Dental implants are, without question, the best method available today for the replacement of teeth lost to injury, decay or disease, offering superior results in oral health and function, longevity, comfort and appearance as compared to all other options. Of course, dental implant restoration does involve a significant financial investment, so just how to best pay for dental implants is a matter that merits consideration.

Three options for financing dental implants as the current year draws to a close and the new year begins are:

Tax Returns

If you’re due a refund from the IRS this year, what better to spend it on than a new, healthy smile? Given all the routine financial obligations the average family faces throughout the year, tax time can present the best opportunity to take care of issues, like dental restoration, that require a significant, lump sum investment. Additionally, using your tax refund to pay for your dental implants in total will save you money if a credit card is your next best option, sparing you the interest costs.

Flexible Spending Accounts

If the tax man won’t be sending you a check this year and a flexible spending account is included in your workplace benefits, this is the time of year to be concerned about spending it down anyway, so why not use it to finance your new smile? You’ll save a bit of money with this option too, since you’ll be paying with before-tax funds, and since many flexible spending accounts have use it by year end or lose it provisions, you’ll want to check into that balance ASAP, since using it before that spending grace period expires is definitely the wiser and more agreeable option.

Health Savings Accounts 

While dental implants aren’t covered by many dental insurance plans, they are a permissible use of funds socked away in health savings accounts. If you’ve been tucking away pre-tax dollars in yours for unexpected medical expenses, using some of those funds for implant-based dental restoration is certainly a worthy investment in your future dental health, overall health and appearance.

While the initial costs of implant based dental restoration can be quite substantial, depending upon the amount of work you’ll be having done, it is by far the best option to restore a healthy smile — and over the long-term, is very often the most cost effective.

Dental implants have an average lifespan of 25 years, and with proper care, often last a lifetime, providing a permanent solution to tooth loss. Options that cost less initially, such as conventional dentures or bridges, typically last just seven to ten years, and the cost of periodic repair, refitting or replacement adds up to a significant expense over a person’s lifetime. Additionally, those options just can’t offer the look, feel and function of natural teeth like dental implants can, so why settle for second best? For more information on the dental implant procedure and on financing, contact our office at (202) 386-7100.