Financing Options for Dental Implants without Insurance
Dental implants can become necessary for many people, and demand for them is rising. One of the many challenges people face when considering dental implants is the out-of-pocket cost they may incur without insurance coverage. Some insurance companies do not cover dental implants at all, or they may not cover all of them, leaving the patient to cover the rest. This can make implants unattainable for some people, which is why we are going to discuss the financing options you may have if you are looking to get dental implants without insurance.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
Understanding how much dental implants cost is a bit of a loaded topic, as it typically varies depending on the type of implant and the components involved in the process. Let’s explore more about how the cost is broken down so you understand where the total price comes from.
There are three main components of dental implants: the titanium post, the abutment, and the crown. Each of these components has its own pricing, and it will vary based on the process and the dentist that you go to. Here’s a breakdown of what each component may cost on average:
X-Rays: $150-$400
Implant Post: $2,000-$3,000
Abutment: $500-$1,000
Crown: $800-$1,500
Pricing may vary by location, dentist, and overall procedural needs, but this can help you understand where the high cost comes from. Understanding the cost can help you choose a financing plan that makes sense and works for your dental needs.
Financing Options for Dental Implants
In-House Payment Plans
The dental practice itself typically sets up in-house payment plans. Many dental offices offer their own payment plans to help people afford common procedures that aren’t otherwise covered by insurance. With this method, you’ll work directly with the dentist to make those arrangements and set up a payment plan. If you’re looking to set up a payment plan with your dentist, be sure to reach out to them to determine what options they have.
Healthcare Financing
Typically, health insurance doesn’t cover the cost of crowns, leaving many patients to seek third-party healthcare insurance plans to cover their expenses. This is the most common option for financing implants. Some common options we see include CareCredit, Sunbit, and Cherry. CareCredit is the most popular option, as it acts like a delta credit card and is accepted at many dental offices. These options allow patients to use the credit immediately to pay for their dental work, without needing to enter into a payment plan through the dental office.
FSA and HSA Accounts
Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts are both tax-advantaged accounts that allow patients to use pre-tax dollars for medical or dental expenses. Patients who have either of these advantages will be able to pay for qualifying dental procedures, such as oral surgery or dental implants. Using FSA or HSA options also reduces implant costs by 20% to 30%, depending on your tax bracket, and this is provided by the government as a discount. The main difference between these two is that FSAs are employer-sponsored, while HSAs are typically more flexible and allow funds to roll over if not used, unlike FSAs.
Traditional Loans
Loans are always available through banks, credit unions, or lenders, and this is a good option for those who might want a fixed payment structure. Traditional loans often have a fixed interest rate and fixed monthly payments, whereas healthcare credit cards typically have variable interest rates. Traditional loans are beneficial if you don’t want to get a dental- or healthcare-specific loan and just want to opt for a traditional loan instead.
Dental Savings Plans and Dental School
A dental savings plan offers reduced fees for dental services at participating practices. Some plans will offer up to 30% off restoration dentistry procedures, and savings can add up quickly for patients. Dental school clinics also typically offer discounted services performed by training students under the supervision of a dental expert. This is a good option for discounted service if you are unable to obtain financing due to credit or availability issues at your dental practice.
Combining Financial Options
Having multiple financial options is ideal for ensuring you can take advantage of every available option. Patients can stack these financial options to maximize their benefit. For example, you can split the treatments across two calendar years so that patients can take advantage of two annual insurance maximums. Also, using FSA or HSA dollars first will lower your cost, and then you can use a financing plan for the remainder. Additionally, you should compare options before committing so that you can get the best options available.
Paying For Dental Implants With Financing Options
Dental implants are considered cosmetic, meaning that regular insurance companies will not cover them. With that being said, there are multiple options available for financial help that aren’t necessarily insurance coverage. Taking our tips and exploring financing options can help you get the dental services you need without paying out of pocket. Financing, FSA, HSA, and in-house payment plans are all options for people who want dental crowns but don’t have insurance to cover them. If you are interested in dental implants and care, we are exploring financing options. Be sure to refer back to this article so you know what options you have. If you’re unsure about financing options at your dental practice, contact us at Sage Dental at a location near you so we can help!
