Austin Laser Dentist - Helen Ragsdale DDS, 11615 Angus Rd Ste 101, Austin 78759, United States (US) - Phone: 512 346-4690

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In-House Dental Plan: Better than dental insurance?

According to the CDC, nearly 50% of American adults (between the ages of 18 and 64) are without dental insurance. For those over the age of 65, this percentage is even lower. 

When you consider how important oral health is, those numbers are especially concerning. The health of your teeth and gums directly affects the rest of your body and your mental health. Therefore, regular dental appointments are an essential component of overall health and wellness. Unfortunately, a lack of dental insurance causes many people to avoid going to the dentist until they have a serious oral health problem. 

To combat this issue, our Austin, TX dentist, Dr. Helen Ragsdale, offers an in-house dental plan that provides significant discounts on preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dental treatments. It might be even better than traditional dental insurance! 

Let’s compare the two. 

Traditional Dental Insurance

While the cost of dental care has significantly increased in the past 40 years, dental insurance coverage has not. However, the greatest benefit of having dental insurance is that (in most cases) it covers 100% of the cost of preventive dental treatments like cleanings and x-rays. 

Unfortunately, conventional insurance has more disadvantages than advantages. The disadvantages include: 

  • Low percentage coverage on other necessary treatments like a dental crown or other restorative dentistry treatments. 
  • Yearly maximums. So, if you need extensive dental work because you have missing teeth, damaged teeth, crooked teeth, and other issues, you will likely end up paying out-of-pocket in addition to your monthly premium. 
  • Overpaying for preventive care. If you are only vising the dentist twice a year for dental cleanings and exams, you will likely pay more in premiums than if you paid out-of-pocket. 

All things considered, traditional insurance might not be the best option for you. 

In-House Dental Plan

An in-house dental plan is similar to insurance, except you receive the benefits directly from your dentist. So, you will pay a start-up fee and monthly fee, but you’ll have exclusive member benefits for all types of services. 

With our in-house dental plan in Austin, TX, patients have 100% coverage on all preventive treatments. Depending on which plan the patient chooses, they will also receive these benefits: 

  • 30%-40% off basic services
  • 20%-30% off major services
  • Orthodontics allowance
  • 10%-20% off implants
  • 10%-20% off cosmetic treatments
  • 10%-20% off oral surgery
  • Free whitening treatment

There is no annual maximum, no waiting period, no deductible, and no frequency limitation on diagnostic and restorative care. 

Affordable Dental Care in Austin 

More than making a buck, we care about the health and wellness of our patients. That’s why we offer affordable dentistry through our in-house dental plans. We believe that dental care is for everyone because everyone deserves to have a healthy, beautiful smile. If it’s been a while since you’ve visited the dentist, don’t wait any longer to get the care you need. 

To learn more about our services, in-house dental plan, and our team, contact us today at (512) 346-4690 or message us online to schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Ragsdale. 

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How to Find Affordable Dental Care (Without Insurance)

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According to a survey by Delta Dental, 42% of Americans do not visit the dentist as often as they would like. Despite recognizing the importance of regular dental care, a significant hurdle that people have to face is cost. Some people believe that visiting the dentist is expensive without dental insurance, but it doesn’t have to be. If insurance is not an option, Austin Laser Dentist offers affordable, personalized in-house dental plans for individuals and families. Continue reading to learn more about our offerings.

Customizable Plans

Austin Laser Dentist offers deals and discounts on a wide range of services for patients that want to keep their mouth healthy and good-looking at a reasonable price. Here are some highlights of our in-house dental plans:

  • With our Basic Plan, expect to pay a start-up fee of only $9.99 plus a $349.00 annual fee. (Also, you can add a family member for $89.99 each.)
  • Our Premium Package has a one-time start-up fee of $29.99 plus $1,4449.99 annually. In comparison, patients that choose this plan instead of the basic plan have access to extra discounts, unlimited teledentistry appointments, and an orthodontic allowance.

If our basic plan or premium package isn’t your cup of tea, consider creating a custom plan to fit your needs. We are willing to work with you to provide a unique plan that may suit your needs. 

