Many patients visiting the Center for Cosmetic Dentistry are interested in dental implants. Some of them know that we can use implants to permanently replace missing teeth. Others recognize the significant oral health benefits of implants. A handful even know about the sleeker and more modern mini dental implants, which offer significant advantages over traditional implants. However, very few patients realize that dental implants can be tax deductible. This potential tax benefit can make dental implants more accessible for patients weighing their tooth replacement options.
The Basics of Dental Implants and Mini Implants
Dental implants
are strong titanium posts that anchor artificial teeth like crowns, bridges, and dentures. These implant-supported prosthetics provide stability, durability, and functionality beyond what traditional options can offer. Unlike other tooth replacement methods, dental implants maintain the health of your jawbone by stimulating the area like your natural tooth roots.
Mini dental implants offer even more impressive benefits. These innovations serve the same purpose as their larger predecessors, but their narrow design gives them unique advantages. First, they are minimally invasive. We can place them without using typical surgical techniques like incisions or stitches. This makes their placement and healing process much faster than conventional implants. Unlike standard implants, mini implants are immediately stable, allowing us to secure your final restoration immediately.
Their slim profile also makes mini implants an excellent option for patients with bone loss who may have been told in the past that they were ineligible for implants. Plus, unlike larger implants, they typically don’t require a bone graft.
These features make mini dental implants significantly more affordable. Thanks to their updated design and efficient procedure, mini implants are often half the price of traditional implants! Those savings, combined with a potential tax break, make mini implants an attractive choice for tooth replacement.
How Are Dental Implants Tax Deductible?
According to IRS Topic No.502, Medical and Dental Expenses, “false teeth” are included in the category “payments for treatments affecting any structure or function of the body,” thus making them eligible for a potential deduction. For your dental implants (or mini implants) to be tax deductible, your total annual medical and dental expenses must exceed 7.5% of your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). To see if your dental implants qualify, follow these steps:
- Determine your total expenses for your dental implants and other medical procedures. You CANNOT claim any expenses covered by insurance or paid for with a Health Savings Account. We’ll call this number “Expense A.”
- Calculate 7.5% of your Adjusted Gross Income. If you don’t know how to calculate your AGI, the IRS provides instructions here, or you can find it on Line 11 of your Form 1040 tax document. We’ll call this final number, which is 7.5% of your AGI, “Minimum B.”
- The formula for calculating your deduction is now “Expense A” – “Minimum B” = Your eligible deduction.
Consider this example: Suppose your annual qualifying medical expenses were $18,000 (remember, only unreimbursed expenses qualify). To determine how much of this amount you can deduct, you need to calculate 7.5% of your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). If your AGI is $55,000, then 7.5% of your AGI is $4,125. Any expenses over this amount are tax deductible. If your annual qualifying medical expenses were $18,000, then you can deduct $13,875 on your tax return ($18,000 – $4,125 = $13,875).
It’s important to note that you can only write off dental implants if you file an itemized deduction instead of claiming the standard deduction. If you are unfamiliar with this process, we advise seeking the help of a certified tax professional to maximize your benefits and comply with tax laws.
Other Financial Resources
Even with the reduced cost of mini implants and a potential tax break in the future, we understand that treatment costs can be a concern. At the Center for Cosmetic Dentistry in Cleveland, TN, we strive to make all our services affordable to those who need them. Our staff is experienced in working with insurance companies and will help you get the most out of your coverage. We also work with multiple financing companies and offer a 5% discount if you pay in full. At our practice, there are plenty of ways to save on your dental implant expense.
Learn More About Dental Implants Tax Deductions
If you’ve been considering dental implants, the opportunity for a tax deduction provides an excellent incentive to learn more. At the Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, our family of dentists, spanning three generations, combines experience, empathy, and expertise to guide you through the implant process. We’re here to answer your questions and restore your smile in a welcoming, family-oriented environment. Call us today to schedule your free consultation and see how dental implants can benefit YOU!
