Dental Financing Options for Bad Credit: Affordable Dental Loans

A trip to the dentist often leaves your mouth feeling numb and your pockets significantly lighter. Unfortunately, dental procedures are often very costly. Whether it is a quick filling or a more substantial toothy problem, you might need to come up with hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

If you don’t have dental insurance to cover the cost, you may need dental financing. Luckily, you have many ways to fund your dental emergency.

We will dive into your many options below.

Dental Financing Options

Dental care is not one size fits all. Likewise, you have various dental financing options to cover your dental procedures and financial situation.

Once you have an idea of what the dental care will cost, you’ll need to determine which option is best for you.

Long Term Installment Loans for Dental Financing

If you need to fund a major dental emergency, a long-term personal loan can be a good option. Personal loans are installment loans that allow you to finance a large amount of cash for your dental bill. You’ll repay the principal and interest of the dental loan over a set number of months.

Even with bad credit history, many lenders are willing to work with you.

Before you choose a lender for a dental loan, you should shop around and compare rates from several lenders. A slightly lower interest rate can save you a significant amount of money over the course of the loan. So, it pays to do your research!

Here is a closer look at some of our favorite long-term dental loan providers.

Short-Term Loans for Dental Financing

If you have a minor dental issue, a short-term personal loan might be more appropriate. For example, a smaller loan may be able to cover a simple filling or a toothache.

Medical Credit Cards for Dental Financing

Dental loans are not the only way to fund a dental emergency. You can also use medical credit cards to get you through. However, credit card debt is not something to play around with. Unlike installment loans, credit card debt is more difficult to get rid of. Instead of monthly payments for a set term and manageable interest rates, a credit card balance can quickly get out of control due to high APRs.

If you cannot find another way to fund the loan, a credit card might be your last resort. But, of course, there are still some credit cards that offer more favorable terms to borrowers with bad credit history. We’ve outlined a few good options below.

CareCredit

CareCredit is a medical credit card offered by Synchrony Bank. It is specifically designed for healthcare expenses, including dental financing. Using this card, you can cover various dental work, from cleanings to cosmetic dental procedures. After the procedure, you’ll be able to slowly pay it back over time.

How to Limit the Cost of Dental Care

Although taking out a dental loan to fund dental work is an option, it will come at a cost. You’ll not only have to pay for the dental procedure itself but also the interest and fees associated with the loan.

Here are a few tips to limit dental costs and save money over time.

Ask Your Dentist for a Payment Plan

Some dentists offer in-house dental financing to their patients. Instead of paying for the entire procedure upfront, you can pay for it over several months. If you require ongoing treatment such as braces or dental implants, you can spread the cost over the entire treatment plan.

The benefit of an in-house payment plan is that there is often no interest associated with it. As a result, you’ll be more able to budget out a monthly payment than a lump sum. However, you won’t be saddled with the interest that comes along with a traditional loan. It’s a win-win!

Not all dentists have dental payment plans, but it doesn’t hurt to ask. Of course, the worst thing they can say is no.

Take Care of Your Teeth

Brushing and flossing can go a long way when it comes to taking care of your teeth. Preventative maintenance like regular cleanings can also help to reduce the likelihood of problems down the road.

Make it your business to take care of your teeth. The best visit to the dentist is one that does not end in an expensive procedure.

Build an Emergency Fund

An emergency fund can be a cushion in your life against unexpected dental expenses along the way. At some point, an emergency will happen. Whether it is dental work or a flat tire, life will throw some unexpected expenses your way.

Take action and start saving to prepare for these minor emergencies along the way. Learn how to save $1,000 in 90 days here.

Bottom Line

A dental emergency is not a pleasant experience. If you don’t have the money to fund the procedure, it can be even more stressful. Take advantage of these resources and find a way to fund your emergency today.