Your dental health is super important, so taking the time to go to the dental office for routine cleanings and checkups is a must! Dental insurance is a helpful tool for allowing patients to attend their routine visits for an affordable rate. Now that it’s time for you to choose a dental insurance plan, it’s important to be informed. Here are some things that you should know before buying dental insurance.
Preventive Care Is Usually Covered
Having regular checkups every six months can become costly very quickly. This typically includes a cleaning, examination, and routine X-rays. The good news is that when you choose a dental insurance plan, these preventive visits are usually covered at 100%! Just be sure to confirm this when you choose your plan so that you don’t run into any unnecessary surprises.
Restorative Care Also Receives Coverage
Most dental insurance plans will cover about 80% of minor restorative procedures, like dental fillings. You are only left to pay the remaining 20%. For example, if you need a filling that costs $400 in total, you will only be left to pay 20% of that, which is about $80.
If you need a major restorative procedure, like dentures, dental crowns, or a root canal, you will likely receive coverage for this as well. Most dental insurance plans cover major restorative procedures at 50%, so you will only be left with half of the overall cost of your treatment.
Dental Insurance Plans Have Waiting Periods
Dental insurance can save you a lot of money in the long run. However, there is typically a waiting period before you are able to start utilizing your coverage. In the majority of cases, preventive care visits are covered right away, so you don’t need to wait to schedule your cleanings and checkups. However, if you are in need of restorative services, they may not be covered for a few months after you start receiving coverage. You should check about any waiting periods as you are choosing a plan.
Dental Insurance Doesn’t Cover All Services
Your dental insurance plan grants you coverage on preventive and restorative care. However, elective procedures are not usually covered unless they are also providing benefits to your oral health, like getting a veneer to cover and protect a cracked tooth. Corrective services, like orthodontics, only receive coverage on certain dental insurance plans, so this is something you should inquire into if you are interested in those types of services.
Dental insurance can be confusing because it doesn’t work quite like medical insurance. Fortunately, by asking questions and becoming informed, you can choose the plan that works best for you.
About the Author
Dr. Steve Cha is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for more than 20 years. He earned his dental doctorate from the Loma Linda University School of Dentistry and has completed countless hours of continuing education. He has certifications in the American Orthodontic Society and the Advanced Dental Implant Research & Education Center. Currently, he is a proud member of the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association. To learn more about dental insurance or to schedule an appointment at his office in McKinney, visit his website or call (972) 529-1800.