When building a health budget, it is important to include dental as a part of that investment. Your dental health is vital to your overall health and should be treated just as necessary as other components. Below are some of the most important dental investments you should budget for and prioritize for yourself and your dependents.
Braces
One of the most common types of dental investments that you can make for yourself, your spouse, or your children is braces. The average American spends nearly $5,000 on braces, which can increase if multiple children need braces. There are benefits to investing in braces, both for cosmetic and dental health reasons, so it is worth the money in the end. Of course, the first benefit of braces is the straight teeth that come once the braces are off, and either you or your dependent has undergone years of wearing and tightening them. Also, speech improves when the teeth are straighter, and that person experiences higher self-esteem. There are also several dental benefits to consider. Straighter teeth mean they are easier to clean, and the impact of cavities and tartar build-up is less evident. Bone erosion is less likely to happen once the teeth have straightened since they aren’t putting pressure on each other like crooked teeth. Also, digestion and the ability to properly chew food are benefits you may not realize you need until after getting braces.
Veneers
Veneers are coverings that go over your teeth. They don’t have a lot of dental benefits like braces, but they can dramatically improve the appearance of your teeth and be worth the investment. These thin coverings go over the front of the teeth to look like natural teeth, covering permanent tooth stains, chipped teeth, and damage that may be done to your teeth. Veneers are more in the budget for dental investments and are good for people with straight teeth. Veneers are not often used by younger children but for older adults who haven’t had the best dental care or hygiene and want to do some cosmetic cleanup later in life. This can give back self-esteem and confidence, making it worth the investment. According to Globe Newswire, dental veneers are expected to reach $2.30 billion by 2028 because of their affordability. You can improve your smile significantly with this covering on the front of your teeth.
Dental Bridges
For those who may be missing teeth, there is an option to help restore your oral hygiene, and that’s with the help of a dental bridge. These bridges are placed in your mouth to replace a missing tooth so you can chew properly, improve your appearance, and care for your mouth. Folks who need dental bridges most likely undergo an injury where a tooth can be knocked out, which has various impacts on their health. They also can last a while, making them worth the investment. According to Weekend Dentistry, a dental bridge can last up to 15 years when cared for properly at home and with regular dental visits.
Whitening Treatments
While it is important to have your biannual cleanings on your teeth, another good investment to consider is the whitening treatments. These are meant to take your natural teeth an extra step, especially if you drink lots of soda and coffee and your teeth stain easily. These whitening treatments will help improve your dental health, reduce gingivitis, and make you feel better about your overall appearance. If you have loved ones who are also suffering from teeth that stain easily, make sure you budget for their treatments, too.
Invest In Dental Health
Your dental health can impact your physical and emotional health, which is why it is a great investment for yourself, your children, and your spouse. It could be that your family needs several of these treatments. If you know you need one of these treatments or more in the future, plan, and budget for these costs to have the smile you deserve.