Preventive Dentistry? Covered.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that nearly 3.5 billion people suffer from oral disease, and preventive dentistry exists to reduce this number. The purpose of preventive dentistry is to prioritize oral health to prevent tooth decay and disease. If the teeth and gums and neglected, irreversible destruction (such as tooth and bone loss) may occur. 

As a rule of thumb, people should visit their dentist at least twice a year for an oral health checkup and professional cleaning from a skilled dental hygienist. If you decide to go with our basic or premium plan, we will cover 100% preventative dentistry services.

Free Teeth Whitening

We understand that teeth whitening is one of the most coveted cosmetic dentistry treatments, but we also understand that at-home teeth whitening can be: 

  • Ineffective: Simply, at-home formulas are not as concentrated as in-office treatments. For example, LaserSmile™ Whitening System promises to whiten teeth nine shades lighter in one hour. At the same time, it can take weeks to see results from at-home whitening treatments (if at all).
  • Unsafe: Not all at-home whitening treatments are created (or monitored) equally. Err on the side of caution when you notice your next at-home teeth bleaching social media ad to avoid potential adverse consequences (such as enamel thinning)

In many scenarios, in-house teeth whitening pays off, but at what cost? Bankrate estimates that the average price of in-office teeth whitening is $650 and can climb to over $1,000. Due to the reasons previously mentioned, we offer free teeth whitening to patients who commit to one of our in-house dental plans. Also, Austin Laser Dentist provides special offers for our range of teeth whitening services. 

Orthodontic Allowances

Beyond aesthetics, straighter teeth can help teeth and gums cleaner (thus potentially preventing cavities and gum disease). Unfortunately, not all dental insurance plans cover the cost of orthodontic treatment (especially in adults).

To combat this issue, we want to make orthodontic treatments more accessible to those that need them. Under our Premium Package, we aim to make Invisalign® treatment more cost-effective by allotting patients receive a $1,200 orthodontic allowance. 

Ask Us About Affordable Dental Care in Austin, TX

If you haven’t been to the dentist in quite some time, the time is now. Learn more about Austin Laser Dentist’s affordable dental care plans by calling (512) 346-4690 or messaging us online right away.

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Services Included in Our In-House Dental Plan

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Looking for affordable dentistry in Austin, TX? Dr. Helen Ragsdale offers an in-house dental plan for every need. When you become a member, you’ll enjoy the benefits of no annual maximums, no waiting periods, no deductible, and no frequency limitations on diagnostic and restorative care.

Many patients have joined who have lost their dental insurance, want the freedom to choose their dental provider, or paid too much for dental insurance in the past.

Our team at Austin Laser Dentist is dedicated to changing lives through dental care. That includes making it more affordable and accessible to everyone.

We offer two plans that provide incredible discounts for preventive, restorative, and cosmetic services. Continue reading to learn which treatments are included in our in-house dental plans.

Preventive Services

Both our basic plan and premium plan cover 100 percent of preventive services. This includes:

  • 2 Exams
  • 1 Emergency Exam
  • 2 Dental Cleanings
  • 2 Fluoride Treatments
  • 2 Oral Cancer Screenings
  • 2 Periodontal Screenings
  • X-rays As Needed

Our hope is that these preventive services keep patients from experiencing oral health problems like cavities and gum disease. Covering these services in our plans encourages patients to visit the dentist at least every six months to prevent the development of oral health problems.

Restorative Services

On our basic plan, patients receive 30 percent off basic services like fillings and simple extractions and 20 percent off major restorative services. On the premium plan, basic services are 40 percent off, and major services are 30 percent off. The major services included in these plans are:

  • Dental crowns
  • Buildups
  • Dental bridges
  • Partial dentures
  • Endodontic services
  • Periodontal services

These services benefit patients who suffer from dental decay, tooth loss, and gum disease. Restorative services aim to restore the teeth and gums to optimal health and function.

Cosmetic Services

While helping patients achieve optimal oral health is our top priority, Dr. Ragsdale thoroughly enjoys seeing the look on her patients’ faces when after they undergo a cosmetic dental procedure. The way they carry themselves changes, and it has an immense impact on every area of their lives!

