Each dental implant costs thousands of dollars, with the actual cost varying depending on several factors. It’s one of the reasons so many patients prefer financing. Understanding the cost of dental implants and the financing options can help you have the beautiful smile you want and deserve without paying all at once out of pocket. The good news is that Delaram Hanookai DDS., Periodontist, Michael Abaian DDS., Cosmetic Dentist, and the rest of the team at Southland Dental Care want to help. We offer affordable dental implants and several financing options, including in-house dental financing.

Factors That Influence Dental Implant Costs

The cost usually starts at $1,200 and goes up depending on various factors that influence the dental implant cost breakdown. Dental implants aren’t where you want to cut corners. They can endure decades, so paying for high-quality work now means the chances are higher that they will last.

The complexity of your treatment plays a vital role in the cost. How many implants you’ll need and their material – whether porcelain or ceramic – also impact the price.

Additionally, it matters where you get dental implants. For example, dental implants in Los Angeles may cost more or less than in other major cities, and costs can also vary between practices.

As much as patients want to save money on dental implants, it’s essential to keep in mind that they’re a long-term dental investment. The quality of the implants and work are important.

If you have dental insurance, it’s crucial to understand how much of the dental implant it would cover. For example, the insurance company may cover a significant portion – but not all – of the expense. You would be responsible for the remainder. It’s possible you might need to purchase additional insurance coverage for dental implants, or the insurance company may reimburse you for what you pay out of pocket. It all depends on the insurance company and the terms of your coverage.

Qualifying for Dental Implant Financing

Many patients ask, “What credit score do I need for dental financing?” Unfortunately, there’s no one set answer. Various dental implant financing options exist, each with terms that can change over time. Compare dental implant financing options to find one where you meet their minimum credit score eligibility requirement.

Alternatives for Patients With Poor or No Credit

Although credit scores typically matter, patients with poor or no credit aren’t out of luck. Some options, such as personal loans for dental work, might be available in such cases. Credit cards may also be viable options.

Improving Your Credit Before Applying

One of the best dental implant financing tips is to improve your credit score for dental implants before applying for financing. There are several ways to do this, including asking for credit limit increases, making your payments on time, and working on getting your balances down. Every little positive change helps and can be part of why you qualify for low-interest dental loans or other financing options.

Popular Financing Options

Many patients ask, “How do you get implants when you can’t afford them?” Delaram Hanookai DDS., Periodontist, and Michael Abaian DDS., Cosmetic Dentist have multiple financing options available at Southland Dental Care. Offering flexible dental payment options and accepting various forms of payment allow many of our patients to get the dental implants they want and need without having to pay the full cost upfront.

Dental Office Payment Plans: In-House Financing Options

In-office dental implant payment plans allow you to pay the office directly according to the agreed-upon terms. The monthly payment amounts can vary based on certain factors, such as the overall amount you’ll owe.

Credit Cards and Medical Credit Cards

Using a credit card can be a convenient way to pay for dental implants if you can’t afford the cost upfront out of pocket. Another possibility is to consider CareCredit, a medical credit card financing option. It’s ideal if you don’t have the money available and your insurance won’t cover the entire cost of the dental implants. If you want to apply for CareCredit for dental implants, you can do so through their website.

Personal Loans and Lines of Credit from Banks and Online Lenders

Banks and online lenders may be able to help you get the dental implant loans you need. However, it’s important to know that reputable options may not be ideal for patients with low credit as they usually have strict credit score requirements. Interest rates can vary, and some can be incredibly high, so it’s essential to know the terms before applying and try to pay the balances off as quickly as possible.

Specialized Healthcare Financing Companies

Many healthcare financing companies offer financing options for individuals who need assistance paying for a particular medical expense, such as dental implants. They typically offer perks such as flexible terms, and in some cases, you may qualify for 0% APR, especially if you’re a new client.

How to Afford Dental Implants on a Budget

Delaram Hanookai DDS., Periodontist, and Michael Abaian DDS., Cosmetic Dentist, want to help patients get the dental implants they need. That’s why there are multiple options available for every budget.

Cost-Saving Tips: Partial Implants, Mini Implants, and Other Alternatives

Many patients hear “implant” and envision the single tooth endosteal implant, but several other options are available. They range in size, technique, and cost, so there’s something for everyone. Some possibilities include mini dental implants, All-on-4, subperiosteal implants, and All-on-6. Speak to your dentist, who can recommend what’s ideal for your oral health and budget.

Seeking Dental Implant Discounts and Promotions

Some dental offices offer discounts and promotions throughout the year, such as seasonal specials and deals for new patients. Ask your dentist if you qualify for any.

