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Bitewing X-Rays: What They Are, Costs & How to Save on Dental Imaging

March 28, 2025
Topics: Patients
Written by: Ally Comstock

What Are Bitewing X-Rays?

If you’ve been to a dentist, you’ve likely had bitewing X-rays—a common type of dental X-ray used to detect cavities, gum disease, and bone loss. But if you’re wondering:

How much do bitewing X-rays cost?
Are bitewing X-rays necessary for good dental health?
How can I save money on bitewing X-rays with or without insurance?

You’re in the right place!

Bitewing X-rays provide detailed images of your teeth, roots, and gums, helping dentists spot hidden issues before they become expensive problems. However, dental X-rays can add up in cost, especially without insurance.

The good news? There are ways to get affordable bitewing X-rays through membership plans, low-cost dental clinics, and financing options.

This guide will cover everything you need to know about bitewing X-rays, pricing, and how to reduce your dental imaging costs.


How Much Do Bitewings Cost?

The cost of bitewings depends on your location, dental office, and whether you have insurance.

Average Cost (Without Insurance): $25 – $100 per image
Cost of a Full Set (4 Bitewing X-Rays): $50 – $200
Cost With Insurance: $0 – $50 (covered 80-100% by most plans)

Bitewing X-rays are one of the most affordable dental imaging options, but costs vary between providers.

Find affordable bitewings at The Patient Marketplace.


Why Are Bitewings Important?

Bitewing X-rays help dentists detect hidden dental problems before they turn into serious and expensive issues.

What Do Bitewings Detect?

Cavities between teeth that aren’t visible during a routine exam
Gum disease (bone loss around teeth)
Decay under fillings or crowns
Tooth infections or abscesses
Early signs of jawbone loss

Skipping X-rays could mean missing serious problems that could cost thousands in the future.

Find affordable dental exams and X-rays at The Patient Marketplace.


How Often Do You Need Bitewings?

Most dentists recommend bitewing X-rays every 1-2 years, but some patients may need them more frequently if they are at higher risk for:

Frequent cavities or fillings
Gum disease
Dental implants or crowns
Orthodontic treatments (braces, Invisalign, etc.)

Getting X-rays regularly can help you avoid costly dental procedures down the road.

Find affordable dental checkups with X-rays at The Patient Marketplace.


Ways to Save Money on Bitewing’s

Even if you don’t have insurance, you don’t have to overpay for bitewing X-rays.

1. Use a Dental Membership Plan for Discounts

Dental membership plans can save you 30-60% on bitewing X-rays and other dental services.

Example Savings With a Membership Plan:
Bitewing X-rays (4 images): $100 → Membership plan covers 40% ($40), you pay $60
Full set of X-rays: $150 → Membership plan covers 40% ($60), you pay $90

Low annual or monthly fee ($150-$400/year)
Discounts on exams, cleanings, and X-rays
No waiting periods, claim denials, or restrictions

Find affordable dental membership plans at The Patient Marketplace.


2. Ask About Payment Plans & Financing Options

If you can’t afford to pay for bitewing X-rays upfront, many dental offices offer monthly payment plans to make imaging more affordable.

CareCredit & LendingClub – 0% financing available for qualified applicants
In-house payment plans – Monthly payments with no interest
Third-party lenders – Low-interest loans for dental procedures

Find financing-friendly dental providers at The Patient Marketplace.


3. Visit Low-Cost or Free Dental Clinics

Many nonprofit and government-funded clinics offer free or low-cost dental exams and X-rays for patients without insurance.

Community health centers offer affordable dental imaging
Dental schools provide X-rays at discounted rates
Nonprofit organizations may cover some or all of the cost

Check your local area for free or discounted dental X-ray programs.

Find low-cost dental clinics at The Patient Marketplace.


4. Compare Prices Before Booking Your X-Ray

Not all dental offices charge the same price for X-rays
Independent imaging centers often offer lower prices than hospitals
Some providers offer discounts for paying in cash

Call multiple locations before scheduling to find the best price.

Compare dental X-ray prices at The Patient Marketplace.


Real Patient Story: How Maria Saved Over $100 on Bitewing X-Rays

Maria, a 34-year-old teacher, needed bitewing X-rays but didn’t have dental insurance. Her dentist quoted her $120 for a set of four X-rays, which was too expensive.

Solution? She found an affordable provider through The Patient Marketplace, which offered:
A membership plan with a 40% discount
A financing plan with $10/month payments

Original cost: $120
Discounted cost with membership: $72
Total savings: $48+

Now, Maria got her dental X-rays without financial stress!

Like Maria, you can find affordable bitewing X-rays by choosing the right provider and membership plan!


Find Affordable Bitewing X-Rays Near You

Need bitewing X-rays but don’t want to overpay? The Patient Marketplace connects you with trusted, cost-effective dental providers.

Compare pricing & find expert dental providers
Save 30-60% on dental X-rays
Find flexible payment plans that fit your budget

Click here to explore affordable dental X-ray options now!

Save on Dental, Optometry & Wellness

Dental & vision insurance are not the best options if you want to truly save on dental work or vision care. Search our listings of vetted prctices that can help you save money!

Jordon Comstock

Author Bio

Jordon Comstock is the Founder & CEO of BoomCloud™, a software that allows practice, clinic & spa owners to build, manage and scale a membership program. Jordon loves helping patients save on care & writing tips in dentistry, optometry and the spa industries. Jordon is passionate about music, Hawaii, Healthcare businesses like: dentistry, optometry, med spas and massage spas.