How to afford a good dentist in Miami without skipping care

The short answer: ask for a plan, not just a price

The best way to afford dental care is to stay ahead of problems, ask for a written treatment plan with the urgent things first, and use insurance, financing or payment plans to spread out the rest. A "cheap dentist" is not the same as a smart plan.

You are not alone if cost worries you. An American Dental Association Health Policy Institute analysis found that about 1 in 5 working-age adults in the U.S. skip needed dental care in a year, close to 48 million people, often for financial reasons. Even many people with private insurance said cost kept them from the dentist.

The good news is that most dental costs can be managed if you start early and ask the right questions. Here is how.

It also helps to remember that care is not all or nothing. You can fix the most urgent problem this month and plan the next step for later, as long as your dentist agrees it is safe to wait.

Why prices vary from office to office

Two offices can quote different prices for the same crown. The difference may come from location, equipment, the materials used, how long the visit takes and whether the office is in your insurance network. Quality, speed and comfort can differ too.

Because of this, the lowest price is not always the best deal. A crown that fits well and lasts ten years costs less over time than a cheaper one that fails in two. Ask what is included, what materials are used and what happens if something needs a fix.

Compare apples to apples. Ask each office for a written estimate that lists every step: exam, X-rays, treatment, follow-up. Then you can see the whole picture.

It is fair to ask why a treatment is needed and what could happen if you wait. A good dentist answers in plain words, and shows you on the screen or in photos. If the answer seems thin, a second opinion is a normal and reasonable step.

Ask, too, about the visit itself. A dentist who spends real time with you can find more, explain more and prevent repeat trips, and that is worth something when you add up the year.

Step 1: Prevent the expensive problems

Prevention is the cheapest dentistry there is. Cleveland Clinic notes that regular dental visits help find problems before they get worse, which can save time, worry and money. A cavity caught early may need a small filling. The same cavity left alone can grow into a root canal and a crown.

At home, the basics do a lot. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes. Clean between your teeth every day. Cut back on sugary drinks and snacks between meals. Wear a night guard if your dentist says you grind your teeth, because grinding can crack teeth and cost far more to fix.

Do not wait for pain. By the time a tooth hurts, the problem is often bigger. If something feels off, call and ask. A quick exam is cheaper than an emergency.

Also ask your dentist about a night guard or a custom mouthguard if you grind your teeth or play sports. A guard costs far less than a cracked tooth.

Step 2: Ask for a treatment plan in priority order

If your dentist finds several problems, you do not have to do everything in a single month. Ask the office to sort the plan into three groups:

This order keeps you safe and keeps your budget calm. You deal with what hurts and what is spreading first, and you plan the rest. Ask the office to write the plan this way and to give each step a cost. Then you can see what fits this month, and what fits next quarter.

Treatments are often easier to schedule in steps. A deep cleaning may come before a filling, and a filling before a crown. Spreading work across several visits also spreads the cost, with no harm to your care when the plan is done in the right order.

• Urgent now: pain, infection, broken teeth, anything that could get worse fast
• Soon: cavities and gum care that should be treated in the next few months
• Later: cosmetic work and upgrades that can wait

Step 3: Use your insurance wisely

If you have dental insurance, learn how it works. Check your annual maximum, which is the most your plan pays in a year. Check waiting periods for major work, and ask the office for an estimate before treatment. If you are close to the end of the year and have unused benefits, you may want to use them before they reset.

If you have Medicare, know that Original Medicare does not cover routine dental care in most cases, according to Medicare.gov. Some Medicare Advantage and supplemental plans do cover some dental work. Ask your plan, and ask the dentist's office to check your benefits.

If you do not have insurance, ask the office about other ways to save. Some offices run membership plans or offer a fee for patients without insurance. Ask what is available.

Keep your documents in one place and ask the office to save a copy of your estimate. When it is time to pay, you will know what to expect.

Step 4: Spread the cost with financing or a payment plan

Financing turns one big bill into smaller monthly payments. It is helpful for bigger work like implants, dentures or crowns. Before you sign, check the interest rate, the length of the plan and any fees. Ask what happens if you pay it off early.

A good office explains all of this in plain words and gives you time to decide. If you feel pressured, slow down. You should be able to say, "Let me think about it," without any problem.

Credit cards, debit cards and mobile payments can make paying easier too. Some people also use health savings accounts or flexible spending accounts for dental bills if their employer offers them. Ask your benefits office whether yours can be used.

Other places to look for lower-cost care

Some people look for lower-cost care at dental schools, where students treat patients under the watch of licensed dentists, or at community health centers and charity clinics. Visits at these places can take longer, and availability varies, so call and ask what they offer before you go.

In South Florida, dentists also take part in charity work. For example, Dr. Wayne Berry of our office is a past president of the Dade County Dental Research Clinic, a charitable organization that provides dental care for people in need and runs a dental internship and residency program.

Whatever route you take, do not leave pain or infection untreated. Call a dentist or go to an emergency room if you have swelling in your face or neck, a fever with a toothache or trouble breathing or swallowing.

Be wary of anyone who offers a very low price in an ad and then adds extras later. Ask for the full cost, in writing, before you agree.

How we help at Kendall Dental Associates

We have served Kendall since 1973, at 8833 SW 107th Ave in the Kendall Mall. We accept most dental insurances and most Medicare supplemental plans, and financing is available. You can pay with credit cards, debit cards and mobile payments.

Call us at 305-271-1421, tell us what you need and what worries you about cost, and we will talk through your options before any treatment. We are open Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with emergency care 24/7.

Common questions

This article is general information, not medical advice. Your dentist will confirm what is right for you at your exam. General information checked against: drbicuspid.com, medicare.gov, my.clevelandclinic.org.