Dental implants can be a worthwhile investment for people looking to improve their smile. But for many people, the procedure isn’t even an option because of how expensive it is — a single dental implant will cost anywhere from $1,500 to $6,000. According to Dentaly, it costs a whopping $40,000 to get a full mouth of implants. So, what are your options if you don’t have dental insurance? You can find out with a search online.
There may be a way for you to get dental implant surgery free of charge. To learn more, start a search online.
If you’re wondering how to get free or cheap dental implants, here’s what you need to know.
Programs That May Be Able to Provide Free or Cheap Dental Implants
Getting a grant isn’t the only possible way to save money on dental implants. There are alternatives you may qualify for, depending on your background. You could also opt for an option that’s less traditional than going to your regular dentist for service.
VA Dental Care
If you are a veteran, you could receive benefits through Veterans Affairs (VA). There are different classes of benefits you could qualify for. The benefits you get are determined based on factors such as your service history, current health, and living situation.
For instance, veterans who have a condition in which they receive compensation for each month qualify for any needed dental care. Alternatively, those who signed up to get care through the Homeless Veterans Dental Program are eligible for a one-time course of dental care to help you either relieve pain, help get you a job, or treat severe dental conditions.
If you’re ineligible for VA dental care benefits, you may be able to buy dental insurance at a reduced cost. Search online to find out what you qualify for and whether or not dental implants are included in that coverage.
Dental Schools
Rather than going to your usual dental office, consider going to a dentist school for procedures. Dental students need to hone their skills on patients. To do so, they offer discounts on their services. A professional dentist closely supervises each procedure to ensure everything is done properly and by the book.
According to NewMouth, you could save up to 50 percent on preventive treatment and restorative treatments. This means that you can save thousands of dollars on the procedure and allow future dentists to gain valuable real-life experience at the same time.
See which dental schools allow patients to schedule visits on-campus clinics by searching online.
Give Back A Smile
More than 1,800 people have received dental services through Give Back A Smile. This program helps survivors who received dental injuries from domestic and/or sexual violence. It connects adults to volunteer cosmetic dentists across the U.S. to help restore their smiles.
To be eligible, you must be at least 18 years old. It’s open to people who received dental injuries from domestic abuse or sexual violence. If the abuse was from a partner, you must be out of the abusive relationship for at least one year. Applicants who were hurt by a family member must have lived in a separate home from them for at least one year.
Interested applicants must pay a $20 application fee and complete 10 hours of volunteer work within 12 months of their application date. Keep in mind this program does not help with dental neglect or fix previous dental work done by a professional.
Dental Lifeline Network
The Dental Lifeline Network has a mission to help disabled, elderly, and medically fragile individuals receive the dental work they need. It’s aimed at vulnerable communities who cannot afford necessary treatment and cannot get public aid.
The network of volunteers help to provide comprehensive treatment to eligible patients. This program does not provide emergency services.
Qualifying applicants must lack adequate income to pay for dental care. While eligibility can vary by state, they must generally fall under one of the following categories:
- Have a permanent disability;
- Be 65 years of age or older; or
- Qualify as medically fragile.
This program has varying levels of availability and eligibility. You can learn more about it by searching online.
Find Out More About Dental Implants Online
Dental implants can be a life changing procedure for people who want to improve their smile. While it can be expensive, there are some worthwhile benefits that make it worth the investment. Luckily, it’s possible to find help with financing this type of dental work. Start by finding out if your insurance can help pay for this procedure. From there, look into grants, payment plans, or programs that offer this service at reduced costs. Do your research to discover more ways to make dental implants more affordable.