Spirit Dental Resources

Updated May 2023Have you ever wondered how your dental claims are handled after you receive treatment and have insurance? Below is a quick summary of what your dentist does to ensure proper payment for any procedures you have undergone, along with a few tips on submitting a dental claim yourself whenever necessary.How are dental claims processed?If you have never submitted a dental claim, you may be asking, "How are dental claims processed?" Dental insurance claims processing typically involves two steps.Step 1: Submitting a claimAfter you give your dentist all of the information he or she needs regarding your dental insurance, the office might take care of submitting the dental claim on your behalf. Your dentist could submit a claim through regular snail mail or electronic filing. Many dentists will choose the electronic option because it’s easier and more efficient, but the submission type may depend on your insurance provider’s requirements.Sometimes copies of your X-rays and other documents will also need to be submitted along with the claim form for dental claims processing. For example, with a Spirit dental plan, there aren’t any waiting periods, you can receive up to three cleanings annually and you can receive dental insurance for major services.Keep in mind that your dentist might estimate what your out-of-pocket costs will be before submitting the dental claim. So you may need to pay a portion of the bill upfront and let your insurance cover the rest. Your dentist will reimburse you if you end up overpaying, or he or she will come back to you and ask for another payment if the estimate was incorrect and you owe more.Step 2: Waiting for paymentAfter a dental claim has been properly submitted, your dental insurance provider will check it to ensure the treatments you received are covered under your plan. As long as the claim is approved by the insurance company, they will submit the appropriate payment to your dentist for the services that you received. But if you paid the bill upfront, the insurance provider will reimburse you instead.Things could get a bit complicated if a claim is submitted and your insurance provider doesn’t cover part or all of the services within the claim. In this case, your dentist will likely contact you to receive an out-of-pocket payment directly from you. Or you might be contacted by your insurance provider regarding any payment you must make to your dentist because they don’t cover the full cost of treatment.Knowing when you need to submit a dental claimYour insurance provider might prefer receiving a claim that has been submitted by you, the patient. So rather than your dentist submitting the claim, you may need to pay your dentist upfront and then submit a claim for reimbursement. For example, some insurance providers might require this step when you visit a dentist who isn’t in-network. Once the dental claim has been reviewed and approved, you’ll receive the payment directly from your insurance provider, whether they owe you the full payment or they’re only required to cover a portion of what you paid for the treatments you received.Often, when you submit a claim yourself, you’ll be required to include information like your contact info, your dental insurance policy number, the date of service, information on your dentist, a description of the services and diagnoses you received, and the itemized costs of the treatments that you were billed for. You may also be required to submit receipts, X-rays and other information. Basically, everything that your dentist would otherwise do on your behalf, you have to do yourself. But it’s a lot easier than it might seem at first, so don’t worry!Choosing the right plan and dentist is keyBefore signing up with any dental insurance company, it’s best to read through a plan’s details carefully. This way, you’ll know if you’re required to submit your dental insurance claims or if your dentist will be able to do so for you. On top of that, you will know if you are required to pay upfront and then be reimbursed, or if the payment will be submitted directly to your dentist.In addition to knowing what’s covered and what isn’t covered by your insurance plan, it’s also a great idea to find out if there are any limits on the amount of treatment you can receive or if there is a waiting period. This information will help you avoid those dreaded declined dental claims. For example, with a Spirit dental plan, there aren’t any waiting periods, you can receive up to three cleanings annually and you can receive coverage for major services.Frequently asked questions about dental claimsIf you have questions about dental claims, we have answered a few common questions we hear about dental insurance claims processing below. If you have further questions, please contact us; our experienced team will gladly assist you.What is the major difference between medical and dental claims?The major difference between medical and dental claims is the type of services covered and how they are processed. Medical claims typically involve reimbursement for medical services related to illness, injury, or disease, such as doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, and prescription medications. Dental claims, on the other hand, involve reimbursement for dental services related to oral health, such as dental exams, cleanings, fillings, crowns, orthodontics and other dental treatments. Dental claims are specific to dental care and are processed separately from medical claims.What is a dental claim form called?The dental claim form is typically referred to as a "Dental Claim Form" or "Dental Insurance Claim Form." It is a standardized document used by dental providers to submit a claim for reimbursement to the dental insurance company on behalf of the patient. The dental claim form includes information such as the patient's personal details, policy number, description of services rendered, diagnosis codes and charges for the dental services provided.How do I finalize