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Major dental treatments can feel like a leap—not only for your smile but also for your budget. Whether it’s a set of crowns, a cosmetic makeover, or a smile design case, many people ask themselves: How can I pay for this without worrying about insurance limits or hidden costs? That’s where Cherry comes in.
Cherry is an outside financing option that works like a line of credit, giving you the ability to start treatment right away and pay over time. At Tanglewood Dental Associates, many patients pay upfront, but for larger or cosmetic cases, Cherry provides a simple, flexible path forward. It’s different from traditional insurance, and unlike other financing tools, it comes with terms that both patients and our team can feel good about.
In this article, we’ll walk through what Cherry is, how it works, which treatments it can cover, and why Dr. Lonen prefers it over other options like CareCredit. By the end, you’ll know how Cherry can make your next step toward a healthier, more confident smile simple and stress-free.
When people first hear about Cherry, they often wonder: Is this like a credit card? In a way, yes—but it’s designed specifically to help with medical and dental costs. Cherry is a financing company that offers patients a line of credit. Once approved, you can start treatment immediately—whether it’s a crown, cosmetic work, or a full smile makeover.
Here’s how it works:
Alice, one of our team members, explained it this way: “Cherry is an outside financing company. You apply, and they let you know if you’re approved. Then you’re extended a line of credit.”
For patients, this means less stress about the “how” and more focus on their health and smile.
Transition: But what types of treatments can Cherry actually be used for? Let’s take a closer look.
One of the biggest advantages of Cherry is its flexibility. Unlike insurance or HSA/FSA accounts, Cherry can be used for cosmetic and elective treatments—the types of care people often want but find difficult to budget for.
For example, Alice shared that Cherry has been used for larger cosmetic cases, like Digital Smile Design (DSD), but also for restorative work: “There was one patient who used Cherry for a crown—maybe two.”
Patients typically use Cherry for:
Cherry makes cosmetic and higher-cost treatments possible for people who might otherwise delay or decline them.
Transition: Of course, this leads to a common question: Can Cherry replace insurance? Let’s unpack that next.
The short answer: yes, for some patients. Cherry can serve as a substitute when insurance doesn’t cover everything—or when it doesn’t cover cosmetic treatments at all.
Alice described it this way: “It works like any kind of line of credit, like a credit card. If you get a certain amount of months interest free, you just have to make sure it’s paid off within that time.”
Here’s how Cherry and insurance differ:
This allows people to choose the treatment they want—whether or not insurance applies—and spread payments over a realistic timeline.
Transition: That said, Cherry isn’t the only financing option out there. So why does our team prefer it over others, like CareCredit?
At Tanglewood Dental Associates, we’ve offered both Cherry and CareCredit. But Dr. Lonen has a clear preference.
“He prefers Cherry over CareCredit,” Alice noted, “because CareCredit charges a lot more.” CareCredit fees increase with the length of financing, and those fees are charged to the practice. That cost eventually trickles down to patients in one way or another.
Cherry, on the other hand, keeps fees more manageable—making it a win-win. Patients get access to fair financing terms, and our clinic can focus on care rather than absorbing steep costs from a third-party lender.
Our team plans to use Cherry more often for upcoming large cases, such as Digital Smile Design (DSD) treatments. This shift reflects our commitment to providing financial clarity alongside clinical excellence.
Transition: So if you’re considering Cherry, what do you need to know before applying? Let’s wrap up with some practical details.
Before jumping in, here are a few important details to keep in mind:
For people who want to move forward with treatment without delay, Cherry provides peace of mind. As Alice put it, “It works like a line of credit, and you can use it right away.”
If you’re ready to explore Cherry, our front desk can provide a pamphlet, or you can apply directly through Cherry’s website. Either way, you’ll know instantly whether you’re approved and what your limit is.
Transition: Now that you know how Cherry works, you can decide if it’s the right fit for your smile journey.
Cherry gives patients something often missing in dentistry: freedom of choice. Instead of delaying treatment or settling for what insurance allows, you can decide what’s best for your smile and pay for it in a way that fits your budget.
As we’ve explored, Cherry is simple: apply online, get approved instantly, and use it right away. People at our practice have used it for everything from crowns to full smile design cases. Unlike HSA/FSA accounts or insurance, Cherry can also cover cosmetic treatments—making it especially valuable for those wanting to improve both function and confidence. And because Dr. Lonen prefers Cherry over CareCredit, you can trust that it offers fair terms for both patients and the practice.
At Tanglewood Dental Associates, our goal is to make remarkable dentistry accessible through sincere relationships and transparent options. Financing shouldn’t be a roadblock to achieving the healthy, confident smile you deserve.
If you’ve been considering treatment but hesitating due to cost, Cherry could be the bridge that helps you move forward. Talk to our team at your next visit, or explore Cherry’s application online to see your options. With the right plan in place, the smile you want doesn’t have to wait.
Clear, honest answers to the dental questions you’ve been wondering about, because understanding your care shouldn’t be complicated.
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