Take A Bite Out Of Your Dental Bills

What hurts more than having a tooth pulled? The bill for services rendered. In the past 10 years, fees for dental work have increased by 56 percent, according to the American Dental Association in Chicago. Here's how to stretch your dental dollars.

COMPARISON SHOP. Ask for a copy of your X-rays and take them to other dentists for estimates on any pricey work recommended to you. Fees vary between offices, and you may be able to find a bargain with extra effort. You can find a top-notch dentist at ADA.org.

KNOW WHAT'S COVERED. Insurance may not pay for all variations on a treatment. Cosmetically appealing porcelain fillings may cost more than silver ones, for example. Review your coverage plan details.

GO BACK TO SCHOOL. Procedures done by students can be as little as half the price charged by private dentists, and insurance may cover them. An instructor oversees every step of the procedure, so don't worry about getting subpar treatment.

PLAN AHEAD. If you know you have a lot of expensive dental work coming down the pike and your dentist gives the OK, spread the treatments out over a year or two.

DON'T WAIT FOR PROBLEMS. In addition to brushing and flossing daily, get checkups and cleanings every six months. (Insurance should cover most of the cost of these visits.) Fluoride treatments aren't covered, but ask your dentist/M.D. if she recommends one at your next appointment.