Dental insurance is an important part of your overall health care plan. It helps you pay for dental services that are not covered by your regular health insurance policy.
You can purchase dental insurance as a separate policy, or it can be added to your current health insurance plan. To help you understand how it works, here are answers to some common questions.
How does it work?
Dental insurance policies typically cover preventive care, basic procedures, and major dental work. Most plans have an annual maximum benefit, which is the maximum amount the insurance company will pay for dental services in a year. Once you reach your annual maximum, you will be responsible for paying 100% of the costs of any additional dental care.
#1 – Preventive Care
Preventive care includes regular dental exams, cleanings, and x-rays. Most dental insurance plans will cover 100% of the cost of preventive care.
#2 – Basic Procedures
Basic dental procedures include fillings, extractions, and root canals. These are the treatments that will eventually become necessary as you age, depending on the health of your teeth. Dental insurance plans will typically cover 70-80% of the cost of these procedures.
#3 – Major Procedures
Major procedures are more extensive and include dental crowns, bridges, dentures, implants, and orthodontics. These treatments can be very expensive, and dental insurance will typically only cover 50% of the cost.
How much do these cost without insurance?
- Regular dental exams: $50-$100
- Cleanings: $75-$200
- X-rays: $100-$300
- Fillings: $150-$600
- Extractions: $75-$400
- Root canals: $500-$1500
- Crowns: $700-$3000
- Bridges: $700-$3000
- Dentures: $1000-$6000
- Orthodontics: $3000-$7500
- Implants: $2000-$4500
As you can see, dental care can be expensive. Dental insurance can help you pay for the oral health care you need and save money in the long run. It also encourages you to take care of your teeth and see the dentist regularly, which can prevent more serious oral problems from developing.
What is the process?
Similar to the process of getting health coverage, you can purchase a dental insurance policy through your employer, an insurance company, or the government.
If you purchase it through your employer, they will usually offer a group rate that is lower than what you would pay for an individual policy. You will also have the option to choose from a variety of plans, depending on your needs and budget.
If you purchase it through an insurance company, you will usually have to pay the entire premium yourself. However, you may be able to get a discount if you purchase a plan along with your health coverage through the same company.
The government offers dental insurance for seniors and children through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). To see if you qualify, contact your state’s Medicaid office or CHIP program.
How much do the plans cost?
Dental insurance premiums vary depending on the type of plan, the amount of coverage you need, and the dental services you want to be included in your plan.
However, the average premium for an individual is $360 per year, and the average family premium is $680 per year. To get quotes from different companies, you can contact your state’s dental association or visit the website of the National Association of Dental Plans.
What are the types of dental insurance?
- Indemnity is the traditional type where you choose your own dentist and pay a set fee for each covered procedure. With this type, you usually have to pay an annual deductible before the insurer begins to pay for dental services.
- Managed care plans, on the other hand, are HMOs or PPOs that contract with oral health care providers to provide services at a discounted rate. With managed care, you usually have to choose from a list of in-network dentists and pay a copayment or coinsurance for dental services.
The type of dental insurance that is right for you depends on your needs and budget. If you want to be able to choose your own dentist, then indemnity type may be a good choice for you. However, if you are looking for a plan that is less expensive, then managed care may be a better option.
Dental Insurance and Orthodontics
If you are considering orthodontic treatment, dental insurance may help cover the cost of braces or other oral appliances. Most plans cover a portion of the cost of orthodontic treatment, with the average reimbursement being around $1000.
However, dental insurance typically does not cover the entire cost of orthodontic treatment, so you will likely have to pay some out-of-pocket expenses. You also need to consider getting a plan that does include orthodontic treatment for you or your child, as orthodontic treatment can be expensive but highly necessary.
At Amboy Orthodontics, we make sure to help you maximize your dental insurance benefits so that you can get the dental care and treatment you need without breaking the bank. We also offer a complimentary consultation and flexible payment options to make orthodontic treatment more affordable for everyone.
If you are in the market for dental insurance or are considering orthodontic treatment, contact us today to learn more about how we can help you. We offer all kinds of orthodontic treatments you might need such as braces, Invisalign, dentofacial orthopedics, TMJ/TMD medications, surgical orthodontics, and emergency care.