(10) Ask if your insurance coverage has an option that uses a PPO or DHMO network where your premium dollars will get more dental services. Often, using a PPO dentist can save you 10% to 20% from the usual fees.
(11) Ask if your treatment can be set up in stages. If some care is more urgent than other services, perhaps your dentist can provide the services over two calendar years, thus utilizing two annual maximums. Annual maximums are usually $1000 - $1500 and that can be reached quickly with multiple services. Your dentist should be able to prioritize a treatment schedule to help you distinguish problems needing immediate attention from those that are less urgent. Often, treatment can be phased in over time to assist you with your budget.
(12) Seek second opinions on expensive work. Often, a dental problem can be solved in several different ways, all of which are satisfactory and appropriate. For instance, missing teeth can be replaced by implants, or by a bridge (in most instances) or by a partial denture. All of these are acceptable dental care, but the costs can vary widely. Talk to your dentist about why he or she believes that this treatment is best for you.
(13) Take advantage of any free exams, teeth cleanings or x-rays your coverage may provide. Some coverage dictates you get your teeth cleaned twice per year, while others limit you to once every 6 months. Remember that if you have the second kind and your cleaning occurs before 6 months have passed, the insurance will not pay the benefit.
(14) Make sure that the dental work that your dentist proposes are covered by your dental plan. Sometimes, new forms of treatment or cosmetic services are not covered. Be sure to check your benefits guide and/or have your dentist submit a pre-treatment estimate to confirm that the services will be covered. If the services are denied, you or your dentist may need to write a letter and send more explanation regarding the need for these services.
(15) Have bone implants to replace dental bone lost from periodontal disease. This helps to prevent bacteria from forming in pockets caused by bone loss where the teeth are attached.
(16) Ask your dentist if he/she would be willing to allow you to pay for treatments in installments over a period of weeks or months. Your dentist should be able to prioritize a treatment schedule to help you distinguish problems needing immediate attention from those that are less urgent. Often, treatment can be phased in over time to assist you with your budget.
(17) Fight the power. If the treatment or your dentist proposes is denied, you have the option to petition the insurance provider. You or preferably your dentist may need to write a letter and send a more detailed explanation regarding the need for these services.
(18) Can't afford your dental work? BankRate.com recommends getting an interest-free credit card. These don't actually reduce the size of the bill, but zero-percent financing helps take the bite out of it. Charge your medical and dental expenses with a card that's specifically designed to cover health-care expenses. Dentistry.com has an excellent article on dental financing options.
