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

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Four Ways to Get Affordable Dental Care

money and piggy banks on a table to convey affordable dental care in Austin, TX

Living is expensive. Perhaps one of the most expensive aspects of living is the medical and dental care that we need to thrive. Luckily, there are several things that you can do to get affordable dental care in Austin, TX, whether it’s preventive, restorative, or cosmetic.

Even if you don’t have dental insurance, you deserve affordable dental care that enhances your oral health and overall well-being. Get the care you deserve at Austin Laser Dentist. Learn more about our prices, financing options, and accepted insurance policies at (512) 346-4690 or online here. 

In this blog post, Dr. Helen Ragsdale and her team give you four ways to get affordable dental care in Austin, TX. You might be surprised to learn how attainable and affordable dental care can really be!

Consider Dental Insurance

Whether through your employer or on your own, a dental insurance policy may be the best way to get low-cost dental care. 

Generally, dental insurance covers most preventive procedures (like dental cleanings) and some restorative treatments (like cavity removal). Complete or partial coverage depends on the extent of the patient’s policy limitations. 

If you need help deciphering your insurance plan, then let our team know. We can help you determine which procedures are covered under your current plan before we deliver treatment.

Look for Dental Schools and Free or Non-profit Clinics

Many dental schools offer free or reduced-rate procedures (like dental cleanings) to the public. The purpose of these free or reduced-rate procedures is to let students practice their skills before graduating. So, be on the lookout for dental schools in your area that may offer free or affordable dental care.

Alternatively, there are some free and non-profit dental clinics that serve underprivileged patients. If you need help finding free or reduced-rate clinics in Austin, TX, then visit this site to find one closest to you.

Apply for Government Assistance

If you are unemployed or earn less than a livable wage, then you may be eligible for some government assistance programs, like Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

Typically, these programs require no monthly premiums. Many programs offer extensive benefits, but some offer limited services. Try finding a program that works best for you and your family.

In-house Dental Plans

An alternative to dental insurance is in-house dental plans. Generally, in-house dental plans vary from facility to facility. But, most plans do cover twice-yearly dental exams and cleanings in addition to some restorative and cosmetic treatments.

At Austin Laser Dentist, we offer customizable plans so that you can choose the coverage that makes the most sense to you. And, because our in-house dental plans are usually less expensive than traditional insurance plans, patients can save more money getting the treatments they deserve.

Affordable Dental Care in Austin, TX

If you’re looking for affordable dental care in Austin, TX, then look no further than Austin Laser Dentist. We accept most major insurance plans, and we have numerous financing and payment options to meet your needs. 
Learn more about our services by calling (512) 346-4690 or by sending us a message here.

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How to Find Affordable Dental Care (Without Insurance)

Piggy bank with White teeth model on blue background (symbolizing affordable dental care)

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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Everything You Need to Know About Our In-House Dental Plan

fake tooth with coins lined up beside it

Are finances keeping you and your family from the dental care you need? That shouldn’t be. Our Austin Laser Dentist, Dr. Helen Ragsdale, understands that oral health care is essential to maintaining a healthy mouth and body which is why she now offers an in-house dental plan. This service can be used in conjunction with insurance or as a substitute for it. Whatever way you choose to use it, we know you won’t be disappointed!

Here are more reasons why patients use our in-house dental plans:

  1. To save money
  2. Avoid overpaying for dental insurance
  3. Avoid annual maximums and deductibles
  4. No waiting periods
  5. Freedom to choose their preferred dentist

Want to know more? Continue reading to learn the details about our membership plans!

The Basic Plan

Our basic plan is most beneficial for patients with common oral health needs, such as regular dental cleanings, exams, and the occasional treatment for cavities. It also gives patients a discount on several restorative and cosmetic procedures.

Here are the benefits you’ll receive under the basic membership plan:

  • 2 Exams
  • 1 Emergency Exam
  • 2 Cleanings
  • 2 Fluoride Treatments
  • 2 Oral Cancer Screenings
  • 2 Periodontal Screenings
  • All Needed X-rays
  • 30% OFF Basic Services like Fillings & Simple Extractions
  • 20% OFF Major Services like Crowns, Buildups, Bridge, Partial, Endodontic Services, & Periodontal Services
  • 10% OFF Cosmetic Services like Veneers, In-Office Whitening, Implant Services, & Oral Surgery

Patients pay just $349 per year and a $9.99 start-up fee to receive the benefits. To add other members to this plan, it is an additional $89.99 per year, plus the one-time start-up fee.

The Premium Plan

If you have more advanced oral health needs, the premium in-house dental plan is for you! As a part of this membership plan, patients receive higher discounts on basic, major, and cosmetic services. It also includes an allowance towards orthodontic treatment!

Here are the benefits that come with our premium in-house dental plan:

  • 2 Regular Exams
  • 1 Emergency Exam
  • 2 Dental Cleanings
  • 2 Fluoride Treatments
  • 2 Oral Cancer Screenings
  • 2 Periodontal Screenings
  • All Needed X-rays
  • 40% off Basic Services like Fillings & Simple Extractions
  • 30% off Major Services like Crowns, Buildups, Bridge, Partial, Endodontic Services, & Periodontal Services
  • 20% OFF Cosmetic Services like Veneers, In-Office Whitening, Implant Services, & Oral Surgery
  • $1,200 Allowance toward Orthodontics

The premium plan costs $1,449 per year per person with a one-time fee of $29.99.

Customize an In-House Dental Plan

Not seeing what you need? Our team is happy to help create a customized dental plan that meets your specific needs! Contact our office today to schedule an appointment with one of our friendly team members.

What Our Patients Are Saying

Wondering if an in-house dental plan is worth it? Or not sure if our office is the right one for you? We encourage our patients to leave reviews on Facebook, Google, and Yelp so that prospective patients can learn more about the care we provide. Feel free to watch our dental patient experience videos as well!

Learn More

Finances should never be an obstacle to oral health care. Our in-house dental plans are designed to provide affordable, accessible dental care to our patients in Austin, TX. For questions about our plans, practice, or policies, call (512) 346-4690 today.