Discovering Dental Care That Fits Your Budget

Did you know that taking care of your teeth can work wonders on oral health? The CDC stresses that regular dental visits can help maintain oral health. Visiting your dentist on a regular basis enables you to catch dental issues early on, making them easier to tackle.^[1] Furthermore, oral health isn’t just for kids. It’s essential for everyone between the ages of 4 and 65. Whether it’s a pesky little cavity or a severe problem like losing teeth all over, oral health is about keeping your smile bright. It’s shocking to learn that at least one in six children between the ages of 11 and 14 has a tooth cavity. That’s not all! Nearly one in six individuals above 65 have lost most of their teeth.^[2] Indeed, having a healthy oral cavity is not just for a smile but for overall well-being, too. 

And while you’re focused on keeping your smiles shining, it's equally essential to have wallets happy. Do you believe that some Americans refrain from dentist visits because they feel dental care unaffordable? It’s worth mentioning that most dental insurance providers cover 80% of bills for basic services like extractions, root canals, and fillings. However, this is different for major treatments like dentures, inlays, or bridges. You’ll have to pay 50% of the bill while the insurance covers the rest. Although insurance provides part of dental care financial help, there’s often a bit of a waiting game involved. You might find yourself waiting for at least 6-12 months for your dentist to start working on your teeth. ^[3]  

While insurance applies to employed Americans, the story takes a different turn for seniors and the unemployed. Unfortunately, Federal Health Insurance, like Medicare, doesn’t cover dental services targeting oral health.^[4] This can leave many individuals, especially the unemployed or those on low wages, facing heavy burdens to pay dental bills. Even for those who are insured, the long waiting periods can make dealing with dental pain and discomfort incredibly challenging. Suppose you don't hold public or private insurance; you don't have to suffer in silence or worry about burning your savings on dental bills. 

In the upcoming section, we’ll explore accessing dental care for the poor. Scroll down and keep reading.

How Do You Fit Dental Care Within Your Budget?

Are you wondering about managing dental care while avoiding sky-high bills? Here are the budget-friendly options that you can try!

• Dental schools: First up, consider dental schools! Here, you can receive dental services under the supervision of licensed and experienced dental professionals while being treated by dental students. This is, of course, a good option to avoid out-of-pocket dental costs. Just keep in mind that the wait times may be longer. 

• Dental discount or membership plans: You can consider subscription-based dental plans. These plans generally involve paying an annual fee in exchange for standard services. Another option is to ask your dentist if they offer a discount on cash payments. 

• Dental tourism: Consider crossing borders to open doors for low-cost dental treatment and new experiences. You get a chance to combine the pleasure and joy of exploring new places while fixing your smile. It is a wiser choice if you’re looking for budget-friendly dental care for seniors.

Dental tourism is about more than crossing borders to save money. It's a broader term with a deeper meaning. In the upcoming section, we'll explore the details of dental tourism.

Dental Care Within Budget With Dental Tourism 

Traveling abroad for dental care for cost savings on advanced dental care is termed dental tourism. Rising healthcare costs in developed nations like the United States drive patients to seek affordable options. Dental treatment in destinations like Mexico, Columbia, Thailand, Malaysia, or India costs only a fraction of what it costs in the US. For example, consider the cost of dental implants. Getting a single titanium implant (excluding the crown and abutment) in the United States would cost you above $3,000. But in Mexico? You’ll have to pay only $790 to get the same. The savings won’t stop there! A root canal in Mexico costs you $340, while you will be charged up to $2,000 in the United States. With dental tourism, the credits are wider than cost-effectiveness. Imagine taking a break from the daily grind and exploring new places. That, too, while getting top-notch treatment! 

This depends on the destinations you choose. Opt for reputable providers in popular sightseeing destinations for an unforgettable experience. But if you are worried about the treatment quality, here is the answer to dispelling all myths about dental tourism.

Debunk Dental Tourism’s Low-Cost Associated Myths

Getting dental work abroad has garnered some misconceptions. Did you know that nearly 5,00,000 Americans venture across the border for medical care, with dental work being a significant part? Mexican cities like Los Algodones for dental work stand on top among cross-border destinations. And here’s the kicker! You can save up to 70% on dental work in Mexico without sacrificing quality. Dental clinics in Mexico are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and use top-quality dental materials for your dental work. Qualified, board-certified, and experienced dentists work here, ensuring a high quality of care. And if you are still skeptical about the cheaper dental work abroad, we’ve got you covered. Here’s why dental work in Mexico is more affordable than that in the United States. 

Dentists in the United States pay significantly higher bills for real estate, living, and labor compared to their counterparts in Mexico. Living costs in Mexico are a staggering 81% lower than in the United States, with housing expenses slashed by 163%.^[5] In addition, the Mexican government also covers tuition fees for dental students. In return, these students treat the underserved communities for a year as a part of their journey to attain a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. Moreover, Mexican dentists are not required to invest in hefty malpractice insurance, which is mandatory in the United States. This stark contrast in additional expenses between the two countries makes dental work a costly affair in the United States.

Choosing the right provider can definitely make or break your dental journey. Whether you seek dental care in Mexico or other destinations, meticulous research is essential. Understand the pros and cons to make an informed decision. Fear not! Envoy Health is a reliable platform to lend a helping hand! We ensure that you get access to the best clinics and enjoy transparent pricing.

Dental Tourism With Envoy Health

Approaching a dentist or clinic in a foreign nation can be stressful. With Envoy Health, you’re in good hands. We empower you to make the best decisions in your dental care journey. That’s why we offer you the freedom to choose from a curated list of accredited clinics and board-certified dentists. More importantly, we understand the importance of feeling confident in your choice.  So we don’t stop there! We encourage you to explore patient testimonials and browse before and after treatment pictures. Seeing the actual results and hearing from others who have been in your shoes makes all the difference in feeling assured before treatment. Further, we make it comfortable by offering transparent pricing and a personalized and dedicated support system.

So take your time and know that we’re here to support you every step of the way. Your healthy smile journey begins with confidence, and at Envoy Health, we hold your hand as you lead the path.

References

1. Disparities in Oral Health 

2. Health and Economic Benefits of Oral Health Interventions

3. How Does Dental Insurance Work?

4. Medicare and Dental Care

5. Cost of Living in the United States Compared to Mexico