CareCredit & Sunbit Dental Financing in North Houston
Two third-party financing options for patients without insurance, patients who've hit their annual max, or anyone who'd rather spread treatment into monthly payments. Both have tradeoffs — we explain them honestly so you can choose what fits your situation.
832-779-5522Call to ask about financing before your appointment.
How Each Option Works
Both are third-party lenders, meaning the loan comes from the lender, not from Mi Smile Family Dental. Mi Smile Family Dental does not guarantee approval and receives no additional payment based on the patient's use of financing.
CareCredit
A healthcare credit line issued by Synchrony Bank. Once approved, the line can be reused at many healthcare providers nationally, not just our office.
Application
- Hard credit check at application¹
- Approval decision typically within minutes
- Reported approval rates around 60–65% in industry analyses¹
Typical terms
- Promotional periods commonly 6, 12, 18, or 24 months
- Standard APR applies after promotional period; actual rate is set at application¹
- Reusable line — can be used again for future dental or other healthcare
Important — deferred interest: CareCredit's promotional "0% interest if paid in full" offers use deferred interest. If the balance is not paid in full by the end of the promotional period, interest is charged retroactively on the original purchase amount from the date of the purchase, at the standard APR.¹ This is common to many healthcare credit cards and is worth understanding at application.
Sunbit
A point-of-sale installment lender with a streamlined application. Often positioned for patients who may not qualify for a traditional credit card.
Application
- Soft credit check at application — no impact on credit score from applying¹
- Approval decision typically within under a minute
- Reported approval rates around 85% in industry analyses¹
Typical terms
- Fixed monthly installments, typically from 3 to 72 months
- APR range from 0% to 35.99%, set individually based on the applicant's profile¹
- Typical maximum loan amount around $20,000 — fits most dental cases
Important: Certain Sunbit promotional offers may include a deferred-interest component. Review all terms carefully at application. Your specific rate and repayment schedule are set by the lender, not by Mi Smile Family Dental.
Side-by-Side at a Glance
Figures reflect 2026 industry analyses and may change. Your actual approval, rate, and terms are determined by the lender at application. Mi Smile Family Dental does not set or guarantee any specific rate or approval.
When Each Option May Fit
General guidance only — your individual situation is what actually determines the right fit. Both options can be used back-to-back, and some patients apply to both to compare offers.
CareCredit may fit when…
- You have established credit and can comfortably pay off the balance within the promotional period
- You expect ongoing healthcare expenses and want a reusable line
- You want to use the same card for dental, vision, veterinary, or other healthcare costs over time
- You're comfortable managing the deferred-interest deadline carefully
Sunbit may fit when…
- You want to check eligibility without affecting your credit score
- You prefer fixed monthly installments over a revolving line
- Your credit history is limited or being rebuilt
- Your treatment total fits within the typical Sunbit limit (around $20,000)
How to Apply
Get a treatment plan and estimate
After your exam, we give you a written treatment plan and cost estimate. This is the amount you'd be financing.
Apply during your visit or before
We can help you start an application at your appointment, or you can apply in advance online. For CareCredit, our front desk can run you through the process. For Sunbit, the application takes less than a minute and uses a soft credit check.
Read the terms carefully before accepting
The lender will present your approval terms — loan amount, APR, monthly payment, total cost if held to full term, and any promotional windows. Take a moment to understand what happens if a promotional period ends without a paid-in-full balance.
Proceed with treatment
Once you accept the lender's terms, treatment can be scheduled as usual. Payment for your dental care goes from the lender directly to Mi Smile Family Dental, not through you.
Other Ways to Make Care Affordable
Use your PPO benefits first
If you have a PPO plan, we verify coverage and submit claims on your behalf. Financing is for out-of-pocket amounts, not covered services. See PPO details.
Use year-end benefits before they expire
Most PPO annual maximums don't roll over. Scheduling treatment before December 31 can reduce your out-of-pocket. See year-end strategies.
Phase treatment when possible
Non-urgent treatment can sometimes be phased across plan years to use two annual maximums instead of one. We help you plan this.
Written estimates before treatment
You always get a written estimate before any treatment starts. We won't bill you for work you haven't agreed to.
Frequently Asked Questions
General information only. When in doubt about the severity of your situation, err on the side of caution and call us or go to the ER.
Let's Discuss Financing Before Your Visit.
Same-day slots are limited. The sooner you call, the sooner we can help.
Call 832-779-5522You're in Experienced, Caring Hands
Every patient sees the same doctor — Dr. Maddipati. No rotating associates.
A dentist who chose public health first
Dr. Maddipati earned her Master of Public Health before her dental degree — an unusual path that shapes how she practices. Accessible, honest, kind. She accepts Medicaid because she means it.
Patients often tell her she's the first dentist who made them feel truly at ease. That's not an accident — it's the whole point.
References
- Industry analyses comparing CareCredit and Sunbit application, approval, and deferred-interest practices (2026 dental industry reviews). Examples: practitioner-reviewed comparisons from 2026 dental industry publications. For exact current terms and rates, applicants should consult the lender directly at application.
- CareCredit (Synchrony Bank): carecredit.com · Apply here
- Sunbit: sunbit.com
- Universal disclosure: Both CareCredit and Sunbit are third-party lenders. The loan is between the patient and the lender. Mi Smile Family Dental does not determine or guarantee approval, rates, or terms, and does not receive additional payment based on the patient's use of financing.
Last reviewed: 2026