Balancing Quality and Affordability

Being a patient at Southland Dental Care and of Delaram Hanookai DDS., Periodontist, and Michael Abaian DDS., Cosmetic Dentist, means having access to high-quality, affordable dental care. It’s what everyone deserves for their mental well-being, oral health, and financial health.

Monthly Payment Examples and Cost Breakdown

Understanding your payment options and their respective terms is essential before scheduling a dental implant appointment.

Sample Monthly Payments for a Single Dental Implant Financing Plan

The monthly dental implant payments can vary depending on how you plan to pay for the dental services, the total cost, and the repayment terms.

For example, let’s say you receive an estimate of $3,000 for a single implant, and your insurance agrees to pay 50%. That leaves you with $1,500 to pay out-of-pocket. If you pay $125 monthly for an in-office payment plan, you could have the remaining balance paid off in one year. Make sure you also ask about what extra expenses may come in the future, such as dental implant maintenance costs.

Financing a Full-Mouth Restoration: Typical Monthly Costs

You can expect to pay (on average) upwards of $40,000 for full-mouth dental implants in California. Qualifying for one or more types of financing can help you cover this expense.

For example, say you can put down half of that upfront, leaving you with a full-mouth dental implants cost of $20,000 remaining. If you qualify for in-office financing and commit to $400 monthly, you could have your beautiful new set of teeth completely paid off in 50 months. Full-mouth dental implants financing is a much better alternative than having your natural teeth that no longer serve you properly, such as if you’re having a problem chewing the food you love.

Interest Rates, Down Payments, and Loan Terms Explained

Many patients ask, “How does dental implant financing work?” It’s a great question, and one of the best ways to better understand it is to learn about some of the individual words and phrases that make up its fine print.

Never commit to any dental loan financial arrangement – as appealing as it may seem – until you fully understand its terms. For example, a “down payment” is what you’ll initially put down toward the overall cost of your dental implants.

Pay special attention to the interest rates in the financing agreement. The lower it is, the better; otherwise, it will take longer to repay the loan, especially if you only make the monthly minimum payments. Make sure to also understand about refinancing dental implant loans just in case you need to request that option in the future.

Dental Implant Financing in Los Angeles, CA

Los Angeles is a massive city with many clinics where you can get dental implants. However, finding an ideal combination of quality, affordability, and exceptional customer service is rare.

Finding Clinics Offering Special Financing in L.A.

Not every clinic in Los Angeles offers special financing. If you require monetary assistance to get dental implants, finding a clinic that provides the type of financing that works for you and your budget is important. The best thing you can do is schedule a consultation to learn about the work you need, the cost, and which financing options work for you.

Consider looking into dental schools, many of which have dental training clinics. Often, the services, which may include dental implants, come with a low cost.

Local Lending Partners and Discount Networks

Consider starting locally when you need dental implant financing. For example, if you have insurance, make sure the provider is in-network. You may also want to look into local lending partners, such as credit unions with a reputation for personalized service and low interest rates.

Tips for Negotiating Pricing with Los Angeles Dentists

Don’t hesitate to negotiate dental implant costs. Many dentists are willing to work with their patients.

There are three major things to remember when you want to negotiate pricing. For starters, kindness can go a long way toward everyone in the office, not just toward the person who has the ability to grant your request. Two additional tips are to avoid having any expectations and to come up with a reasonable offer. For instance, if you’re anticipating a $40,000 bill, you may not want to ask for (and expect) a $20,000 discount.

Find out how the dental office can work with you. They may be willing to give you a discount if you get multiple services done or make a substantial down payment. You should also ask about special deals, such as if they’re offering a discounted rate if you get implants during a specific time frame. It never hurts to ask; just make sure you agree on the terms before the work begins.

Financing for Different Demographics

Financing options are available to help everyone receive the dental care they need.

Seniors: Taking Advantage of Medicare, Supplemental Insurance, and Seniors-Only Discounts

Poor oral health can lead to significant overall health problems for seniors, including potential infections. It’s essential to continue caring for your teeth, including at an older age. From supplemental insurance to Medicare, there are many options you can use to get financial assistance for dental implants for seniors and other dental services. Seniors can (and should) ask at their dental office about special senior-only discounts.

Younger Patients and Students: Low-Interest Loans and Parental Co-Signers

Life can be challenging when you’re 18+ and need dental work done but don’t have insurance or the money to pay upfront. Low-interest personal loans may be able to help. However, a lack of credit history might not work out in your favor. If you want to apply for a loan, a parent or other adult might be able to cosign a loan for you, depending on their financial standing and willingness to participate in the process.