Cosmetic dentistry services are for anyone who isn’t satisfied with their smile because of gapped, misshapen, crooked, or discolored teeth.

Want to improve the appearance of your smile? Our plans offer 10 and 20 percent off cosmetic services, such as:

  • Veneers
  • Teeth whitening
  • Implant services
  • Oral surgery

Our premium plan also includes a $1,200 orthodontic allowance.

Create Your Own In-House Dental Plan

Patients who require a more personalized plan have the option of creating their own! They can still experience the unlimited diagnostic services and exams and choose customized benefits that meet their needs. Personalized plans include member pricing on all services and free teeth whitening.

Again, our goal is to help you achieve optimal oral health by making dental care accessible to patients with various needs and goals.

About Our Austin Laser Dentist

Dr. Ragsdale, known as Austin’s gentle dentist, has been practicing for over twenty years in Austin, TX. She believes in providing high-quality, compassionate, and affordable dental care which has driven her to create these in-house dental plans.

Her qualifications include graduating with her Doctorate in Dentistry in 1985, attaining Fellow status from the World Clinical Laser Institute, and receiving additional training in laser, sedation, full reconstructive, and rehabilitative dentistry.

To learn more about Dr. Ragsdale and how she can help you achieve optimal oral health, contact our friendly team today at (512) 346-4690.

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The Benefits of Joining Our In-House Dental Plan

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We’ve designed our in-house dental plans to be beneficial for every type of patient. Yes, even you! Cost should never inhibit a person from receiving professional dental care. Just like visiting a general practitioner, people of all ages should visit a dentist regularly to ensure their oral health isn’t suffering.

Regular dental cleaning and exam appointments are one of the most effective ways to avoid oral health problems like cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, and TMJ disorder. People who neglect to visit the dentist regularly, for whatever reason, often develop these oral health issues without even knowing. That’s one benefit of joining our in-house dental plan right there!

Continue reading to learn more about the advantages of joining our in-house dental plan:

1. Access to affordable restorative dental care

Each of our in-house dental plans offers 20%-30% off restorative dental procedures, such as dental crowns, bridges, and dentures. Restorative treatments are some of the most common among adults who have dental decay, gum disease, injured teeth, and missing teeth.

These treatments aren’t usually something that patients plan for since they are necessary for dental emergencies (in many cases). The discounted price makes this process much easier for our patients.

2. The option of cosmetic dental procedures

Though many people hope to one day undergo one or more cosmetic dentistry procedures, they often don’t because of cost. When you join our in-house dental plan, you’ll receive up to 20 percent off cosmetic dental services like teeth whitening, veneers, and oral surgery. Our premium plan also gives patients a $1,200 allowance toward orthodontics.

3. Improved overall health

Patients who are a part of our in-house dental plan gain access to 100 percent coverage on preventive treatments, making them more likely to visit the dentist at least twice a year. In addition to improving their oral health, patients often experience better overall health.

Issues like gum disease can negatively impact systemic health in several ways. For example, when the disease-causing bacteria from the mouth enter into the bloodstream, they can lead to inflammation throughout the body. This can lead to heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and contribute to diabetes complications.  

4. Transparent pricing

Every member of our in-house dental plan receives a copy of the discounts they have access to. Additionally, our team will never beat around the bush when it comes to treatment costs. And if that becomes an issue? We’ll create a treatment plan that works best for your budget.

5. Peace of mind

When you sign up to become a member of our in-house dental plan, you can trust that your oral health is in good hands. Dr. Helen Ragsdale desires to see patients of all ages and life stages achieve optimal oral health. She offers state-of-the-art, conservative, and effective dental treatments to meet every need.

Additionally, our in-house dental plan cuts out the “middleman” or insurance company. So, all your financial affairs are handled right here in our office. You’ll always know where your money is going, and our team will be close by to answer any questions.

Learn More About Our In-House Dental Plan

Wondering if this plan is right for you? Contact our friendly dental team to schedule an appointment at our office. We’ll walk you through each plan, and, if those don’t work, we can create a custom plan that meets your specific needs.

Call (512) 346-4690 today.