Aspen Dental offers payment plans through CareCredit, a third-party financing company, and also through in-house plans for some procedures

Aspen Dental locations typically offer two ways to spread dental costs: CareCredit, which is a credit card issued by Synchrony Bank that works at many healthcare providers, and payment arrangements made directly with the dental office. The specific options available depend on which Aspen Dental location you visit and what treatment you need. Not every location offers the same programs, so you will need to ask at your office or call ahead.

CareCredit is the most common route. When you use it at Aspen Dental, you can finance your treatment over a set period — typically 6, 12, 18, or 24 months depending on the amount. If you pay off the balance within the promotional period, you pay no interest. If you do not, interest accrues from the original purchase date at a rate that varies based on your creditworthiness and the terms you choose.

Some Aspen Dental offices also offer in-house payment plans where you pay the office directly rather than using a credit card. These arrangements vary by location and are negotiated between you and the office staff. There is no standard structure across all Aspen Dental locations.

Key Takeaways

  • CareCredit is the primary payment plan option at most Aspen Dental locations, allowing you to finance treatment over 6 to 24 months with no interest if paid in full during the promotional period.
  • You must be approved for CareCredit before using it, which involves a credit check and takes a few minutes at the time of your appointment.
  • Some Aspen Dental offices offer in-house payment plans separate from CareCredit, but terms and availability vary by location.
  • Interest rates on CareCredit depend on your credit score and the promotional period you choose, so ask about the specific rate before committing.
  • Calling your local Aspen Dental office before your appointment is the fastest way to confirm which payment options they offer.

How CareCredit works at Aspen Dental

CareCredit functions like a regular credit card but is designed specifically for healthcare expenses. When you arrive for treatment at Aspen Dental, you can ask to open a CareCredit account on the spot. The office staff will help you complete the process, which takes about 5 to 10 minutes. Synchrony Bank (the issuer) will run a credit check and tell you within minutes whether you are approved and what your credit limit is.

Once approved, you use the CareCredit card to pay for your treatment. The office charges the full amount to the card when ready. You then pay CareCredit back over your chosen period — 6, 12, 18, or 24 months — in monthly installments. If you pay the entire balance before the promotional period ends, you owe no interest. If any balance remains after that period, interest kicks in retroactively to the purchase date.

The interest rate you receive depends on your credit score and the length of the promotional period. Longer periods (24 months) typically come with higher interest rates than shorter ones (6 months). Ask the Aspen Dental office staff what rate you will receive before you swipe the card.

In-house payment plans at Aspen Dental

Beyond CareCredit, some Aspen Dental locations will work out a payment arrangement directly with you. This might mean paying a portion upfront and the rest in installments, or spreading the cost over several months without using a credit card at all. These plans are not standardized — each office sets its own terms.

In-house plans sometimes come with no interest, but that is not may provide. Some offices may charge a fee or interest depending on the length of the arrangement. You will need to ask your specific office what they offer and what the terms are. This is a conversation to have before treatment begins, not after.

What to bring and ask before your appointment

If you plan to use CareCredit, bring a government-issued ID and know your Social Security number — you will need both for the credit check. You do not need to explore in advance; you can do it at the office. However, calling ahead to confirm that your location accepts CareCredit saves time.

Before your appointment, ask the office three things: whether they accept CareCredit, what in-house payment options they offer, and whether there are any treatment costs that cannot be financed. Some offices may require a deposit or payment upfront for certain procedures, even if the rest is financed.

What happens if you do not pay off CareCredit in time

If your promotional period ends and you still owe a balance, interest accrues from the original purchase date — not from the end of the promotional period. This means the total interest can be substantial if you miss the important date by even a few days. For example, if you financed $2,000 over 12 months and missed the important date with $100 still owed, you would owe interest on the full $2,000, not just the $100.

To avoid this, set a phone reminder for one month before your promotional period ends. Pay the remaining balance before that date if you can. If you cannot, contact CareCredit to ask about extending the promotional period or refinancing the remaining balance — they sometimes offer this option.

Comparing CareCredit to other payment options

CareCredit is not the only way to finance dental work. You could also use a personal loan from a bank or credit union, a dental discount plan (which reduces the cost of treatment rather than financing it), or dental insurance if you have it. Each has different costs and terms.

CareCredit is popular at Aspen Dental because it is fast to set up and has no interest if you pay within the promotional window. A personal loan might have a lower interest rate if you have good credit, but takes longer to obtain. A dental discount plan costs money upfront but can reduce the price of treatment itself. Compare these options before deciding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use CareCredit at any Aspen Dental location?

Most Aspen Dental locations accept CareCredit, but not all. Call your local office to confirm before your appointment. Some franchises or independently operated locations may have different payment options.

What credit score do I need to be approved for CareCredit?

Synchrony Bank does not publish a minimum credit score requirement. Approval depends on your overall credit history and current debt. You may be approved with fair credit, but your credit limit and interest rate will reflect your score. The only way to know is to explore.

Can I pay off CareCredit early without a penalty?

Yes. CareCredit has no prepayment penalty, so you can pay off the balance at any time without extra fees. Paying early is actually a good strategy — it reduces the risk of missing the promotional important date and owing retroactive interest.

What if I am denied for CareCredit?

If you are denied, ask the Aspen Dental office about their in-house payment plans. You can also ask whether they accept other financing options, such as personal loans or payment plans through other companies. Some offices may also offer a discount if you pay in full upfront.

Does Aspen Dental offer payment plans for routine cleanings and checkups?

Payment plans are usually offered for larger procedures like crowns, root canals, or implants rather than routine visits. Ask your office whether they finance preventive care, as policies vary by location.