4 Ways Your Dental Care is More Affordable Than You Think

When was the last time you visited the dentist for a regular dental health check and hygiene appointment? You’re probably busy worrying about your family, work, finances, and array of other concerns and stresses. You might consider a trip to the dentist as more of a luxury, or something you’ll get to when your life (and your finances) settle down a bit. Does this sound familiar?

Unfortunately, good dental health isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. A recent UK survey found that 54% of adults over the age of 16 had moderate signs of periodontal (gum) disease, the leading cause of tooth loss. The only available treatment (which believe it or not, reduces the need for more costly procedures later down the line) is regular trips to your dentist/hygienist. Like most people, you may know these things, but you still hesitate to pick up the phone to book an appointment. Why? You expect those dental visits to be costlier than you can afford.

At Eccleshill Dental, your dental health could be more affordable than you think. We’ve compiled a list of important things to consider:

How much do you value your smile?

When it comes to your health and appearance, the value you place upon them is a very personal decision. Most of us take these things for granted, and what we don’t stop to consider is how we will feel in the longer-term, when our health and appearance start to deteriorate. It is quite often at this late stage (where procedures are much more expensive), that people choose to take action.

Also Read: How To Find The Right Dental Practice For You

What is the cost?

Consider that the average British household spends 6.5% of their annual income on coffee, 3.7% on clothes, and 1.4% on alcohol. The cost of your routine dental care (based on two dental health checks and two hygiene appointments per year) is only 0.6% of an average household budget. That’s less than 1%!

Find out if you have insurance

Surprising as it might seem, there are many of us that don’t realise we have access to dental insurance, perhaps through an employer or through a policy we have taken out in the past. If you have dental insurance that is not being used, then you will be missing out on an array of benefits. Many insurance companies allow you to claim back 50-100% of the cost of your dental bill (dependent on the treatment type). Many insurance policies cover routine dental care and treatment, which allow you to plan for your future dental needs. Policies which offer emergency and worldwide cover allow you to plan for any unexpected dental accidents at home or abroad. If you don’t yet have dental insurance, take some time to shop around online. There are many different insurance schemes available, each with different benefits.

No insurance? We’ve got you covered!

At Eccleshill Dental, we offer a variety of different payment methods to suit your needs, from 0% finance, to tailored payment plans. Many of our patients opt to join one of our affordable membership plans, which for a small monthly fee, offer a range of fantastic benefits.

We believe that everyone should be able to afford excellent dental care, which is why we pride ourselves on delivering fantastic services at affordable prices. If you would like any further information on our practice, services, fees, or payment methods, why not give us a call on 01274 633406.

 

Braces: How Old Is Too Old?

A question that many patients ask is at what is the best age for braces? Commonly, people assume that the best results are achieved when braces are worn as children. The majority of children who have braces begin treatment between the ages of 10 and 14. At this stage, baby teeth have fallen out and the jaw is stable enough to support long-term orthodontic treatment.

Contrary to what you might think, you are never too old for braces! Many adults don’t have access to orthodontic treatment as children, or delay getting braces for other reasons. Many children are referred for orthodontic treatment, but don’t meet the strict criteria required for treatment on the NHS. Many of these children enter into adulthood feeling conscious of their teeth, but are reluctant to take action on the basis they were rejected for treatment when they were younger. This is a common misconception: no case is too small, and you are never too old to undergo orthodontic treatment. Think of teeth the way you would any other bone on your body. They do stop growing at the end of adolescence, but it’s still possible to correct them throughout your life. Teeth are no different.

Also Read: The Magic In Your Smile: 10 Ways Smiling Benefits Your Health and Happiness

As an adult, you likely already have an established routine that will need to modified to account for braces. You may need to alter your diet, your morning and evening schedules, or carry a toothbrush to work. No matter what changes you need to make, keep in mind that they are short-term sacrifices for long-term gains in confidence and dental health. Wearing braces for a few months can save you from more serious dental issues down the road.

For many people though, the cost of braces, or the expectation of long treatment times can be off-putting. Many adults with families and other financial commitments push aside the thought of orthodontic treatment. After all, if you were rejected for treatment as a child, and you have lived with your teeth for this long, what would be the point?

There are many advantages to undertaking orthodontic treatment in adulthood. As adults, we have more of an appreciation of the dramatic impact of orthodontic treatment on our daily lives. Many adults report that orthodontic treatment improved their confidence, happiness, success at work and in relationships. Short-term, cosmetic orthodontic treatment can be completed in as little as 3 months, and with a variety of payment options, you don’t need to worry about finding the money upfront. Tailored payment plans and finance options allow you to spread the cost of orthodontic treatment, and you could receive the straight smile you’ve dreamed of for as little as £27.20 per month (terms and conditions apply).

Also Read: How To Find The Right Dental Practice For You

Free Orthodontic Consultation

The first step on your journey to a straight smile is to attend for an orthodontic consultation. At Eccleshill Dental, we offer complimentary orthodontic consultations with Rachel, our patient care coordinator. This is a relaxed appointment, where we learn more about what you would like to achieve. We provide information on your treatment options, methods of payment, what to expect from your orthodontic journey, and what your results might look like! This appointment is completely free, and there is no obligation to continue with treatment. Contact the practice on 01274 633406 to book your complimentary orthodontic consultation today.

Together, let’s see what your smile could be!