Whether you are missing one, two, or several teeth, you should think about replacing them sooner, rather than later. Dental implants offer fixed, long-lasting, and natural-looking tooth replacement results. They are often considered the gold standard of tooth replacements because of their durability and appearance.
There is only one major drawback to implants over other tooth restoration solutions: their cost. Implants are typically more expensive than dentures or bridges. While their benefits make them worth the extra expense for plenty of people, finding a way to pay for the implants can be difficult. Fortunately, if you are considering implants, there are multiple payment options available. Learn more about how to cover the cost of implants and choose the option that works best for you.
Will Insurance Pay for Dental Implants?
If you have dental insurance, you might be wondering if your policy will cover all or part of the cost of dental implants. The answer depends on the type of policy you have and the cost of the implants. Some policies do provide coverage but might only cover a portion of the total cost. Other policies don’t cover implants at all.
Before you see a dentist about implants, check with your insurance provider and ask what their coverage options are for implants. If your plan does offer full or partial coverage, make sure you choose a dental provider who is in-network and who accepts your insurance plan.
Payment Option 1: Upfront and All at Once
If you don’t have insurance or your policy doesn’t fully cover the cost of implants, it’s a good idea to assess your payment options. One option is to pay for the entire procedure, at once and upfront.
Paying in full at the time of the procedure has a few benefits, but also a few drawbacks. A benefit is that you get the payment over with quickly and don’t have to worry about paying late fees or interest.
The drawback, of course, is that paying the full cost all at once can mean that you need to save up for a while before you can get the implants. It also means that money that you might have kept for an emergency or other savings goal ends up going towards your dental implants.
Payment Option 2: A Dental Financing Program
Several financing programs exist that are meant solely for covering the cost of healthcare and dental expenses. CareCredit is one example. It works like a sort of credit card for healthcare expenses. The program offers monthly payment plans with either low interest rates or no interest at all.
Another dental financing program is Lending Club Patient Solutions. It offers a quick approval process, low or no fees, and no pre-payment penalties. If you’re looking for flexibility in paying for dental implants and don’t want to pay an arm and a leg in interest charges, a dental financing program might be right for you.
Payment Option 3: In-House Financing
In some cases, a dental practice will let you finance the cost of your dental implants through an in-house program. Working directly with the provider to set up a payment plan as a few benefits. For one thing, there’s no middleman. You work directly with the practice to come up with a repayment schedule that is right for you. In-house financing programs also don’t usually involve a credit check.
Payment Option 4: A Credit Card
Charging the cost of your dental implants to a credit card can seem like a quick and easy way to handle paying for it. But putting the full amount of the treatment on a standard credit card can have some major drawbacks. For one thing, most credit cards typically charge much higher interest rates than what you’d pay with a dental financing program or in-house financing.
For another thing, charging the cost of your implant treatment to a credit card can limit your use of that card. If you usually pay for groceries and other necessities with a card, you’ll need to either open a new before you get your implants or use an existing separate card to pay for your daily expenses.
Dental implants can help you feel more confident about your smile and can improve the appearance of your teeth and mouth. Dr. John Paul Gallardo is a periodontal specialist in the Miami area who also provides dental cleanings, exams, and dental implants. To learn more about his practice and the financing options available to you in Miami, FL, call 305-547-8687 to schedule a consultation today.
