Raising kids means balancing a lot of time, energy, and yes, budgets. Parents often ask how they can keep up with regular visits to TopSmiles Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics and treatments without stretching their finances thin. The good news is, there are smart, realistic ways to save on your child’s dental care without cutting corners on quality.
Our pediatric dentists, Dr. Adriana Salles and Dr. Saffana, along with orthodontist Dr. Alvaro Salles, share how Winnipeg families can make confident choices that protect both their child’s smile and their wallet.
Start With Preventive Visits
Skipping cleanings might seem like an easy way to save, but it often leads to higher costs later. Cavities, gum irritation, or alignment issues caught early are much simpler and more affordable to treat.
Think of preventive care as routine maintenance. Just like you wouldn’t skip an oil change and risk a costly repair, your child’s six-month visits help avoid big dental bills.
We often see kids who only come in when something hurts at our St. Anne’s Road and Portage Avenue offices. Once parents see how much easier (and less stressful) it is to stay ahead of problems, they rarely go back to the “wait and see” approach.
Smarter Budget Moves To See If You Can Use
If your family does not have private dental insurance, check eligibility for the Canadian Dental Care Plan. It can offset routine costs for kids based on household income. Our St. Anne’s Road and Portage Avenue teams can explain how it works alongside any existing coverage you already have.
Make timing work for you. Use remaining insurance benefits before they reset, and stage non-urgent care over months rather than doing everything at once. Ask for a written estimate up front so you know the total, what insurance may cover, and your out-of-pocket costs.
Use Your Benefits Before They Expire
Dental insurance benefits usually reset at the end of the calendar year, and unused amounts don’t roll over. Checking in around fall can help you make the most of what you’ve already paid for through premiums.
Parents often forget that their plan may also cover preventive orthodontic evaluations. If you’re unsure what’s included, our administrative team at Topsmiles Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics can review your coverage with you so you don’t leave benefits unused.
For families in Winnipeg’s River Park South or Westwood neighborhoods, this small step alone can mean saving hundreds by using existing coverage wisely.
Space Out Non-Urgent Treatments
If your child needs more than one procedure, such as fillings or sealants, it might not all have to happen in one visit. Spacing out non-urgent work allows you to plan payments or align procedures with insurance cycles.
Dr. Adriana Salles and Dr. Saffana often help parents prioritize what should happen first, especially for children with developing teeth or sensory sensitivities. That kind of tailored plan can reduce stress and financial strain while keeping orthodontic treatment on track.
Orthodontic Consults Can Start Early And Save Later
Parents are sometimes surprised to learn that orthodontic evaluations can start as early as age 7. Early monitoring from Dr. Alvaro Salles helps identify small issues before they require complex treatment later.
For instance, gentle interceptive orthodontics might guide growth patterns naturally, reducing the time or even the need for braces down the road. Early care doesn’t just save money; it also helps kids avoid more invasive corrections during their teen years.
Build Habits That Keep Teeth Healthy
The simplest and most effective way to save on your child’s dental care is to help them form solid brushing and flossing habits early. A few local parents have even told us that setting a timer or brushing along with their child makes it feel like less of a chore.
To make things easier at home:
- Use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste.
- Replace the toothbrush every three months or sooner if the bristles fray.
- Encourage rinsing with water after snacks, especially if brushing isn’t possible right away.
- These small routines go a long way toward preventing cavities and future treatment costs.
When To Ask For Help
Financial questions are common, and there’s never a wrong time to ask them. Our doctors and team help families review treatment options and payment flexibility before making any decisions.
We understand that dental care is part of real family life, between hockey practices, grocery runs, and school drop-offs. Our goal is to make quality care practical and accessible, not stressful.
Frequently Asked Questions About Saving on Kids’ Dental Care
How often should my child visit the dentist?
Most kids should come in every six months for cleanings and exams. However, if your child has ongoing treatment, orthodontic adjustments, or a history of cavities, your dentist might recommend more frequent visits to keep things on track.
Are early orthodontic checkups really worth it?
Yes. An early visit to Dr. Alvaro Salles can reveal whether your child’s teeth and jaw are developing as they should. Early monitoring often prevents more complicated treatment later, which can save time and money down the road.
What if I don’t have dental insurance?
That’s more common than you might think. TopSmiles Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics offers options such as in-house membership plans and flexible payment plans to make regular visits more manageable. Our team can help you find a plan that fits your family’s needs and budget.
Do fluoride treatments and sealants really save money?
For kids with a higher cavity risk, fluoride varnish and dental sealants often cost less than a single filling. They are quick, comfortable, and help stop decay in the grooves of back teeth.
My child plays hockey. How do we avoid costly dental emergencies?
A well-fitted mouthguard is far cheaper than repairing a chipped tooth or broken bracket. Kids with braces can use orthodontic mouthguards designed to fit over brackets. Bring it to visits so we can check the fit, and replace it if it’s torn or misshapen. Store it in a ventilated case and clean it after games to keep it in good shape.
Saving Smart Starts With Being Informed
When parents have the right information and our team at Topsmiles Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics supports them, managing dental costs becomes easier. Each decision builds toward long-term savings.
If you’d like to learn more or schedule an appointment with Dr. Adriana Salles, Dr. Saffana, or Dr. Alvaro Salles. Our Winnipeg offices on St. Anne’s Road and Portage Avenue are here to help you find what works best for your child and your budget.