How Does Dental Insurance Work

Some people believe that dental insurance would be very expensive. It's true that the annual cost of joining a dental plan is higher than other health insurance plans, but this is due to the high rates of treatments and procedures covered by most plans. In fact, if you compare it to paying for your own treatments over time, you'll find that it's cheaper to join a dental plan. Dental insurance can also help protect you financially when things go wrong with your oral health or teeth occur unexpectedly. If you're looking for an easy way out in terms of skipping brushing your teeth every night, a toothbrush subscription service may be for you. You also get benefits like free dental checkups, screenings, and a better chance of avoiding diseases.

The most common type of dental insurance is managed care, where you pay a monthly fee for the coverage and your doctor or dentist can set your coverage limits. The idea is that it's easier for patients to get the attention they need if dentists are paid a flat monthly fee regardless of how much they treat a patient.

If you go to see your dentist or doctor with an urgent problem, he or she may work on the same teeth until it's fixed. This way no one tooth gets too much care at a time. If you prefer, you can have a specific problem treated by a specialist or end up seeing different specialists for several treatments. This is more likely if the ailment is serious, but it can also be cheaper because it's less likely that one specialist will charge much more than another. The average cost of repairs to a tooth that isn't taken care of in time is about $25 for simple issues and about $100 for more complicated problems, such as replacing a crown. You can find the average cost of services in your area here

The costs will vary depending on where you live and which type of dental plan you have. In general, the monthly cost for a good dental plan is approximately $25 per month. When you purchase a monthly plan, your dentist will work the same way as he or she would with a yearly plan.

If you join a dental plan that lasts for one year, you'll have to pay more every month than if you join one that lasts for six or twelve months. The reason is because your dentist or doctor will receive a lump sum of money and not have to wait as long to get paid.

In exchange for the higher fee per month and the smaller amount of time that passes before payment is received, your dentist has less time to consult with the patient about costs and treatment options. In other words, the costs of the treatment can be more than what's covered by insurance.

If you're not happy with your dentist or doctor, you may have to find another one. This is called going to a new dentist or finding a specialist. A lot of people don't go to a new dentist because they enjoy their regular dentist and don't want to leave him or her for another one. However, finding a good dental office is much easier after joining a dental plan since the staff will know your schedule and be familiar with the services that are covered in your plan.

Dental plans also provide basic coverage such as x-rays, cleanings, exams, alterations and replacements if needed. They also provide treatments for gum disease, minor dental problems and dental emergencies. You can find a list of the cost of procedures commonly covered by most dental plans here . Other benefits may include:

* Free to join

* High deductibles

* Out-of-pocket maximums

* Dental plan services are not covered by Medicare, Medicaid or other insurance. You do not have to pay for them out of pocket.

* It can be cheaper to join a dental plan even if you have health coverage through your employer or other sources. A lot of insurance companies cover the yearly cost of a comprehensive dental plan regardless of your insurance coverage.

When your dental plan covers the cost of a service, you pay an amount that's negotiated based on the type and value of the service or procedure performed. The only fee you pay is the one negotiated between your dental office and your insurance company. Therefore, a good idea is to talk to your dentist about what services are covered in your plan. Here is a list of common dental procedures, their costs and what's usually covered by insurance:

* Dental cleanings—Many types of cleaning methods are used by hygienists today to clean teeth more thoroughly. These include ultrasonic, high-speed and low-speed dental cleanings. The ultrasonic method is used only when there's a possibility of removing more than two mineral deposits. High-speed cleaners are used in between regular cleanings to prevent canker sores from developing. Low-speed cleaners are used after eating certain foods that cause bacteria to flourish on your teeth. These include: red meat, coffee and dark chocolate . High-speed and low-speed cleaners may cost $25 to $100 for a cleaning session.

* Fillings—The dental treatment that covers filling holes and other cavities is usually performed by a dentist. Dental fillings are used to support healthy teeth, restore damaged teeth and fill spaces that were left after dental procedures.

* Appointments—An appointment is a dental office visit for cleaning, exam or treatment for a condition affecting the smiles of both adults and children.

* Dentures—Dentures are used in advanced situations where the patient is unable to eat without assistance because of decay, jaw bone loss or other problems. Dental implants (a type of prosthetic replacement) may be needed to replace missing teeth if they're not able to withstand the pressure placed on them from chewing food.

* Crowns—Crowns cover the entire tooth. They're often used to protect teeth that are damaged by decay or injury. The procedure is performed by a dentist.

You may be able to save money if you keep your monthly dental plan. It's important to read carefully when you sign up for one, and make sure you understand what's covered and what isn't. By signing up for a discount plan, you'll have access to exclusive offers in your local area for dental care, check-ups and more.

Conclusion

Now you know the basics of a dental plan and how it works. A dental plan can help you save money for your next dental visit, encourage you to go to the dentist and let your family dentist know that you have a plan. If you're not sure if a plan is right for you, check out my other posts on other health related benefits from work and travel plans to gym membership plans. If you need suggestions on what type of dental plan is best for you click here and get 5% back in rewards by joining our program. So stop waiting to start protecting your smiling relationship with regular dentist visits and take care of those pearly whites today!

Another great post by "Amber" here.