A healthy smile is something you really need. Dental work isn’t just about aesthetics – while it’ s nice to be able to flash the pearly whites, it’s more important that we keep our teeth in good health so that we can avoid serious problems (and serious costs) down the line. Good dental health is a part of good overall health, and neglecting it is risky.
But, unfortunately, many of us don’t feel that we have the budget for dental care. Too many people who need great dental care opt to forgo it to try to save a quick buck. The extra cash might look good in your bank or credit union account in the short term, but in the long term, it’s a real bad idea. You’ll end up paying more down the line if you skimp of dental care now, and you’ll also risk serious dental health problems – as well as problems with your health more generally (after all, no part of your body exists in isolation.
So take care to budget for dental care. It doesn’t have to be painful! Here’s what you need to know.
Dental Insurance
Most of us know that we ought to have health insurance. But far fewer of us invest in dental insurance, and that’s a shame. The fact is that dental insurance is affordable and easy to get. It will help you afford the dental care that you need and will encourage you to pay a visit to your dentist for regular check-ups.
Like any other kind of insurance, dental care charges you a monthly rate (a “premium”) and, in exchange, pays for things that you need when you need them. That means you’ll pay less out of pocket for emergency dental work. And dental insurance also covers regular dental cleanings, much like health insurance covers regular check-ups.
Maintain an Emergency Fund
Even if you don’t have dental insurance, you can create a kind of insurance of your own in the form of a rainy-day fund. Set aside some money in your savings to be used when you need it, and consider dental work to be a good reason to withdraw from this account. A specific account that covers dental and medical needs is a great way to remind you to always be investing in your health.
Pay Less Now or Pay More Later
It’s worth noting why dental insurance pays for regular cleanings. After all, insurance is supposed to cover sudden and unexpected costs. Why do dental and medical insurance policies cover something as typical as a regular check-up?
Because they know it will cost them less in the long run! Your regular check-ups allow your dental professional to catch issues early on. You’ll get guidance and care that will help you avoid more drastic issues down the line. That means your insurance won’t have to pay big emergency care bills.
It also means that you won’t have pay big emergency care bills, of course, which is why you need to take care of your teeth regularly. Fix things now and you’ll pay (and suffer) less later. If you have a problem that can only be fixed with orthodontics, for instance, you’d be smart to fix it now. It’s only going to get worse – and care is only going to get more expensive.