an open dental claim?To finalize an open dental claim, you will typically need to follow these steps:Complete the dental claim form accurately and provide all the required information, including details about the dental services provided, diagnosis codes, and charges.Attach any supporting documentation, such as dental treatment records, X-rays or invoices, as requested by the dental insurance company.Submit the completed dental claim form and supporting documentation to the dental insurance company by mail, fax or electronically, per their instructions.Follow up with the dental insurance company to ensure they have received and processed your claim. You may need to provide additional information or documentation if requested.Once the dental insurance company has processed the claim, they will typically send you an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) which outlines the coverage, benefits and any patient responsibility, such as deductibles or co-pays.Review the EOB carefully and compare it with the original dental claim to ensure accuracy.If the dental claim is approved, the dental insurance company will issue reimbursement directly to you or your dental provider, depending on the terms of your policy. It's important to note that the specific process for finalizing an open dental claim may vary depending on the dental insurance company's requirements and policies, so it's best to refer to their documentation or contact their customer service for detailed instructions.Trust Spirit Dental for your dental insurance needsNow that you understand more about how dental claims work, you may be ready to shop for low-cost dental insurance. Spirit Dental has a variety of affordable dental plans for you to choose from that will meet your needs. It's easy to get dental insurance quotes online from Spirit Dental. Discover the difference Spirit Dental can make in your oral health.Sources:https://www.apexedi.com/things-you-should-know-about-submitting-dental-claims/https://www.bcbsm.com/index/health-insurance-help/faqs/topics/claims/claims-faq/submit-a-claim.htmlhttps://www.affiliateddentists.com/info/dental-insurance-claims-handled/

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…but it’s also the most stressful time of the year, isn’t it? For a lot of people, the holiday season is one that’s filled with busy days, family drama, and concerns about budgeting for gift shopping. So it’s no wonder that so many people start exhibiting some pretty bad habits, like nail-biting, as a result of all of the tension. Are you the type of person who bites their nails when frazzled? Then you might find yourself chewing on your nails more often than usual as the holidays approach and the year draws to a close. But did you know that this habit could harm your teeth? Wait, Why Is Nail Biting Bad for Teeth? Biting your nails all the time doesn’t just wreck your nails; it could also do some damage to your pearly whites. Here are a few of the effects that biting your nails could have on your teeth and gums: You might cause your front teeth to become worn, or you might even chip or crack a tooth. And the added pressure on the teeth might also cause them to shift. Not good! Biting your nails may boost your risk of bruxism (AKA teeth grinding), which could lead to a host of symptoms like headaches, facial pain, recessed gums, tooth sensitivity, and tooth loss. Wear braces? Biting your nails may increase your risk of root resorption (that’s the shortening of your tooth roots). Now that’s scary! Damage to the gums is also possible, especially if you have sharp or jagged fingernails. Ouch! Your fingernails can harbor a lot of bacteria that could end up in your mouth when you bite your nails. Ew! It’s Time to Break the Nail Biting Habit Want to take control and stop biting your nails? Here are a few easy steps that you can take: Keep your nails short by trimming them and filing them down. In this way, you won’t have anything to chew on when you go to bite your nails. So simple! Pay for a manicure. This might deter you from biting your nails because you won’t want to ruin the way they look. Make your nails taste bad by purchasing a nail polish designed to help you stop biting your nails. These polishes contain ingredients that will give your nails an offensive flavor so you’ll want to keep your fingers out of your mouth. Plus, these polishes come in clear, so if you aren’t a fan of using colors on your nails, you can still reap the benefits of using these products. Have some chewing gum, as doing so might help you keep your nails out of your mouth. Bonus: chewing on gum could help stimulate the production of saliva to keep your teeth cleaner in between meals. Behavioral therapy might also be an option, especially when other strategies have failed. Consider talking to your dentist about your nail-biting problem, as he or she might be able to refer you to a therapist who could help. De-Stressing Is the Name of the Game If you bite your nails when you’re stressed, you certainly aren’t alone. In addition to the steps above, finding ways to unwind could also be beneficial when it comes to getting rid of this unhealthy habit. Consider taking some time to care for yourself every day. Examples of self-care include scheduling time to exercise or do yoga, meditating for a few minutes, or spending time alone. You could also consider strategies like treating yourself to a relaxing spa treatment on a regular basis or pursuing a hobby that takes your mind off of your troubles. And experts recommend getting enough sleep, eating right, and spending time with people who bring you joy. These small steps might help you overcome your stress and eliminate the need to bite your nails in an effort to cope.   Ditch an Unhealthy Habit! Bottom line: the holidays can be stressful, and the added stress might be what triggers your unhealthy nail-biting habit. But having an understanding of what causes you to bite your nails, and taking steps to stop yourself, will help you keep your teeth and gums healthy and your nails looking perfect. Sources: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/threats-to-dental-health https://www.everydayhealth.com/dental-health-pictures/bad-habits-that-can-harm-your-teeth.aspx#09 https://www.deltadentalil.com/holiday-stress/

