What to Know Before You Delay the Care You Need
Major dental procedures — such as implants, veneers, or full-mouth restorations — can be life-changing. They restore function, confidence, and long-term oral health. But for many patients, the upfront cost creates hesitation.
That’s where dental financing comes in.
Understanding how dental financing options work helps patients move forward confidently — without sacrificing quality of care or waiting until problems become emergencies.
This guide explains:
- Why financing exists in modern dentistry
- How dental payment plans work
- What options are commonly available
- When financing makes sense for major procedures
- What Marina del Rey patients should expect
Why Dental Financing Exists
High-quality dental care today is more advanced — and more effective — than ever.
Modern treatments like:
- Dental implants
- Porcelain veneers
- Full-mouth restorations
- Orthodontic solutions
Require advanced materials, technology, planning, and skill.
These procedures provide long-term value, but they’re not always fully covered by insurance — and spreading payments over time often makes more sense than delaying care.
Dental financing exists to bridge that gap.
What Is Dental Financing?
Dental financing allows patients to:
- Receive treatment now
- Pay over time
- Choose a payment plan that fits their budget
Rather than postponing necessary or desired care, financing provides predictable monthly payments instead of large upfront costs.
At Marina Dentistry, financing helps patients move forward with confidence — not pressure.
You can see available options on the Financing page.
What Types of Procedures Are Commonly Financed?
Dental financing is most often used for major or comprehensive procedures, including:
- Dental Implants
- Full-arch or All-On-X restorations
- Porcelain Veneers
- Cosmetic smile makeovers
- Orthodontic care
- Extensive restorative work
These treatments provide long-term benefits — which is why many patients prefer structured monthly payments.
Why Insurance Alone Often Isn’t Enough
Dental insurance is helpful — but limited.
Most plans:
- Cap annual benefits
- Cover only a percentage of major procedures
- Do not fully cover implants or cosmetic care
Financing allows patients to:
- Combine insurance + financing
- Avoid waiting multiple years to “use maximums”
- Choose long-term solutions instead of temporary fixes
How Dental Financing Works (Step by Step)
Although specific terms vary by provider, most dental financing follows a simple process.
Step 1: Create a Personalized Treatment Plan
Your dentist outlines recommended treatment, timing, and total cost.
Step 2: Apply for Financing
Applications are quick and typically completed online — often in under 60 seconds.
Step 3: Choose a Payment Plan
Plans may range from:
- Short-term (6–18 months)
- Long-term (up to 48 months)
- 0% interest promotional periods (with credit approval)
Step 4: Receive Treatment
Once approved, treatment can begin immediately — no waiting.
Step 5: Pay Over Time
Monthly payments are made directly to the financing provider.
Common Dental Financing Options at Marina Dentistry
Marina Dentistry partners with trusted healthcare lenders to give patients flexibility.
Cherry
Cherry is a modern “buy now, pay later” healthcare financing option that offers:
- Fast approval (often in 60 seconds)
- No hard credit checks
- Plans ranging from 6 to 48 months
- 0% APR promotional options (with eligibility)
This is a popular choice for patients who want clarity, simplicity, and flexibility.
CareCredit
CareCredit is one of the most widely accepted healthcare credit options in dentistry and medicine.
It can be helpful for:
- Larger procedures
- Patients already familiar with CareCredit
- Those coordinating multiple treatments
Sunbit
Sunbit offers additional flexibility for patients with different credit profiles and budgeting needs.
What Does “0% APR” Actually Mean?
Many patients ask about 0% interest plans — and it’s important to understand them clearly.
A 0% APR plan:
- Charges no interest if payments are made on time
- Requires full payoff within the promotional period
- Is subject to credit approval
If paid as agreed, financing allows patients to spread cost without added interest.
Example: Financing a Major Procedure
Here’s a simplified example to show how financing helps:
A $2,000 treatment plan might be:
- ~$105/month over 18 months
- Or ~$59/month over 48 months
Rather than delaying care, patients can proceed while staying within a comfortable monthly range.
When Dental Financing Makes Sense
Financing is not about overspending — it’s about timing care responsibly.
It often makes sense when:
- Treatment is time-sensitive
- Delaying care increases risk or cost
- You want long-term results instead of temporary fixes
- You prefer predictable payments
- You want to combine multiple treatments
Why Delaying Treatment Often Costs More
One of the biggest misconceptions is that waiting saves money.
In dentistry, delays often lead to:
- More extensive treatment later
- Emergency care
- Lost treatment options
- Higher total cost
Financing allows patients to address problems before they escalate.
Are There Credit Checks?
Most financing providers perform soft credit checks for pre-approval, meaning:
- No impact on credit score for checking eligibility
- Terms depend on credit profile
- Full transparency before committing
This allows patients to explore options without pressure.
Can Financing Be Used Alongside Insurance?
Yes — and this is common.
Patients often:
- Use insurance first
- Finance the remaining balance
- Choose treatment based on quality — not insurance limits
This approach gives patients control, not constraints.
Is Dental Financing Only for Cosmetic Procedures?
Not at all.
Financing is commonly used for:
- Functional restorations
- Health-driven treatment
- Preventive care when delays increase risk
Cosmetic and restorative dentistry often overlap — financing supports both.
Choosing Financing That Fits Your Life
Good dental financing should:
- Be easy to understand
- Have transparent terms
- Fit your budget realistically
- Support — not pressure — your decision
At Marina Dentistry, financing conversations are meant to educate and empower, not rush treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Financing
Does applying hurt my credit?
Most providers use soft checks for pre-approval.
Can I pay off financing early?
Yes — many plans allow early payoff without penalties.
Is financing only for large cases?
No — it can be used for a wide range of treatments.
Can I choose my plan length?
Yes — options vary based on approval and preference.
What if I don’t have insurance?
Financing is often especially helpful for uninsured patients.
Making Dental Care Accessible — Without Compromise
Dental financing isn’t about taking shortcuts or settling — it’s about accessing high-quality care when you need it, without unnecessary stress.
For patients in Marina del Rey and West Los Angeles, financing allows:
- Flexibility
- Transparency
- Control
- Peace of mind
At Marina Dentistry, the goal is simple: remove financial barriers so patients can focus on their health, confidence, and long-term outcomes.
👉 Learn more or apply today:
Explore Dental Financing Options
📞 Or call (310) 578-5000 for help choosing the right option.
