Dental insurance is never a waste, as it’s almost crucial to modern dental care. A good policy can reduce most treatment costs in the right cases! Still, don’t forget: such facts only apply when you’re well-informed and buy an ideal dental plan for your needs. You should trust your Dallas dentist to help you make the best possible choice. To that end, consider these three things to know when buying dental insurance.
The Different Kinds of Dental Plans
Before you buy “dental insurance,” note that it isn’t a generic product. It comes in different types that have their own unique traits and features.
All in all, dental policies come in two main categories: PPOs and HMOs. A PPO offers partial coverage whether you see an in-network or out-of-network dentist, though its flexibility comes with a high premium. Meanwhile, an HMO is less flexible (it restricts coverage to in-network dentists) but charges a smaller premium.
Which Services a Dental Plan Covers
To pick a good dental plan, you should know which services it covers beforehand. Otherwise, your coverage may not suit your needs.
Most dental plans include three types of dental services in their coverage. These are:
- Preventive & Diagnostic Care – This category includes periodic dental checkups, teeth cleanings, X-rays, and similar treatments. Almost all dental plans fully cover the cost of such services.
- Basic Restorative Services – The key examples of basic restorative work are dental fillings and root canals. Most of these treatments’ costs are covered by many dental plans, though you’ll need to meet a deductible first.
- Major Restorative Services – Treatments like dental crowns, dental bridges, dental implants, and dentures are major restorative services. The majority of dental plans only cover half the cost of these procedures, with low annual benefit maximums.
Most Dental Plans Have Waiting Periods
As much as you may want its benefits, you can’t use dental insurance at once. Each policy has a waiting period before applying to dental visits.
This wait can vary based on the dental service in question. Normally, preventive care visits are covered almost immediately (i.e., within the first 30 days). On the other hand, basic restorative services are often covered three months after a plan’s purchase. Major restoration work is usually only covered after the six-month mark.
All that said, please check how much your policy covers during a calendar year. Some may only cover a few services each year.
The items above are only a few things to know when buying dental insurance. To learn more about the others, consult your dental provider!
About the Practice
Avion Dental & Orthodontics is based in Dallas, TX. Led by our many excellent dentists, our practice prides itself on its family-friendly dental care. We gladly provide both kids and adults with preventive, cosmetic, restorative, and even emergency services. Our office also accepts many dental insurance plans to ensure affordable care. For more details or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (972)-807-9887.