How Much Is Dental Cleaning Without Insurance?
Accessing dental care is expensive. Even basic and routine procedures such as a dental cleaning can take up quite a chunk of your disposable income without insurance. And that’s just for you. If your whole family needs dental care, it can cost even more.
Dentists recommend two oral exams, two dental cleanings, and one dental X-rax every year for optimal oral health. And if you skip the dentist’s advice, you may pay even more for the consequences.
Find out how much a dental cleaning is without insurance, and why paying for it is worth more in the long run financially.
What Is a Dental Cleaning?
Even if you brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes at a time—as you should—, you need regular dental cleanings to truly remove any harmful bacteria from your teeth. Luckily, you only need two dental cleanings every year.
Dental cleanings are a big part of preventive dental care. It can easily prevent a host of dental issues, such as cavities, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. Usually, a dental hygienist will do your cleaning, rather than your dentist.
First, the dental hygienist gives you a general checkup. They’ll inspect your mouth to identify any potential problems such as cavities and gingivitis.
With the help of a scraper and a small mirror, the hygienist will remove the tartar and plaque from your teeth.
After plaque and tartar removal, the deep cleanings continue with a high-powered electric toothbrush and gritty toothpaste. Then, you get flossing, followed by a fluoride rinse to wash away any debris.
The final step in the cleaning process is a fluoride treatment. This might be brushed on or applied with foam via a mold that fits over your teeth.
How Much Is Dental Cleaning Without Insurance?
The cost of a dental cleaning can vary. You can get teeth cleaning for as little as $75, but it can also cost $200-$400 in certain places.
This survey of more than 600 dental practitioners found that the average cost of a dental cleaning without insurance falls between $90 and $120.
However, as we mentioned, the cost will vary depending on
- Type of cleaning
- Patient’s age
- Qualifications and experience of the hygienist
- Where you get the cleaning
How the Type of Cleaning Influences the Cost
You may be surprised to learn that there’s not just one type of dental cleaning. Depending on your oral health and age, you may need a different type of cleaning than you think.
There are 4 types:
- Child teeth cleaning
- Adult teeth cleaning
- Deep cleaning (also known as scaling and root planing)
- Periodontal maintenance
Each level is more expensive as more work and process is involved.
There might also be additional costs. Some dental practices insist on an X-ray before a cleaning. And these can cost as high as $200. Depending on your dental health, you may need prescription toothpaste too. And this is something that’s hard to budget for.
Can You Save Money on Dental Cleaning Without Insurance?
Absolutely.
Many people struggle with paying dental bills because they don’t have insurance. However, there are various ways to get the care you need without paying full price for it.
New Patient Offers
If you aren’t a registered patient, your local dental practice may offer reduced rates on cleaning for newly-signed-up patients. The reduced rate will depend on how much they usually charge for cleaning. Also, be aware that there might be conditions to the offer. The cleaning at a reduced price may only be available along with a general checkup, which has to be paid for. Shop around and check prices at other dental clinics to ensure the offer is a genuine saving.
Dental Schools
If you live close to a dental training facility, you may be able to get a cleaning treatment at a reduced price. Dental training schools offer treatments to enable their students to have real-life experience and practice.
Government Programs
There may be a government or local health department program in your area that provides reduced-cost dental care including cleaning procedures. You will need to contact your local authority for information on rental assistance programs.
Dental Discount Plan
If you don’t have insurance, but you and your family need dental treatments, the easiest way to pay less for them is with a dental discount plan.
As a member of a dental discount program, you can get discounts on most any procedures, not just cleanings.
By paying a monthly fee, you can instantly gain access to cheaper dental treatments at participating providers. The discounts can range from 15-50%* off.
Developed as a more affordable option than dental insurance, a dental discount plan enables its members to have discounts on a whole range of dental treatments from a network of dental care providers across the country.
Some dental discount plans also offer other benefits such as reduced eye care costs and discounts on prescriptions.
The Best Deal in Dental
If you’re looking to reduce the cost of dental cleanings without insurance, you’re at the right place. At Carefree Dental, we’re passionate about saving you money on dental care.
As a member, you can save 15-50%* off your dental bill at participating providers, per visit in most instances. For only $15.95/month for individuals and $19.95/month for families.
And this doesn’t just save you money on dental cleanings. You can get discounts on other dental treatments offered by participating providers, such as fillings, braces, implants, and dentures.
Get the best deal in dental and sign up for Carefree Dental!
*Actual costs and savings vary by provider, service and geographical area.
The Carefree Dental blog is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The text and pictures within the content are intended for information purposes only. Readers should consult with a licensed dentist or healthcare professional before seeking treatment.
The Carefree Dental Card is not insurance and Carefree Dental is not an insurance provider.
