Dental Financing & Payment Plan Options For Houston Residents
Let's face it - dental work isn't cheap. When you're staring down the cost of a root canal or implants in Houston, the price tag can be enough to make you put off that much-needed treatment. But here's the good news: you've got options that can make dental care way more affordable.
I've talked with plenty of Houston residents who had no idea these financing options existed until they were already in the dentist's chair, panicking about how to pay. So let's break down what's actually available to you.
Financing
If you’ve priced dental work lately, you know the numbers can be shocking:
- A simple filling? That’ll be $200-400.
- Root canal? Hope you’ve got $1,000 ready.
- Implants? We’re talking $3,000+ per tooth.
And let’s be honest – most dental insurance plans cover the basics but tap out quickly when you need serious work done. This leaves many Houstonians scrambling to figure out how to pay the difference.
Options
Your Financing Options
CareCredit: The Dental Credit Card
CareCredit is basically a credit card specifically for healthcare costs that tons of Houston dentists accept. Here’s why people like it:
It works like a regular credit card, but with a big perk – many dentists offer no-interest periods (usually 6-24 months) if you pay the balance off during that time. This is huge when you’re looking at a $2,000 procedure but don’t have the cash upfront.
The application is quick, and you’ll know right away if you’re approved. Just be careful about that promotional period – if you don’t pay it off in time, they’ll hit you with all the interest that would have accrued from day one.
Option #2: Lending Club
Lending Club has grown beyond its peer-to-peer lending roots and now offers specific patient solutions that many Houston dental offices partner with.
What’s cool about Lending Club is they often have better rates than credit cards for longer-term financing. If you’re looking at major dental work like full mouth reconstruction or multiple implants, this might be your best bet for spreading payments over 3-5 years without the interest killing you.
Their application process is straightforward, and they can finance anywhere from $1,500 to $50,000 – which covers pretty much any dental procedure you might need.
Option #3: Cherry Financing
Cherry Financing has been gaining traction in Houston dental offices as an alternative option. What makes them different is their approach to approvals – they often approve people who might get declined by traditional credit options.
The process is super digital (you can literally apply while waiting at the dentist’s office), and they cover procedures between $300-10,000. Their pre-qualification doesn’t affect your credit score, which is nice when you’re just shopping around.
Don’t Forget About In-House Options
Here’s something many people miss: some Houston dentists offer their own payment plans directly. These vary widely from practice to practice, but they’re worth asking about.
I’ve seen some offices offer:
- Simple monthly payments with no interest
- Discount programs for patients who pay cash upfront
- Family packages that make treatment more affordable
These might not be advertised on their websites, so it’s worth a phone call to ask.
Which Option Is Right For You?
The best financing option really depends on your situation:
If you need work done ASAP and can pay it off within a year, CareCredit’s no-interest option is hard to beat.
For larger treatments where you need 3+ years to pay, Lending Club might save you money in the long run with better interest rates.
If your credit isn’t stellar or you want a quick, easy application process, Cherry Financing could be your best bet.
The Bottom Line
Don’t let cost keep you from taking care of your teeth. Whether it’s CareCredit, Lending Club, Cherry Financing, or an in-house payment plan, Houston dentists have made it easier than ever to spread out the cost of care.
Your smile is worth the investment, and with these financing options, you don’t have to choose between your dental health and your financial wellbeing. Both are possible with the right approach to dental financing in Houston.
For More Information About Dental Financing in Houston, TX Contact Our Team Today!
We look forward to hearing from you.