Is Dental Insurance Worth It?
Updated May 2022
You have a lot to think about when it comes to the many types of insurance policies you need (health, auto, home, etc.). But what about dental insurance? Sure, you might shudder at the thought of taking on yet another expense, but you may be pleasantly surprised when you see just how affordable these plans can be and how much they can provide.
Dental insurance helps you save money when receiving care for your teeth and gums, but it can also do a lot more than that.
What are the benefits of having dental insurance?
A lot of people ask themselves, “do I need dental insurance?” Well, there are several great reasons why you should consider getting it:
1. It can help cover the cost of all types of dental care
If you’ve ever been to the dentist and had to pay the bill on your own, you know how expensive a routine exam can be. Add on the cost of X-rays and a professional cleaning and you’re potentially spending hundreds.
In addition to preventive care, consider the costs of restorative treatments like fillings and root canals. And if you ever need to have a tooth extracted (such as a wisdom tooth) or you end up needing a dental implant, you might be shocked by the cost of those treatments.
Dental insurance can help you pay for multiple categories of care, and you can find plans that cover orthodontics too. Different plans will provide varying levels of coverage. Here’s an example of what’s possible:
- Preventive care (e.g., exams, cleanings, X-rays) might be covered at 100%
- Basic services (e.g., fillings, root canals, extractions) might be covered at 80%
- Major services (e.g., implants, dentures, bridges) might be covered at 50%
2. Sometimes, you need dental care unexpectedly
You might prepare yourself financially for anticipated trips to the dentist. But what if you need care unexpectedly or end up needing emergency dental care? Your budget could take quite a hit, and you might find it hard to pay out of pocket.
Consider these examples: With the right dental plan, you can rest assured that you’ll receive support if your teeth are damaged as a result of an injury or accident. And if a tooth chips or cracks, or you start to feel an intense toothache that makes you realize you have severe decay, insurance can help cover the cost of treating those problems as well.
3. You won’t need to sacrifice high-quality dental care
Skipping trips to the dentist is a bad idea, especially if you’re experiencing symptoms. Problems that are minor could quickly worsen. An issue that might’ve been easy and inexpensive to treat may end up being expensive and require more extensive treatment. So, it’s best to be proactive when it comes to your oral health.
If you’re like a lot of people who don’t have dental insurance, you might avoid making an appointment because of the cost. Again, dental insurance can help in this area. Whether you need routine or emergency care, you won’t need to hesitate to see a dentist.
Plus, if you want to see a particular dentist but you can’t afford them, you may be able to save a substantial amount if you choose a plan they accept.
4. There are various dental plans you can choose from
Once you start searching for dental plans offered in your area, you’ll see just how low the premiums can be. And you’ll also have a few options when it comes to the type of policy you can enroll in.
There are a few differences between DHMO and DPPO plans. For example, while DHMO plans tend to have lower premiums, they’ll likely require that you use in-network dentists, while DPPO plans usually provide greater flexibility when choosing a dentist. Plus, there are indemnity plans that can help cover a percentage of the cost of care.
But, does dental insurance really make a difference?
Still asking, “why do I need dental insurance?” Consider that there is a connection between your oral health and your overall health.
That’s right: problems that take hold in your mouth, such as gum disease, might end up affecting other areas of your body, such as your heart. Also, if you’ve been diagnosed with certain conditions, such as diabetes, they might have an impact on your oral health. And, while examining your mouth, your dentist might notice signs that something is wrong, so this might even alert you to a health problem.
It’s worth seeing the dentist often so you can stay on top of what’s going on with your teeth and gums. Discovering and resolving a problem in its earliest stages may help prevent other problems from arising.
So, is dental insurance worth it? Definitely!
Now that we’ve covered some of the top dental insurance benefits, you might be wondering where to begin.
Spirit Dental is a great place to start because you can find affordable, comprehensive plans that give you perks like three cleanings per year, no waiting periods, and a high annual maximum.
Whether you’re shopping for yourself or your family, the right policy can help reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Contact us if you need help picking the ideal plan for your needs.
Sources:
https://www.moneyunder30.com/is-dental-insurance-worth-it
https://www.dentalplans.com/dental-information/dental-insurance/is-dental-insurance-worth-it