Why Should I Invest My Tax Refund in My Oral Health?

If you received a tax refund this year, you might be tempted to blow it on some luxury item. While no one will blame you for spending it on a nice couch, a new electronic device, or cool parts for your car, there are many smart investments you can make that will pay dividends over time. Here’s how investing your tax refund in needed dental treatments can save you time, money, and suffering while giving you a smile you’ll be happy to show off.

Good Dental Health Is a Smart Financial Investment

While gum disease, toothaches, teeth grinding, and dental crowding certainly hurt, you may not realize just how expensive they can become over time. If left untreated, gum disease and tooth decay will become more severe, which can lead to tooth loss, deterioration of the jawbone, and even dangerous secondary infections like pneumonia or sepsis.

While all of these are miserable enough to suffer through, they also require costly treatments to be resolved, and some of them involve lengthy procedures that might mean missing work. Dental insurance usually only covers restorative work like fillings, crowns, or root canals by about 50%, meaning that you’ll still have to pay some out of pocket.

Good Dental Health Is a Smart Investment in Your Future Happiness

Most people will probably agree that it’s harder to maintain an optimistic and joyful outlook when one is in constant pain. Over time, having to bear through persistent dental sensitivity or the headaches and neck pain that can come from alignment issues can take a massive toll on your quality of life. Dental problems can force you to forgo your favorite foods or even make you less willing to smile out of embarrassment for the flaws in your teeth. Preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments can help you maintain a sunny attitude about the world.

Dental Implants Are a Great Investment

If you are missing teeth, dental implants are the best available option for tooth replacement. These titanium posts are surgically implanted in the jawbone where they fuse with the surrounding structure through the natural process of osseointegration. This creates a durable and stable hold that maximizes chewing force while the attached dental crowns perfectly mimic the appearance of natural teeth. They boast an impressive success rate of over 95% and can last for a lifetime with excellent care, making them a sound investment.

About the Author

Dr. Justin M. Braga is a board-certified periodontist who earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of the Pacific in San Francisco. He is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association and the Western Society of Periodontology. His office in Huntington Beach, CA offers cosmetic and regenerative periodontal surgery as well as dental implant services. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Braga, contact his office online or dial (714) 587-9094.