So.  When was the last time you visited the dentist for a regular checkup and cleaning?  

Yes, we’re talking to you.  

You’re probably busy worrying about your family, work, or school (or all three at the same time).  You also might think that a trip to the dentist for a checkup is more of a luxury, or something you’ll get to when your life (and your finances) settle down a bit.

Sound familiar?  

You most likely already  know that good dental health isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.  You probably already know that gum disease affects nearly half of adults in the U.S., and that the more teeth you have as you age, your chances of having better whole-body health are greater – for life.  We’re also sure you’ve heard that a good oral hygiene routine at home, along with regular check-up visits are the best possible way to prevent the need for more extensive and costly procedures down the road.     

If you’re like a lot of folks, you may know these things, but you still may hesitate to pick up the phone or go online to book that check-up appointment. Why? Chances are, you may think those checkup visits may be more costly than you can afford.  

Affordable Dental Health

Good news – regular dental check-ups may be (much) more affordable than you think with 1st Family Dental.  

1. Affordable Dental Check-Ups – Cheaper Than Your Daily Coffee:  

Did you know that the Average American household spends more than $1,000 each year on coffee?  According to our calculations, that’s almost 3 times the cost of two regular dental checkup and cleaning visits at any of our locations.  In fact, here are few more things that the average household spends the discretionary part of their budget on:

• Lunch at work, and/or lunch dates: $936
• Alcohol: $454
• Clothes: $ 1,817
• Tobacco:$ 323

Are you surprised?  As it turns out, two regular checkup with cleaning visits would take up less than one percent (.6%) of the average household budget.  Hooray!

 

2. You May Have Dental Insurance and Not Even Know It

Do you have insurance through an employer, or through the Marketplace Exchange?  Then you may have dental insurance and not even know it.  Check on these three things to find out if you’ve got benefits you’re not using:

• Each year your employer can review and make changes to insurance benefits.  In many cases, medical insurance is a completely separate policy from dental coverage.  You may have a card for your medical coverage, but not for dental.  Check with your employer’s HR (Human Resources) department to confirm if you have dental coverage.  If you do, in many cases preventive services such as check-up and cleanings are covered 100% or may require a reasonable co-pay or coinsurance. If you’ve got coverage, most plans have a use-it-or-lose-it policy so be sure to get the most out of your coverage.  After all, you’re already paying the premium!
• If you purchased a plan through the marketplace and selected a dental coverage option, check the benefit availability.  If you met your individual or family deductible for the year, your dental care may be covered as well.
• Illinois expanded the income threshold for Medicaid coverage for individuals and families along with the rollout of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).  More people in Illinois may be eligible for subsidies to help afford their medical and dental coverage, or may be eligible for Medicaid coverage.  To learn more and see if you are eligible for subsidies or other help, click here.  

 

3. No Insurance?  We’ve Got You Covered.

If you don’t have dental insurance for yourself or your family, you are not alone, and we understand. 

We offer a variety of payment options on multi-step procedures, interest-free financing, and affordable rates on standard dental procedures. We’re always happy to offer a second opinion if you’d like one, and encourage our own patients to get a second opinion to be confident about any dental treatment we recommend.

If you’ve been putting off a visit for a regular check-up because you’ve got a sneaking suspicion you think you need dental treatment, you can stop procrastinating now.  

You’ve already learned that a pair of checkup and cleaning visits is much more affordable than you probably thought, so come on in, or contact us anytime with any questions.