Business Professionals: Leveraging Employer Dental Benefits & Flexible Spending Accounts

Dental financing for young professionals can be a huge help for those who know they’ll need to get dental implants. Check if your employer offers a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA). Contributing to an HSA and FSA for dental implants is a great way to start saving for the large expense.

Celebrities and High-Profile Individuals: Premium Financing Options & Concierge Services

Dental implants for celebrities and high-profile individuals are also available with financing options. Those who prefer a less public treatment experience may want to consider concierge services.

Comparing Financing Offers

Comparing the different financing offers is necessary to ensure you get the best financing for dental implants for your situation and budget while still receiving quality care.

How to Shop Around for the Best Terms

Nowadays, the internet makes it easy to compare financing offers. For example, you can visit local dentist offices’ websites and see if there are any options for new patients or seasonal deals. However, many websites won’t include financial specifics. If that’s the case, you can either call the office for more details or schedule an appointment.

Reading the Fine Print: APR, Fees, and Penalties

Never sign anything without reading the fine print. Some businesses might not make things obvious, and you have to search for the information. For example, always read what the APR is and use that as a comparison tool. You’ll also want to check into the monthly fees and any penalties if you pay late or miss a payment.

Using Online Tools and Calculators to Estimate Your Costs

There are many online tools and calculators you can use to get an idea of your costs for the dental implants, including how long it would take you to pay it off if you use certain financing options. For instance, if you plan on paying by credit card, some websites offer the option to calculate what you would pay back after your interest rates take effect.

Managing Your Finances After Treatment

When you’re making a big purchase like dental implants, it’s vital to create a plan for staying consistent with payments and being on time every time so you don’t incur any fees.

Setting a Budget to Ensure Consistent Payments

One of the first things you should do is make a budget with your new monthly dental financing payment incorporated into it. This will allow you to see where your financial health stands and if there’s any room to make cutbacks on anything else. The more of a financial cushion you have, the more likely you’ll be able to effectively keep up with payments.

Avoiding Missed Payments and Default

Avoiding missing payments on your dental implant financing agreement is essential. Depending on the terms, there may be a grace period, but ultimately, you must do everything possible to keep up with these payments. Missing them may cause you to accumulate substantial fees and result in defaulting on the loan. Once you commit, it’s a promise that you’ll pay what you agreed to every month by the due date.

Refinancing or Consolidating Dental Debt Down the Line

Some financing options may allow you to refinance or consolidate your dental debt in the future. Make sure you read the terms before signing to understand if that’s an option.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

Can I Use a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA)?

Yes! Getting necessary dental implants is a great reason to use your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA).

What If I Need Repairs or Maintenance After the Initial Procedure?

It’s a great idea to ask your dentist about the type of maintenance you’ll need for your dental implants after the initial process is complete, how much that maintenance will cost, and how often you’ll have to come in.  Dental implant repairs are available, but whether or not you’ll need to pay for them out of pocket may depend on the reason for the repair. For example, if you bit down on hard candy and cracked the implant, you will likely need to pay for that repair out of pocket or find additional financing to help cover the cost.

Will My Dental Insurance Cover Any Part of the Procedure?

If you have dental insurance, it will likely cover part of the cost of dental implants. Review your plan information for details.

How Long Does It Take to Get Approved for Financing?

Sometimes, you may find out in minutes, or it might take weeks. For this reason, you should secure financing as soon as possible.

Making the Right Financial Decision for Your Dental Health

If you’re one of the many people asking themselves, “How can I fix my teeth if I don’t have money?” make sure you take the time to find the right combination of financing and quality dental care.

Weighing the Benefits of Implants Against the Cost

It’s important to decide if getting the implants right now is necessary or if you should wait until your financial health is in better standing. For example, you may want to wait until your credit score is higher to have a better chance of getting the financing you need to cover the total cost of the implants.

Long-Term Value and ROI of Dental Implants

High-quality dental implants are an investment in oral health and well-being. Perks range from improved confidence to being able to chew better.

Next Steps: Choosing the Best Financing Option for Your Unique Situation

Take your time to find the ideal financing option that’s best for you. Don’t rush into any decision until you’re absolutely certain.

Why Choose Southland Dental Care

Decades of experience make Delaram Hanookai DDS., Periodontist, and Michael Abaian DDS., Cosmetic Dentist, top choices for getting dental implants. The Southland Dental Care team wants you to have the best dental care at affordable prices, making it easy for you to love your smile again. Contact us today for more information about the treatment process and financing dental implants in Los Angeles, California.

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Southland Dental Care
Published On: December 15th, 2024 / Categories: dental implants /

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Southland Dental Care