If you’re like most people, paying for dental services can feel like a financial burden. You may find yourself wondering: How much does cleaning teeth really cost? If so, you’re not alone.
Whether you’re trying to maintain your oral health or dealing with unexpected issues, the cost of dental care is one of the top concerns. And sometimes, trying to decide between options like dental insurance and dental discount plans often seems complicated and unclear.
In this blog, we’ll break down the costs of dental cleaning so you can make an informed decision that best suits your budget and needs.
Understanding Dental Cleanings
A teeth cleaning is a vital part of maintaining your dental health. It involves the removal of plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth, which regular brushing and flossing might miss.
During a routine dental cleaning, a dentist or dental hygienist will use special tools to scrape away the hard deposits that can lead to gum disease, cavities, and even periodontal disease. After the cleaning, your teeth will be polished, leaving you with a fresh, smooth feel and a brighter smile.
These professional cleanings are an important part of preventive dental care and help you avoid more costly treatments down the road.
Types of Dental Cleanings
There are generally three types of dental cleanings:
- Routine cleanings: These are the most common type and are done every six months or annually as part of preventive care. They involve removing plaque and tartar from the teeth and gums to prevent gum disease and tooth decay. They’re recommended if you have healthy gums and no signs of serious dental issues.
- Deep cleanings: These cleanings are necessary when you have gum disease or periodontal disease. Indications include inflamed gums, bleeding, or pockets of infection. They go below the gum line to remove tartar and bacteria that have accumulated in deeper pockets.
- Scaling and root planing: These are key components of a deep cleaning, aimed at smoothing the roots of the teeth and helping the gums reattach. They often include the application of special medications like antibiotics to promote healing.
Why They’re So Important
Regular teeth cleanings do much more than just keep your smile bright—they play a major role in your overall dental care. They’re so important because they help you:
- Prevent tooth decay
- Avoid gum disease
- Avoid bad breath
- Boost overall health, helping you avoid conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke
Regular professional teeth cleanings are an investment in both your oral health and your wallet so you can avoid expensive procedures down the road.
Average Cost of Dental Cleaning Services
The cost of dental cleaning can vary significantly depending on whether you have dental insurance or not.
With Dental Insurance
If you have dental insurance, your policy often partially covers the cost, with you responsible for a copayment or deductible. On average, the copay for a basic cleaning can range from $20 to $70, depending on the plan and whether additional services like fluoride treatment are included. Some dental plans may cover two cleanings per year, but you’ll need to check your specific policy to understand the details.
Without Insurance
The cost of a routine cleaning can be significantly higher if you don’t have dental insurance. Prices for a teeth cleaning without insurance generally range from $100 to $200 for a basic cleaning and between $150 and $350 per quadrant of the mouth for deep cleanings.
Dental discount plans or payment plans may help reduce these costs so that it’s easier to access regular dental services without the hefty price tag.
Factors Affecting Dental Cleaning Costs
The cost of dental cleaning can fluctuate depending on various factors, including:
- The location of the dental office
- The type of cleaning required
- Whether you have dental insurance coverage or not
- The dentist’s experience and reputation
- Additional services such as fluoride treatment, dental x-rays, or sealants
It’s important to consider all these factors when budgeting for your next cleaning so you can balance cost with value.
Comparing Dental Insurance vs. Dental Discount Plans
There are two popular options to cover the cost of teeth cleaning and other dental procedures: dental insurance and dental discount plans. Each has its pros and cons, and understanding the differences can help you choose the best option for your budget and dental care needs.
Dental Insurance
Typically, dental insurance involves paying a monthly premium in exchange for coverage on a range of dental services. This coverage often includes preventive dental care such as routine cleanings, x-rays, and exams, though the specifics can vary depending on the plan.
While dental insurance can help reduce the cost of dental services, it often comes with various out-of-pocket costs. That’s why it’s so important to understand the components that make up a traditional dental insurance plan. Key components include:
- Premiums: The monthly amount you pay for your dental insurance plan.
- Copays: Fixed amounts you pay for specific dental services, usually after you meet your deductible.
- Deductibles: The amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance plan starts covering costs. These can range from $0 to thousands of dollars.
- Out-of-pocket costs: Even after paying premiums and copays, dental insurance often leaves you with out-of-pocket costs, especially for deep cleanings or treatments that go beyond preventive care. For example, many plans don’t cover fluoride treatment for adults.
This highlights how traditional dental insurance can be complex and often requires you to pay a significant portion of your dental expenses, even after coverage kicks in. This is where dental discount plans can be a simpler and potentially more cost-effective alternative.
Dental Discount Plans
Dental discount plans (also called dental health plans) offer a straightforward way to save on dental services without the complexities of traditional dental insurance. The plans are not insurance. So instead of paying a premium and dealing with copays and deductibles, you simply pay an annual membership fee that gives you access to discounted rates at a network of participating dentists.
Dental health plans often cover routine cleanings, x-rays, fillings, and other services at a fraction of the usual cost. There are several types of plans available, each offering different levels of coverage:
- Individual plans: These plans are designed for those who need dental coverage and want to access discounted rates at participating dental offices.
- Family plans: These plans cover all members of the household under a single membership, offering a cost-effective way to ensure everyone in the family has access to discounted dental care.
- Specialized plans: These plans help you save on particular services, such as orthodontics, cosmetic dentistry, or periodontal care.
The major advantage of discount dental plans is their simplicity and affordability. There’s no need for claims, no waiting periods, no annual limits, and no exclusions based on pre-existing conditions. You can even combine them with a health plan for comprehensive coverage. That makes them a flexible and affordable alternative.
Make Dental Care Affordable with AmeriPlan
At the end of the day, whether you choose dental insurance or a dental discount plan depends on your personal needs, budget, and dental goals. While dental insurance can offer extensive coverage, the monthly premiums, copays, and deductibles can quickly add up, especially if you only need basic care.
On the other hand, dental discount plans offer a simple, affordable way to access high-quality dental care without the financial strain of traditional dental insurance. AmeriPlan provides robust dental discount plans designed to make regular dental cleanings and other dental services more accessible to families and individuals alike.
Unlike traditional insurance, our Dental Plus and Deluxe Plus plans offer discounted rates on a wide range of dental treatments without the high premiums or complicated claims process. It’s not insurance—it’s a membership that gives you immediate access to savings at over 200,000 providers so you can get the care you need, when you need it, for less.
Take the first step toward more affordable dental care today with AmeriPlan! Check out our discounted dental benefit plans to see how we can help you save money while maintaining your oral health.
Dental Insurance vs. Dental Discount Plans: Key Takeaways
- Teeth cleanings are essential for maintaining oral health and preventing costly dental issues like gum disease and tooth decay.
- Various factors affect the cost of teeth cleanings, including the type of cleaning, dental office location, additional services, and more.
- Dental insurance involves premiums, copays, and deductibles, while dental discount plans provide discounted services for an annual fee without the complexity of insurance.