It is so hard to fix your teeth when you are broke. The costs add up fast, from a routine dental exam, a root canal or even just a filling. And cosmetic dentistry? Often impossibly out of reach when you are strapped for cash. But needing dental work is something you can’t put off indefinitely. Oral health is not just a pretty smile, though that’s certainly part of it. It’s about remaining healthy, eating easily, and not getting bigger issues later.
So if you’re wondering, How do I fix my teeth if I can’t afford it? You’re far from alone. But even more significantly, you are not without recourse.
1. Start With Free or Low-Cost Dental Clinics
There are free or low-cost dental clinics in every state of the United States. Many communities have local clinics or health centers that charge patients based on a sliding scale; this is beneficial to those who are income-restricted and cannot afford dental care. These are generally low-income clinics and are sometimes coordinated by a city or county health department or a non-profit organization.
It won’t have everything, cosmetic dentistry, for example, or implant dentistry, but it generally will do the basics: exams, fillings, extractions, even a root canal here and there. It’s not glamorous, but it’s effective. And more importantly, it’s care.
2. Look Into Dental Schools
This one often gets overlooked. The dental schools require patients to teach their dental students. That might sound scary, but it’s more organized than it appears. All treatment is supervised by licensed professionals, and the care provided is also often as good as what you’d get in a typical dental office.
And the best part? It’s low-cost dental care, typically 50% less than would be paid at a private practice. If you’re looking to save some money and don’t mind dealing with the squeaky door when it’s time to come in, this might be a good place to start.
3. Tap Into Government Assistance Programs
Depending on your age, income, and where you live, you may be eligible for government assistance programs that can partially cover dental costs. There can be and are variations from area to area or state to state, but some general categories include:
Medicaid: Dental coverage is available in some states, particularly in the case of children and pregnant women.
Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP): Provides dental coverage for children of families who do not meet Medicaid requirements.
Medicare: This one is tricky because Medicare medical coverage isn’t always accompanied by dental coverage, although some Medicare Advantage plans do offer dental plans that cover preventive care or even some dental procedures.
You’ll have to do some digging to find what’s available in your area. But it’s worth checking. Again, these programs save students.
4. Consider Dental Savings Plans Or Discount Programs
If you lack dental insurance and do not qualify for government assistance, another option is a dental savings plan, sometimes called a dental discount plan. These aren’t insurance, precisely; they’re not “covering” services either, but they do entitle you to pay less when you take advantage of a participating provider’s services.
You pay an annual fee and receive reduced prices on dental care, from high-cost services such as implant dentistry to cosmetic treatments such as teeth whitening.
Although it doesn’t erase the cost of dental care, it does lower it to a much more manageable amount. Again, not ideal. But it’s far better than simply going without care.
5. Inquire About Payment Plans or Sliding Scales
Several dental clinics or private dentist offices may offer payment plans on the down low or charge on a sliding scale based on income. They may not actively promote it, but it’s often an option if you inquire.
Some allow you to divide the dental fees over several months at no interest, especially if you are undergoing a major procedure, such as a root canal or dental crowns, or treating numerous dental issues at the same time.
This isn’t a “cheap” but it allows you to spread the cost, helping you stay on budget. And sometimes that’s enough to make dental work possible.
6. Look Into Non-Profit Or Faith-Based Programs
Some churches and non-profit community service organizations provide visitation on a schedule and offer free dental assistance. Consider mobile free dental clinics, dental services at health fairs, or community outreach programs.
Sometimes it’s just fillings or a cleaning. Other times, you may strike gold and find groups that offer dentistry services on a large scale. These events tend to get busy, and there is usually a line. But again, it’s care. And it’s free.
7. Preventive Care First
It’s easy to forget this one when you’ve already got a toothache. But preventing them is still your best choice. You can certainly take good care of your mouth at home, and that alone goes a long way toward stretching out the frequency of professional visits.
Brush twice a day, floss, yes. Rinse with mouthwash. Skip the sugary drinks if at all possible. Collectively, that’s some nickels and dimes. A reprieve from stitching up holes is not going to grow your tooth back and prevent you from needing an implant, but it will slow the decay, protect the gums, and stop things from getting worse.
Even in the absence of regular dental exams, there is a daily way to maintain your dental health, or at least buy some time until care is available.
8. Look Into DIY Or Temporary Fixes
People do desperate things in desperate times. There are temporary dental filling kits available, and there are over-the-counter quick fixes to patch minor problems until you can see a professional.
But be cautious. But these are not the long-term fixes, and done wrongly, they might make matters worse. If you’re just in pain and there’s no one to help you right away, something is better than nothing, assuming it’s done by a professional at a later point.
Final Thoughts
Being broke shouldn’t mean you have no teeth. But the fact is, dental costs in the U.S. can be daunting. People think of oral health as being optional, or somehow distinct from overall health, and the system doesn’t make it easy for people without dental coverage.
But there are options. From small community clinics to strengthen the local community by promoting oral health, to large-scale dental clinics with their area clinics, with the end goal of promoting oral health in communities. You’ll need to invest time and effort, and patience, a lot of it, but it is possible to keep your teeth in good shape, even if you’re not flush with cash.
Start with one phone call. Ask about sliding scales. See if you qualify for government aid programs. Find a dental school close to you. Every step counts.
Smiling a healthy smile should be anything but a luxury. And even when it still seems a little hopeless at times, there’s always a way to start marching forward.
