Reduce the bill first
- Ask for a written treatment plan with each procedure's cost and which ones are urgent.
- Check your insurance details: annual maximums, waiting periods and whether a pre-treatment estimate is available.
- Consider a dental school clinic, where supervised students often provide care at lower cost.
- Ask about a cash or prompt-pay discount.
Ways to pay what's left
- An in-office payment plan, especially if it's interest-free
- HSA or FSA funds, if you have them
- A Loanify personal loan for $200 to $5,000 with fixed payments
Cost example
A $1,200 dental bill financed with a Loanify loan at 24.99% APR over 12 months costs $114.05 a month and $168.57 in total interest. If the dental office offers an interest-free plan over the same period, that plan costs less.
Splitting treatment across two benefit years can make the most of insurance annual maximums. Ask your dentist whether part of the work can safely wait.Lending tip from the Loanify Editorial Team
What to watch for
Medical and dental credit cards often advertise "no interest" but use deferred interest: if the balance isn't paid in full by the promo date, all the interest from the start can be charged. Read the terms, and compare the total cost with a fixed-rate loan. More tips are in our guide to loans for medical bills.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a Loanify loan for cosmetic dental work?
Yes. Loanify loans can be used for most personal expenses, including elective dental procedures.
Is a payment plan from my dentist better?
If it's interest-free and the payment fits your budget, it usually costs less than any loan.
More guides
Loans for car repairs: a practical guide
Loans for medical bills: reduce first, then borrow
Moving expense loans: budgeting for a move
About the Loanify Editorial Team
Our guides are researched, written and fact-checked against federal lending rules, CFPB guidance and current loan terms. Every payment example is calculated with the standard amortization formula. Read our editorial policy.