Did you know that if you have diabetes, your risk of oral health problems might be higher? But don’t worry; there are some easy steps you can take daily to support the strength of your teeth and gums. With the right strategy, you’ll be able to maintain that lovely smile for years to come, so check out the tips below to get started. First Off, What Can Diabetes Do to Your Mouth? Before tackling what you can do to keep your teeth shiny and strong, it’s important to cover what diabetes could actually do to your mouth. Here are a few of the common symptoms that may arise in diabetic patients: If your diabetes goes untreated, you may notice that you don’t have as much saliva as you should, and that could lead to uncomfortable dry mouth. Once that condition occurs, your teeth might become more susceptible to developing cavities. Yikes! Some diabetics may find that they’re more susceptible to gum disease. For example, you might develop gingivitis, which leads to gums that are inflamed and that bleed easily. And you wouldn’t be alone either, as periodontal disease is actually one of the more common dental ailments amongst diabetics. Why? Well, a lack of control over your blood sugar could boost your risk of gum disease. And having gum disease may also increase your blood sugar too. So it’s a vicious cycle.    You might have noted that, ever since you developed diabetes, infections in your mouth are more common than they were before. Wounds may also heal more slowly. And thrush, which is an infection that’s the result of fungus in the mouth, is yet another oral health problem that’s associated with diabetes. Not fun! Here’s What You Can Do to Take Control Diabetes might make you more susceptible to a variety of oral health problems, but that doesn’t mean that you’ve lost control. In addition to monitoring your blood sugar and keeping it within a healthy range with the help of diet, exercise, and medications, as well as not smoking, you should also make sure to thoroughly clean your dentures daily if you wear them. Brushing and flossing every day at home is extremely important for everyone, but if you have diabetes, you can take extra steps to ensure you’re getting a thorough clean every time. Here are a few ways to take your brushing and flossing routine to the next level: Brush your teeth at least twice a day, including before going to bed. Each time you brush, do so for a full two minutes. After brushing, spit out the toothpaste but don’t rinse your mouth with water. Instead, allow the fluoride in the toothpaste to remain on your teeth in order to keep working. Use dental floss at least once a day to thoroughly clean anything that your toothbrush missed in between your teeth. This is a really important step if you want to have healthy gums, so even though flossing can be annoying, it’s totally worth it. Trust us. Talk to your dentist about which type of mouthwash would be best for you, as there are some that could help combat dry mouth, and there are even some that are antibacterial. Most Importantly… Everyone could benefit from seeing their dentist at least twice a year for a checkup and professional cleaning. If you have diabetes, however, these visits with your dentist will be even more important. Just be sure to let your dentist know that you have diabetes so you can receive the appropriate treatments. And don’t forget to let him or her know about your medications too! Plus, if you have gum disease, seeing your dentist regularly will help ensure it is detected in its earliest stages when it will be easiest to treat. Plus, getting the right treatment for gum disease might even improve your blood sugar control. Remember, diabetes and oral health problems are connected, so treating one could help improve the other as well. It’s a win-win! Pro tip: with a Spirit dental plan, you gain access to three dental cleanings per year! It’s Pretty Basic! Overall, maintaining the health of your teeth and gums when you have diabetes is really similar to the strategies that would be used by anyone who doesn’t have diabetes. Brushing and flossing at home and seeing your dentist twice a year are basic steps that you can take to keep your mouth free of infections and cavities. But if you are diabetic, just be aware that your risk might be higher for conditions like gum disease, so being a little extra diligent with your oral hygiene certainly won’t hurt. And once you fall into a solid routine of keeping your entire mouth clean, you’ll be smiling more than usual to show off those beautiful teeth! Sources: https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes/treatment-care https://www.diabetes.co.uk/features/diabetes-and-oral-health.html https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/d/diabetes   https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/diabetes-and-other-endocrine-disorders/diabetes-and-dental-treatment-what-you-should-know https://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Publications/Files/For_the_Dental_Patient_July_2010.pdf

