
Care Credit is a financing option that allows you to pay for dental expenses over time, with no interest for the first 6, 12, or 18 months.
It's available at over 200,000 enrolled providers across the US, including many dental offices and specialists.
Care Credit offers a range of credit plans, with varying interest rates and repayment terms to suit different budgets and needs.
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Do I Need Insurance?
Whether you need dental insurance is subjective, it depends on the risk you are willing to take. Most insurance, including dental, has its true value when things go wrong.
The average premium for dental insurance is about $360 per year. This is a significant cost, but it can be worth it if you're not careful with your teeth.
Dental cleanings average $125 each, though they can range from $75 to $200. This is a lot of money, especially if you only get one or two cleanings a year.
Dental care can get awfully expensive, and dental insurance can help lighten the blow to your wallet.
What's the Cost?
The cost of dental care can be a major concern for many people. It's not uncommon for dental procedures to range from a simple cleaning and routine X-rays to more serious treatments like a tooth extraction, root canal, or bridge.
Dental care costs vary widely based on where you live and your dental needs. You can expect to pay anywhere from $70 to $200 for a teeth cleaning, and up to $2,000 for a root canal.
Some cosmetic dental procedures, like teeth whitening or veneers, are usually not covered by insurance. This means you may have to pay these costs yourself, which can range from $100 for teeth whitening to $1,300 per tooth for veneers.
Here's a breakdown of some typical cost ranges for dental services:
CareCredit offers financing options to help make dental care more affordable. With CareCredit, you can pay for dental procedures in convenient monthly payments that fit your financial situation.
Plan Options and Benefits
Care Credit dental insurance offers a range of plan options to fit your budget and needs.
You can choose from several plan options, including the Care Credit Platinum, Care Credit Gold, and Care Credit Silver plans.
Each plan has its own benefits and features, such as the number of visits allowed per year and the percentage of costs covered.
The Care Credit Platinum plan covers up to 100% of most dental expenses, including routine cleanings, fillings, and crowns.
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Plan Options
When choosing a dental insurance plan, it's essential to consider your oral health and preferences. If your oral health is generally good, a Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO) plan might be a good fit, as it often has cheaper premiums and lower copayments.
A DHMO plan has a more limited network of dentists, but in-network care is provided for reduced or no cost. This can be a great option for those who are willing to choose a dentist from within the network.
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If you prefer to see an out-of-network dentist or don't want to seek a referral to see a specialist, a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan might be a better choice. PPO plans have higher premiums and copayments, but they offer more flexibility in choosing a dentist.
Here's a quick comparison of the three types of dental plans:
If you're a Medicare or Medicaid member, be aware that in most cases, dental procedures are not covered. However, some Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) plans offer dental coverage, which can be a lifesaver for those who need regular dental care.
What Is?
CareCredit is a credit card program designed for patients who want to spread out their dental payments. It's like having your own health, wellness, and beauty credit card.
You can use your CareCredit card for procedures that may not be covered by your dental insurance. This can be a big help if you have unexpected expenses or want to upgrade your treatment.
CareCredit has a wide range of special financing options to choose from. This means you can find a payment plan that fits your budget and needs.
You can use your CareCredit card with over 200,000 healthcare providers. This includes dentists, optometrists, ophthalmologists, hearing specialists, veterinarians, and many more.
Here are some examples of providers you can use your CareCredit card with:
- Dentists
- Optometrists
- Ophthalmologists
- Hearing specialists
- Veterinarians
Using the Payment Calculator
To use the payment calculator, simply enter the total cost of the dental procedure you're considering. This will give you a clear picture of your estimated monthly payments.
Start by entering the amount you need, which is the total cost of the dental procedure. This is a crucial step in getting an accurate estimate of your monthly payments.
Next, select your preferred payment plan from the available financing options that best suit your budget. This will help you understand how much you'll need to budget each month.
The calculator will then show you your estimated monthly payments, helping you understand how much you'll need to budget each month. This will give you a clear picture of your financial obligations.
Here's a quick rundown of the steps to use the payment calculator:
- Enter the Amount You Need: Start by entering the total cost of the dental procedure you're considering.
- Select Your Preferred Payment Plan: Choose from the available financing options that best suit your budget.
- Review Your Monthly Payments: The calculator will show you your estimated monthly payments, helping you understand how much you'll need to budget each month.
Applying and Understanding CreditCare
Applying for CareCredit is a straightforward process that can be completed online or in-office.
You can apply online at www.carecredit.com, where you'll undergo a soft credit check with no impact on your credit score.
Applying in-office at Bauer Dental Center is another option, where a team member will guide you through the application process.
Once approved, you can start using your CareCredit card right away.
CareCredit has been around since 1987, helping patients pay for dental work that insurance won't cover.
It's offered by Synchrony and accepted at over 240,000 locations within the CareCredit network.
How to Apply
Applying for a CareCredit card is a straightforward process. You can start by visiting their website at www.carecredit.com.
The application process is quick and easy, and it won't impact your credit score due to a soft credit check.
You can also apply directly at Bauer Dental Center, where their team will assist you with the application process.
If you're approved, you can start using your CareCredit card immediately.
To learn more, you can contact Bauer Dental Center's office.
What Is CreditCare?
CareCredit is a credit card that's been around since 1987 and is offered by Synchrony.
It's accepted at over 240,000 locations in the CareCredit network, which is a pretty large network of providers.
Cardholders can use it for various medical and dental procedures, including vision and hearing care, dermatology, cosmetic surgery, and even veterinary care.
You can get No Interest if you pay in full within 6 months on purchases of $200 or more.
Providers may also offer No Interest if paid in full within 12, 18, or 24 months on purchases of $200 or more, as long as you make minimum monthly payments.
For purchases of $1000 or more, you can get special financing to pay the amount back over a longer period of time.
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Risks and Consequences
Waiting too long to address dental issues can lead to a cavity becoming an abscess and eventually requiring a root canal procedure instead of just a filling.
Inflamed gums can quickly turn into gingivitis and then periodontal disease if left untreated.
A cavity can become a much more serious problem if not taken care of promptly, making it more expensive and complicated to fix in the long run.
Gingivitis and periodontal disease are serious conditions that can cause permanent damage to your teeth and gums if not addressed early on.
The cost of dental care can be more manageable if problems are caught and fixed sooner, rather than waiting and having to deal with more extensive and expensive procedures.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What credit score do you need for CareCredit dental?
To be approved for CareCredit dental financing, you typically need a minimum credit score of 540-560. Applying with a co-signer may also improve your chances of approval.
Can you use CareCredit with your dental insurance?
Yes, you can use CareCredit to pay for your dental insurance deductible and co-pay, making dental care more affordable. This can help you receive the care you need without financial burden.
How can I fix my teeth if I don't have money?
Check with local dental schools or community health clinics, like Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), for affordable dental care options on a sliding scale based on income
What is CareCredit insurance?
CareCredit is not insurance, but a financing option that helps pay for out-of-pocket healthcare expenses. It can be used repeatedly to cover costs not covered by insurance, such as health, wellness, and beauty expenses.
Sources
- https://www.carecredit.com/well-u/financial-health/is-dental-insurance-worth-it/
- https://bauerdentalcenter.com/carecredit-dental-care-financing/
- https://www.mycompassionatedentist.com/about/financing/
- https://dentalhealthsociety.com/general/what-is-carecredit-and-how-it-can-help-with-dental-work/
- https://anthonydentalcare.com/about-us/sunbury/care-credit/
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