Seniors: How to Affordably Restore Your Smile

If you’re a senior, then getting straight teeth or replacing a missing tooth is still an option for you. Teeth aligners and dental implants are two popular forms of dental treatment that can restore your smile. While it can be expensive, it’s an investment that can pay off for both your dental health and self confidence. There are ways you can save money on both these procedures. Various dentists and dental companies offer different payment options, which you can search online to learn more about.

There are plenty of payment options available to seniors for these services that won’t break the bank or risk your finances. Search online to find out what your options are when it comes to teeth aligners or dental implants.

Here are different ways you can affordably pay to restore your smile.

Affordable Options for Teeth Aligners

Invisalign

One of the most popular brands of teeth aligners that over eight million people have used is Invisalign. While Invisalign offers flexible payment plans, customers can save money on this service by paying partially out-of-pocket and through insurance.

According to the Consumer Guide to Dentistry, the national average for Invisalign in the U.S. ranges from $3,000 to $5,000. The good news is that you could get up to $3,500 of your teeth aligners covered by insurance. Invisalign also allows you to use the pre-tax dollars in your flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA).

Smile Direct Club

One of the most affordable options for teeth aligners come from Smile Direct Club. This business can coordinate directly with your insurance company, applying any coverage to the total cost of treatment. Smile Direct Club also accepts HSA and FSA.

There are two easy ways to pay:

1.With one single payment of $1,950, or; 2.A monthly payment of $89 for 24 months, plus a $250 deposit.

Candid

Candid is a remote orthodontist company that simply requires a picture of your teeth to get started. From there, you can choose to go with a payment plan as low as $79 monthly with a $299 down payment. The second option is a zero percent APR plan with no money down required.

Customers can pay an all-inclusive price of $2,400. Even better, you can get up to $1,300 off the cost of Candid teeth aligners through your health insurance.

Candid is a company in-network with several insurance providers, so search online to see if you’re eligible to submit a claim.

Affordable Options for Dental Implants

Around 2.3 million dental implants are made each year. According to Bankrate, a single implant starts at $3,000. Those requiring multiple teeth replacements could end up paying between $11,500 all the way up to $45,000.Fortunately, there are ways for patients to lower the cost of implants.

Insurance coverage for dental implants is rare, but they may be able to assist you with getting a pretreatment estimate. This can help you confirm how much money is being paid out-of-pocket before sitting in the dental chair.

Some patients may be able to pay out the cost of their dental implants over a period of time. For example, TeethXpress allows you to pay small monthly payments instead of one large lump sum.

Talk with your dentist about what your payment options are and see if they offer flexible payment plans.

Medicare Can Pay for Certain Dental Services

If you’re ever in the hospital and require certain dental services, Medicare might pay for certain services.⁷ This would be under Medicare Part A coverage. It’s a Medicare plan that helps pay for inpatient hospital care if you have an emergency or complicated dental procedure.

It’s important to note that Original Medicare does not cover routine dental care, procedures, or supplies. This means you will never be covered for things like:

•Cleanings;

•Fillings;

•Tooth extractions;

•Dentures, or;

•Other dental devices.

People signed up for a Medicare Advantage Plan have more options.⁸ This type of plan offers coverage for things not covered under Original Medicare such as vision, hearing, dental, and wellness programs. If you choose a plan that provides dental benefits, you may qualify for some coverage.

Keep in mind that Medicare can choose not to cover services that are not medically necessary under Medicare. But as a customer, you do also have the right to appeal the decision.

Search Online for More Affordable Dental Services

You shouldn’t have to pay thousands of dollars out-of-pocket to afford dental care. Whether you’re in need of teeth aligners or dental implants, you have options when it comes to payments.

Do your research to see which services allow you to make a claim through your insurance. If you don’t have insurance, find out if there is a payment plan allowing you to make smaller payments over a certain amount of time. Policies will differ between dentists and dental companies, so search online to find out what payment method is best for you.