With Thanksgiving and all of the end-of-the-year holidays approaching, it’s a perfect time to reflect on everything that we’re grateful for. And one thing that we are definitely thankful for is dental insurance. If you have dental insurance, you already know about the peace of mind that this type of coverage can provide, and it may have already helped you save a lot of money too. If don’t yet have dental insurance, below are a few of the reasons why so many people love it. Preventive Care: Keeping Major Problems at Bay When it comes to your dental health, preventive care can go a long way towards—you guessed it—preventing expensive, major problems that would otherwise occur later on. Want to avoid the dreaded root canal, as an example? Seeing your dentist at least twice a year for a checkup, x-rays, and cleanings will help him or her spot minor problems and fix them before they escalate. And that could save you a lot of time, money, and pain in the long run. The great thing about dental insurance is that it could cover most or all of those routine checkups and necessary procedures that your dentist uses to keep your mouth in tip-top shape. And every time you see your dentist, he or she can give you even more tips on how to keep your teeth and gums super clean. Trust us, that personalized information is invaluable. Basic Procedures: Get Your Teeth and Gums Back to a Healthy State Sometimes, even when you see your dentist on schedule and you do your best to keep your teeth and gums clean at home, problems still arise. For example, you might have a cavity in between your teeth caused by debris that flossing missed, or your enamel might wear down over time. Thankfully, your dentist knows how to fix those problems in the most efficient and pain-free ways. Receiving basic care in the form of dental fillings for cavities, as one example, can be pricey. But if you have the right dental insurance plan already in place, you could rest assured that at least part of your bill will be covered on your behalf. After all, getting your teeth filled shouldn’t drill a hole in your wallet too, right? Major Services: When Decay Has Gone Too Far While a basic filling might suffice sometimes, other times, it isn’t enough. Sometimes the decay in a tooth is so bad that your dentist will have to perform a more intense procedure. And he or she might recommend getting a crown, implant, or bridge to make your teeth look their best. The more advanced the dental procedure, and the more visits that are required to complete it, the more expensive it will all be. Once again, though, dental insurance can come to your rescue. Choosing a plan that covers major services and that comes with the added perk of a whopping $5,000 annual maximum* could help you get the treatment you need without breaking the bank. Emergencies: You Can’t Predict What’s Going to Happen Whether it’s due to a sports injury or an accident, a dental emergency could happen at any time. A chipped tooth or a tooth that has been pushed right out of its socket needs to be treated as soon as possible in order to salvage it. It’s certainly helpful to be prepared by knowing what you can do during a dental emergency to increase the odds that a tooth can be saved. The other step that you can take in advance involves simply shopping for a dental insurance plan that will help pay for the cost of expensive emergency treatments. Ahh, what a relief! Think Dental Insurance Is Expensive? Think Again! In terms of price, dental insurance is probably more affordable than you think. There are a variety of individual dental insurance plans and family plans available that will cover what you need at a price that you’re comfortable with. You can even choose from plans that have networks or that give you more freedom to choose your dentist. And there are plans that have no waiting periods, which means you don’t have to wait to receive the care that you need to make your mouth healthy again. Aren’t you glad dental insurance providers have your back? Ultimately, a dental benefits package is all about giving you peace of mind and helping you save money, which is why we’re so thankful for it. Like other forms of insurance, this is an investment into your health, so it’s definitely worthwhile. Start shopping for your ideal plan today! *The $5,000 annual maximum plan(s) may not be available in all states.

Updated August 2021 Your genes can play a role in how you look and behave, and they can also have an impact on various aspects of your health. You’re probably already familiar with the fact that certain problems can be inherited from your parents, but can genes affect your teeth and gums, in particular? The simple answer is yes! There are certain oral health conditions that might be linked to genetics, but there’s also no reason to feel helpless even if you are predisposed to those ailments. Continue reading to learn about some of the ways that your teeth and gums may be impacted by genetics, and to uncover some of the things you can do to reduce the risk of oral problems. A link between genetics and oral health To try to figure out if genes can play a role in someone’s oral health, researchers conducted a study that looked at the genetic and oral health data of over 500,000 individuals. They wanted to see if there were genes that were associated with periodontitis and cavities.  After analyzing the data, experts found that there are genes associated with increased odds of developing cavities. They even found that genes might have an impact on the quality of a person’s saliva. So, the simple answer is that genetics may affect the health, appearance, and strength of your teeth and gums.  Ask your family if they’ve experienced and treated any oral health problems. What you might discover is that certain ailments do run in your family and, therefore, might be a result of your genes.  What are some oral health problems that might be caused by genetics? Various genetic defects can impact the number of teeth in a person’s mouth, the strength of the enamel, and the shape, color, and size of the teeth.   Some people might be at an increased risk of cavities or gum disease because of their genes. But there are other conditions, such as oral cancer, that might also be related to your genetic makeup.  In addition to health problems, your genes may affect the alignment of your bite, and they might also determine if you’ll end up needing braces to straighten your teeth. Plus, problems like gaps between teeth or overcrowding might be the result of genetics as well.  Pro tip: As a parent, taking your child to the dentist at an early age can help you find and treat issues like malocclusion as soon as possible.  