According to the Cleveland Clinic, 36 percent of Americans have dentophobia. These are the kind of people who go to extreme lengths to avoid visiting a dentist. However, fear isn’t the only thing keeping people away from dental checkups; the cost of dental treatment is another deterrent. In fact, according to FAIR Health, there’s been a gradual decline in the number of people visiting the dentist, with one in every five American citizens seeing a dentist only when it’s an emergency. Although the amount one spends on dental treatment is relative to the specific procedure. Where one chooses to get it done, every American can expect to spend 1000 dollars annually on average. Examples of dental services offered at your local dental office may include;
1. Braces
Everyone hopes to have a perfect smile, but your teeth can surprise you with how they twist, hide and squeeze together, resulting in a not-so-perfect smile. It’s no wonder braces have become very popular globally. According to Alyssa Hill, 4 million Americans wear braces, the majority being teenagers. The most common type of braces is the traditional metal one. However, consider getting Invisalign if you have mild misalignments and prefer a more discrete treatment. Invisalign is an invisible tooth alignment procedure that’s gradually gaining popularity; out of all the patients who’ve used this procedure, 96% are satisfied with the results.
2. Bonding
Dental bonding is an affordable cosmetic procedure whose main function is to improve your smile by filling in gaps and chipped teeth. One can use the procedure to brighten discolored teeth, align teeth to a small degree, and protect exposed roots or weakened teeth. Unlike other procedures that take hours, dental bonding is quick. It can take less than an hour, depending on your needs. However, the procedure only offers a temporary solution as it needs replacement every 10 to 20 years. Your orthodontist may recommend other procedures, such as porcelain veneers, for a more permanent solution.
3. Root Canal
If you have a tooth infection, don’t rush to remove the infected tooth. Consider procedures such as root canal therapy to save the infected tooth. A root canal is one of the most common dental procedures in the United States. According to the American Association of Endodontists, the U.S. records over 41,000 root canal procedures daily. The procedure lasts 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the number of infected teeth. The average cost of a root canal in the United States varies between 600 and 1600 dollars, depending on various factors.
4. Dental Implants
There are many ways to treat tooth infections. An infection may be so severe that a tooth can’t be saved. If you are in such a situation, the best solution is to get dental implants. There are three types of dental implants to choose from; zygomatic, subperiosteal, and endosteal. These are largely made from materials such as zirconium or titanium. However, contemporary statistics indicate that 92.45% of dental implants in the U.S. are titanium made. Some of the reasons why titanium is a popular material in dentistry include; its corrosion resistance, susceptibility to dramatic temperature change, and compatibility with hard tissue. Unlike bonding, dental implants are relatively expensive. Depending on your specific case, you may spend between 1500 to 2000 dollars on each implant.
Dental care is expensive, especially if you don’t have dental coverage. Even those with a dental cover may sometimes find it difficult to foot the out-of-pocket bill required for some procedures. Therefore, other than insurance, you may need to find alternative ways to finance your dental care needs. Luckily, there are many ways to finance dental work, such as dental loans, to help you get your desired dental treatment for healthy gums and teeth and, of course, a great smile. It helps to understand what’s involved in dental work, and once you do, the expenses, although high, will start to make sense.