How do regular cleanings save money on dental care?

The post explains that checkups, often covered by dental insurance, help you avoid the much larger costs of fillings, root canals, crowns, gum disease treatment and tooth replacement later on. Its practical tip is to book your next cleaning before you leave the office, so it is already on the calendar.

What does teeth polishing do after a cleaning?

According to the post, professional polishing leaves a smooth, bright surface that is easier to keep clean and, most importantly, makes it harder for bacteria to attach and build up on your teeth. Costs vary, so the post suggests asking your dentist whether polishing is recommended for you.

How long does fluoride varnish stay on teeth?

The post says a fluoride varnish applied by the hygienist after a cleaning stays on your teeth for a handful of hours after the appointment. It helps prevent decay and strengthens tooth structure by remineralizing the enamel. The post suggests asking your dentist whether the treatment is right for you.

Can a night guard prevent expensive dental damage?

The post suggests it can for people who grind their teeth while they sleep. By separating the jaw slightly, a mouth guard worn at night can help you avoid costly problems such as tooth fractures and worsening TMJ symptoms. It also recommends sealants to protect the pits and fissures of molars.

How Can You Save Money at the Dentist?

By Stone Falls Dental Care · Published January 17, 2020

TL;DR

The post argues that preventive care is the surest way to spend less at the dentist, citing a Journal of Dental Hygiene figure that each dollar spent on prevention saves $8 to $50 in restorative care. It describes four approaches: regular twice-yearly cleanings, professional polishing, fluoride varnish after a cleaning, and protective measures such as sealants and a night guard for grinding. The prices it quotes date from 2020.

Did you know—for every dollar invested in preventive oral health care saves between $8 and $50 in restorative care, according to the Journal of Dental Hygiene. This means that for saving money at the dentist, there is one surefire way to ensure you aren’t shelling out more than you need to: get preventative care. While it may seem counter-intuitive that going to the dentist saves you money at the dentist, this could not be more true.

So, How Can You Save Money at the Dentist? Here Are 4 Ways!

Preventative Dental Treatment #1: Schedule Regular Cleanings

Paying for biannual check-ins, usually costing between $200 to $300 or entirely free with most dental insurance plans, can save you hundreds, if not thousands.

How? By avoiding the costs of cavities (up to $300 per filling), root canals (up to $1,300 per tooth) and crowns ($1,000 or more per treatment) later on. If you develop gum disease, restoring oral health can cost upward of $2,000. And, worse, if your teeth are not able to be saved, implants and dentures can cost nearly $5,000.

The bottom line is a little money spent up front on dental checkups can save you more than just a pretty penny down the road. Schedule your next appointment six months out (or whatever timeline your dentist recommends) as you leave the dentist office; that way, you will already have your next cleaning on the books.

Preventative Dental Treatment #2: Teeth Polishing

You can take your cleanings one step further by having your dentist professionally polish your teeth. Not only does it provide a smooth surface and sparkly appearance of your teeth, it also makes them easier to clean. Additionally, and, perhaps most importantly, a teeth polishing treatment makes it more difficult for bacteria to attach and build up on your teeth.

Costs vary for teeth polishing, so don’t hesitate to ask your dentist if he or she would recommend it for you and how much it will cost.

Preventative Dental Treatment #3: Fluoridate

Another cost-effective way to preventively protect your teeth is to add fluoride to your biannual checkups. Following a cleaning, your dental hygienist can apply a fluoride varnish, which will remain on your teeth for a handful of hours following your appointment. This helps prevent decay and strengthens the structure of your teeth by re-mineralizing your teeth’s enamel. Typically, fluoride costs between $20 and $50 per application. Ask your dentist if this treatment is right for you—and if it can help save you some money in the future.

Preventative Dental Treatment #4: Arm Your Teeth

There are several ways you can combat damage before it even begins with the help of tools provided by your dental professional.

For example, natural fissures and pits in teeth, especially molars, create crevices bacteria thrive in. Applying sealants creates a smooth surface impenetrable by bacteria and easier to clean with daily brushing.

Another great preventative method to protect your teeth, particularly if you grind them while sleeping, is to wear a mouthguard at night. By separating the jaw a small amount, a mouth guard can help you avoid costly issues, including tooth fractures and intensified symptoms of TMJ.