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Dental Health

4 Ways to Get a Healthier and Brighter Smile Without Breaking the Bank

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Been putting off dental care because the cost is so high? Here, easy ways to cut dental costs for checkups, dentures, root canals, and more for a brighter and healthier smile.

Save up to 60 percent with this plan.

If you’re frustrated by dental insurance that covers very little, try a dental savings plan for $50 to $200 per year instead. They strike deals with providers, so you get discounts from 10 percent to 60 percent off dental procedures. You simply select a professional who’s in-network, then get discounts on checkups, dentures, fillings, X-rays, crowns, veneers and other treatments. Find options at DentalPlans.com/dentalsearch/index. Also great? Sam’s Club members in certain states can sign up at SamsClub. com/pharmacy/care for $50 per year, and Costco members in certain states can find plans starting at $104 at DeltaDentalIns.com/plans_costco.

Nab 89 percent off with a coupon.

To help new practitioners attract patients and smaller practices compete with big ones, more dental professionals are offering coupons for their services. And the savings are big— up to 89 percent off implants, crowns and comprehensive dental exams that include X-rays and cleanings. To find deals from dentists, orthodontists and periodontists in your area, visit Groupon.com/local/dental or look for one in your Valpak envelope in the mail or visit Valpak.com/coupons/savings/dental.

Spend 50 percent less here.

Live near a school for dental hygienists, dentists, orthodontists, or periodontists? Great news: Most offer cleanings, crowns, root canals, extractions, dental restorations and full and partial dental prostheses to the public — for half the cost. That’s because you’re helping to give hands-on training to students working under the supervision of licensed dental professionals. To find a school near you, simply do an online search for “dental school” or “dental hygienist school” and your city. You’ll get a map with their locations and information.

Cut costs by 30 percent with Part C.

If you’re a Medicare recipient, Part A (hospital insurance) will pay for certain dental needs when hospitalized, like jaw surgery required as a result of an accident. And Part B (medical insurance) will cover some outpatient treatments related to major issues, like extractions required for oral cancer radiation. But for routine tooth care, check Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage), which often pays an average of 30 percent of your dental bills. Don’t have Part C? You may still be able to sign up due to special circumstances. Visit Medicare.gov/plan-compare to learn more.

A version of this article originally appeared in our print magazine, Woman’s World.

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