5 Ways to Save on Dental Care — Even Without Insurance

5 ways to save on dental care — even without insuranceEvery year when fall and the holiday season roll around, I remember it's time for my annual dental checkup. I want clean, shiny teeth. You know, right before I spend Halloween and Christmas getting all sugared up!

That's when I start worrying about cavities. Not only are they painful, but the treatment is just as painful on my budget! My teenager had two last year, and even with insurance it cost us a pretty penny. I've come up with a few tricks for keeping our costs down, as well as some ways to cover dentists even without dental insurance.

1. Preventive Care
Take good care of your teeth to completely avoid the high cost of treatments. Brushing, flossing, and rinsing twice each day provides cavity protection. You should also avoid sugary snacks and sodas, which are a frequent source of cavities.

2. Dental Schools
Find a dental school in your area for significant discounts on cleanings, X-rays, and procedures. You'll receive student dental care under the strict supervision of faculty members. It's just like a teaching hospital. For your teeth.

Related: 11 reasons I'm happy my husband's unemployed

3. Skip Unnecessary Treatments
When my daughter had her first filling last year, I found out our insurance would not cover the gas the dentist wanted to use. For the price, I decided she could tough it out just like we did as kids. She was totally brave, said it didn't hurt at all, and saved me $60! We also don't do fluoride treatments at every visit. Take a look at the treatment plan, then decide for yourself what you're willing to pay for.

4. Cash Discount
There are a lot of administrative costs eaten up in insurance claims. Let the office manager know you plan to pay cash, and ask about a discount. Most are willing to work with you a bit.

Related: 10 money-saving tips for families on a budget

5. Daily Deal Sites
If you already use Groupon for fun activities and restaurants, try it for services like spas, teeth cleaning, and braces. Just last week, an orthodontist in our area offered an Invisalign deal! Keep an eye on your favorite daily deal sites for dental care offers near you.

- By Heather Sokol
Follow Heather at Babble

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