Clinics offer EMI options to get those pearly whites

Chennai

A few years ago, an aesthetic procedure like smile design or implants would have been unthinkable for someone from the middle-income group. Given the exorbitant cost, any average person from the group would have brushed the idea aside, saying, ‘I can live without it, I am not an actor or a model’. Or, they would go for cheaper implant options that need periodic revisits to the dentist.

However, with dental clinics offering the equal monthly instalment (EMI) option for clients, especially at 0 per cent, such expensive treatment options are now within their reach. The EMI options are for procedures costing Rs 10,000- Rs15,000 and above.

Spread the smile

Dr Ahmed Hasan Jibran, Clinical Director, 32 Dental Care, says that they began offering the option, after observing that clients wanted quality implants, but were unable to afford it. He says, “After we launched the option three months  ago, we have had already six people coming for smile design procedure. These cost around Rs 75,000 and if they have to pay it in one shot, they would feel the pinch, considerably.”

He adds that other procedures like full-mouth rehabilitation and implants that can cost anywhere above Rs 60, 000 and Rs 45,000 respectively.

He says that especially among the elderly whose teeth functioning capacity is drastically, implant supported bridge procedure is a huge relief. “This works for the elderly as well, who have the bridge option over dentures, as the latter can provide just about 30 per cent of the teeth’s chewing functions, while the former gives 60-70 per cent,” he says. Shelling out 2.5 lakh rupees at once, for a senior citizen without income, can put considerable pressure on their finances. An installment option here is a big help for them, says Dr Ahmed

Save money and time

The increased affordability also helps many save time, says Dr Arunkumar B, Director, Pearl Dentistry. He says, “People often don’t have too much time to go for braces, as their marriage is scheduled in a few months or they have to travel on job abroad. For such people, cosmetic dentistry has a range of options.”

Dr B Lakshmi, Orthodontist-Cosmetologist, Tamara Dental and Cosmetic Clinic, says that more and more IT professionals choose these procedures. “They want to align their teeth or go for dental implants, ahead of an on-site assignment. In such cases, they have an easy option both in terms of money and time. It is a win-win situation,” she says.