these options are reserved for the rich and famous. Continue reading to learn more about how you can upgrade your grin on a budget!
Which Cosmetic Treatment is Right for Me?
Potentially, anyone who isn’t 100 percent pleased with the way their teeth look in the mirror can benefit from one or more procedures intended to improve their appearance. However, not all the options are right for everyone’s unique circumstances. Before proceeding, you must consult your provider so they can examine your current dental condition and discuss your concerns. Then, they’ll provide potential treatment options to help you achieve your smile goals.
Most dentists offer multiple treatments, so you can find options to meet your needs without breaking the bank. For example, although you can achieve more immediate results with an in-office teeth whitening procedure, your provider might also offer professional-grade take-home whitening kits that cost less.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Cosmetic Dentistry?
Most dental insurance policies are designed to promote proper preventive care and cover preventive services and a portion of major procedures, like root canals and dental crowns. However, cosmetic procedures intended to improve your looks more than your oral health are categorized as a ‘luxury’ and aren’t typically included.
There may be exceptions, like if a specific treatment is deemed medically necessary, so it’s worth verifying your information to know what’s covered.
How Can I Make Cosmetic Services More Affordable?
Many patients rely on their dental insurance to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for dental care and worry they can’t afford elective procedures to enhance their grin. Fortunately, many dentists offer different options to help you pay for your desired upgrades.
For instance, you can ask your dentist if they have an in-house membership that includes discounts on services offered in the office, including cosmetics. You might also inquire about whether there are any promotions currently offered that can help reduce the cost of your visit. Many dentists offer discounts on specific services for a limited time, including reduced rates on cosmetic treatments. Finally, your provider might also offer flexible financial payment plans by partnering with a third-party vendor, such as CareCredit. This allows you to break up your final invoice into smaller installments over a designated period.
If you’re unsure whether you can afford your desired enhancement, having an honest conversation with your dentist during your cosmetic consultation can help them tailor your treatment plan to meet your budgetary needs!
Meet the Author
Dr. Wael Kassem has about 15 years of experience helping families build and maintain beautiful, healthy smiles. He earned his dental doctorate at Temple University and then completed a General Practice Residency at Kings County Hospital in New York City. Today, he offers a comprehensive menu of services to people of all ages, including cosmetic procedures. He combines a caring approach with advanced technology to deliver comfortable, accurate results meant to last. Whether you want a brighter smile, to mend or mask chips and cracks, or to reduce facial lines and look younger, he can help! You can request an appointment on the website or call (856) 818-9998.