The Average Cost of Teeth Cleaning Without Insurance
The average cost of a teeth cleaning without insurance is between $77 and $102. But worry not—Kool Smiles is here to help!
At Kool Smiles, we offer many affordable dental care options, regardless of your insurance situation. We have over 120 locations nationwide to help you with all of your dental work needs, including teeth cleaning. We are accepting new patients, and you can pay with cash or a credit card. Call 254-781-0553 today or keep reading to learn about your options for affordable teeth cleaning!
No Insurance, No Problem: Teeth Cleaning at a Low Cost
The cost for a dental cleaning involves the removal of plaque, which is what can lead to cavities, infections and gum disease. While brushing and flossing helps remove some plaque, professional cleanings are needed to remove all of it. They provide deep cleaning that you simply can’t get with regular brushing and flossing. So how can your child receive a teeth cleaning at an affordable price?
Kool Smiles is a network of family-friendly dentists with over 120 locations in 15 states, and we have a number of ways for children to receive quality dental care at an affordable rate:
- See if you qualify for Medicaid. We proudly accept Medicaid at every location, and if you don’t have insurance, you should see if you qualify for Medicaid assistance. Medicaid covers basic dental services, such as cleanings, for qualified families.
- See if you qualify for a SCHIP. We accept a large number of State Children’s Health Insurance Programs (SCHIP), and many are more affordable than you might think.
- Use CareCredit. CareCredit is a program where you can finance health and dental services under a monthly payment plan.
- Sign up for our Resolution Dental discount plan. We offer individual and family plans, with an average savings of over 40% on dental costs.
What Happens During a Teeth Cleaning?
The process of a teeth cleaning can be completed in just a few simple steps. A dental hygienist will clean your teeth at the dentist’s office. Here’s what you can expect during a teeth cleaning:
- To start your teeth cleaning, the dental hygienist will perform a physical examination of your mouth to check your teeth and gums for potential issues, like gingivitis.
- Next, they will use a scaler to rid your gum line and teeth of existing plaque and tartar. Hearing a scraping sound during this part of the process is normal, and can be expected.
- After the hygienist is done using the scaler, they’ll brush your teeth with a high powered electric brush. This tool might give off an imposing grinding sound, but that means it’s working correctly! This high powered brush is used to get rid of any tartar left behind by the scaler.
- Then, the hygienist will floss your teeth to rid your mouth of any remaining buildup.
- Next comes a simple rinsing. This will help you flush out any existing plaque that’s still stuck in your mouth.
- The last step of the teeth cleaning process is often a fluoride treatment to protect your teeth against future cavities.
Teeth Cleaning on Your Own
The average teeth cleaning cost includes the time spent by dental hygienists and dentists and the use of high-powered tools. While you still need to get regular teeth cleanings with a Kool Smiles dentist to keep your teeth healthy, there are a number of steps you can take to ensure your teeth are properly cleaned on a day-to-day basis:
- Start by getting into a daily routine—Make sure you brush your teeth in the morning and at night, as well as floss once a day. This will begin to form a healthy habit of proper oral hygiene, so it will be easy to remember to brush before leaving the house or going to sleep.
- Change your toothbrush often—Although you may only visit the dentist every six months, it’s recommended that you get a new toothbrush every three to four months. By doing this, you can ensure that you are effectively cleaning your teeth with fresh bristles that haven’t been frayed over time.
- Limit your intake of sugary foods and beverages—You don’t have to completely remove sweets and sodas from your diet, but you should try to eat and drink these items in moderation. Excess sugar and acidic ingredients can cause damage, which will make it harder to keep your teeth healthy.
- Don’t rinse after brushing—Most people rinse out their mouth after brushing to remove the taste of their toothpaste. However, you should only spit out the toothpaste without immediately using water to wash away the rest. This will let the fluoride stay on your teeth longer and give you a healthier smile.
The most important of these is brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day. Proper brushing and flossing fights off plaque buildup and can help keep dental costs down by avoiding the need for cavity fillings or other services. And best of all, it doesn’t cost much to brush and floss!
If your child is too young to brush on their own, you can still take steps to keep their teeth clean and healthy. If you’re caring for an infant, take a wet washcloth and gently dab along their gum line. Once your child’s baby teeth erupt you can start brushing softly with a soft-bristle toothbrush and water, gradually easing into using sensitive toothpaste. Try to look for toothpastes that are designed specifically with kids in mind, as they’re usually sensitive enough to safely protect your child’s teeth.
The Dangers of Plaque
Dental plaque is a sticky substance that forms as bacteria breaks down food particles. The main reason dentists perform teeth cleanings is to remove plaque that has built-up along the gumline surrounding our teeth. This is the same reason that children should start healthy brushing and flossing habits, to reduce the plaque that causes damage if left untreated.
Some of the risk factors associated with plaque buildup include:
- Tartar—When plaque is left to sit on top of teeth and is not removed by brushing or flossing, it can harden into something called tartar. This is more harmful to your dental health than regular plaque because it is hard and porous, and can only be removed using special dental tools.
- Tooth decay—If tartar develops at your gum line and you can’t visit the dentist for a cleaning, you may be at risk for developing tooth decay. The acid from plaque and tartar attacks tooth enamel, and a hole, pit or cavity can form if these substances sit on a tooth for too long.
- Irritated or inflamed gums—If you don’t brush or floss your teeth regularly, plaque and tartar can cause uncomfortable gum irritation.
- Gum disease—If your gums appear to be swollen, inflamed or in pain due to improper oral care, it’s important to visit the dentist quickly to prevent gum disease from developing. Tartar and plaque can eat away at your gum line, causing the gums to pull away from teeth, like gingivitis, if not treated in time.
To prevent these dental health issues, you should practice proper oral care and visit the dentist for cleanings and checkups twice a year. At Kool Smiles, our dental health professionals can assist with affordable payment options to help you cover the cost of teeth cleaning, with or without insurance.
Why Kool Smiles?
Kool Smiles is dedicated to making great dental care affordable and accessible to everyone. Our family-friendly offices often include indoor or outdoor play areas for your children, and we make an effort to ensure you and your child know exactly what to expect from each treatment you receive. This helps make visits to the dentist feel more comfortable, especially for kids who haven’t been before or are scared of going.
At Kool Smiles, we also hope to bridge the gap for those who feel dental care is out of their reach or budget. Our offices are often located in areas with the greatest need, making dental visits more practical for all families. We will work with you to find a payment plan that fits your budget and needs.
Call Kool Smiles for Your Teeth Cleaning
If you’d like to learn more about the average cost of a teeth cleaning without insurance at a Kool Smiles, give us a call at 254-781-0553 today.
Our friendly staff will be happy to speak with you about your payment options. We accept new patients all the time, and patients can pay with cash or a credit card. With many offices across the country, there’s likely a Kool Smiles office near you!
Call us today to schedule your appointment!
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Sources:
Resolution Dental Plan: https://www.resolutiondentalplan.com/
American Dental Association: https://www.ada.org/en/about-the-ada/ada-positions-policies-and-statements/statement-on-toothbrush-care-cleaning-storage-and-
National Health Service: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/how-to-keep-your-teeth-clean/
Medicine Net: https://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=11888
Dental Health.org: https://www.dentalhealth.org/caring-for-my-teeth
WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/tartar-dental-calculus-overview#1