Remember that you do have control! Put simply, some health problems, including those that affect your mouth, might be linked to your genes. But, whether or not you have a genetic predisposition to problems like cavities and gum disease, it’s important to keep in mind that your lifestyle also plays a role in how healthy your mouth is. In other words, try to control what you can to help increase the odds that your teeth and gums will remain healthy.  Remember, unhealthy habits like following a poor quality diet or smoking may boost your risk of oral health issues. And, of course, if you don’t brush and floss daily, your risk of developing dental decay or gum problems will also increase. Seeing the dentist should be on your agenda Another way to be sure you can keep your pearly whites bright and your gums nice and strong: see the dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings!  Your dentist will be able to examine your mouth for the earliest signs of disease so you can receive treatment promptly, and they can also talk to you about genetic factors that may put you at a greater risk of oral problems.   Reluctant to go to the dentist because you can’t afford it? Spirit is here to help! Shop for affordable dental insurance that covers everything from fillings to orthodontics so you don’t have to break the bank to have a perfect smile.        Sources: https://www.deltadentalins.com/oral_health/are-oral-health-issues-genetic.html https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/news-events/nidcr-news/2019/genes-are-key-oral-health-beyond https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/developmental-disabilities/are-oral-health-issues-genetic-10-conditions-to-know

It’s that time of year again; open enrollment is here! That means it’s your chance to shop for the right health insurance plan, especially if you aren’t currently covered or you aren’t happy with your existing coverage for any reason. What should you know about open enrollment in order to make the most of it? Check out the information below to learn the ins and outs. Act Fast! Open enrollment will begin on November 1, 2017, and it will only run until December 15, 2017 (unless you live in a state that has extended the deadline for you). So this year, you don’t have as much time to decide upon the right insurance for yourself and your family. But it’s okay; you got this! Here’s the deal: this is the only time of year during which you can shop for and get health insurance unless you’re able to receive coverage outside of open enrollment because you fall into a category that exempts you from having to wait. For example, a “qualifying life event,” like having a baby, might allow you to enroll in a plan outside of the open enrollment period. So for most people, this is your perfect opportunity to start shopping for the ideal plan. When will your coverage actually kick in, though? As long as you sign up in time, your insurance will be in place on January 1, 2018. Missing that all-important signup deadline may mean that you will have to wait until next year to get coverage during the next open enrollment. And going without coverage means you might even be hit with a penalty at tax time. Yikes! Where to Shop? When it comes to browsing health insurance plans, you could visit Healthcare.gov and check out what is available to you. And you could also use the site to determine if you qualify for financial assistance from the government in order to pay your premium with greater ease every month. Not bad, huh? Another option would be to check out a health insurance provider’s website. You may be able to browse dental individual insurance plans that are available to the public and then simply sign up directly. Other ways to analyze the plans that are available include: working with a health insurance agent who may help guide you in the right direction towards the best coverage at the lowest price or using a service that will help you compare multiple providers and plans in one place. Already Have Coverage? It’s Still a Good Idea to Shop Around Even if you already have health insurance and you like the coverage, it might be a good idea to shop around now that open enrollment is here. Why? Because new plans might be added to your list of options, and you might find one that suits your needs even better. Pricing could also change from one year to the next, so if your existing plan is no longer affordable, the time is now to shop for one that will be easier on your wallet. Also, if you are currently enrolled in a plan through Healthcare.gov and you receive tax credits, updating your income and other household information for 2018 could help you receive the right amount of savings. Bottom line: if you don’t take action now, you may be automatically enrolled in the same plan or a plan that’s similar, for the coming year, even if it no longer suits your health and financial needs. So the best way to stay in control is by taking a bit of time to browse your options and decide upon the coverage that’s just right for you. An Easier Way to Get Dental Insurance In the event that you are unable to find the appropriate dental insurance during the open enrollment, don’t worry! With Spirit Dental, you can apply for coverage at any time throughout the year. And no matter what plan you choose, you can rest assured that your coverage will kick in when your plan becomes active. That’s right: no waiting periods to worry about! So whether you need a routine dental cleaning or a major service, Spirit has your back. It’s so important to have the right health insurance, including dental and vision insurance. Open enrollment is your chance to start planning for the coverage that will give you peace of mind for the coming year. So what are you waiting for? Check out your options before it’s too late! Sources: https://www.insure.com/health-insurance/open-enrollment-for-individual-health-insurance.html https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/health/health-insurance-open-enrollment/ https://www.healthcare.gov/keep-or-change-plan/