Spirit Dental Resources

Dental insurance can be difficult to understand. With so many costs and elements associated with a plan, it’s hard to know exactly how much you’re paying and whether you’re getting the most value. Annual maximums are an important piece of the dental insurance puzzle, in that they can significantly impact how much you’ll pay out of pocket in a given year. We’re here to help simplify the concept of an annual maximum and help you find affordable dental insurance to suit your healthcare needs. What does annual maximum mean for dental insurance?An annual maximum is the maximum amount of money that your dental insurance plan will pay for covered services within a policy year.Many dental insurance plans offer high annual maximums, especially for preventive services such as routine check-ups, cleanings, and X-rays. By having a plan with a high annual maximum, you can rest assured that the costs associated with preventive care are covered, allowing you to focus on maintaining optimal oral health without worrying about the financial burden.However, high annual maximums in dental insurance plans go beyond covering preventive care. They also play a crucial role in making other necessary dental treatments — like fillings, extractions, root canals and crowns — more affordable. With a dental insurance plan that offers a high annual maximum, you have access to a greater pool of funds for these major services when you need them, alleviating the financial strain without compromising your oral health.It’s important to note that high annual maximums aren’t suitable for everyone. For individuals who require minimal or no dental treatments, a plan with a lower annual maximum might be more cost-effective.  But when you need coverage, having a high annual maximum helps your dental savings stretch further. Average dental insurance costsThe cost of dental insurance per month can vary depending on factors such as the type of plan, location, and whether you have individual or family coverage. On average, the monthly cost for dental insurance ranges from $15 to $50 per person. This cost typically includes coverage for preventive services.One significant advantage of dental plans with high annual maximums is their ability to provide coverage for complex dental treatments. These high-cost treatments may include:Dental implantsOrthodontic proceduresFull-mouth reconstructionsWithout insurance, the expenses associated with these treatments can be daunting. However, dental plans with high annual maximums offer individuals the opportunity to receive the necessary dental care they need while keeping their out-of-pocket costs under control. What to expect when shopping dental insurance for major dental servicesWhen shopping for dental insurance, it is essential to compare different plans to find the one that best suits your needs. Consider factors like the coverage provided for major dental services, the network of dentists available, and the cost of premiums. By carefully assessing and comparing plans, you can identify the one that offers the most comprehensive coverage for the major dental treatments you may require.Another important consideration when shopping for insurance is waiting periods. Some dental insurance policies may have waiting periods before coverage for major services kicks in. Waiting periods can range from a few months to a year, depending on the plan. It is crucial to understand and take into account the waiting period to ensure you have the coverage you need — when you need it.Network savings play a significant role in dental insurance, particularly in relation to your choice of dentist. Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans offer the flexibility to choose any dentist, regardless of whether they’re in-network or out-of-network. Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans may have limitations on which dentists you can see. Indemnity plans like Spirit Choice offer a fee-for-service model that provides better out-of-network coverage. Finally, it’s important to consider other crucial factors like co-pays, deductibles and coinsurance:Co-pays are pre-set amounts you’re required to pay to receive a procedure or treatment covered by your insurance provider.Deductibles are the amount you must pay for dental services out of pocket before ‌ insurance coverage kicks in.Coinsurance refers to the percentage of the dental service cost you are responsible for after meeting the deductible. Understanding these out-of-pocket costs is important to gauge the value and affordability of different dental plans.What to do when your dental coverage is maxed outOnce you reach your annual maximum, you’ll be responsible for any additional services incurred within that 12-month period. There are a few ways you can avoid paying hundreds or thousands for the treatments you need after maxing out your coverage.1. Supplemental insurance  Supplementary (or secondary) dental insurance provides additional coverage for patients who have reached the maximum limit of their primary dental insurance. When individuals have exhausted their primary insurance benefits, supplementary dental insurance kicks in to cover eligible dental services, helping to reduce out-of-pocket expenses and ensuring continued access to necessary dental care. 2. Dental savings plansA dental savings plan operates as an alternative to traditional dental insurance, offering discounted rates on dental services for patients who have maxed out their primary insurance or do not have dental insurance coverage. When individuals exhaust their primary insurance benefits, they can enroll in a dental savings plan and receive reduced fees for various dental treatments and procedures. This allows patients to access necessary dental care at a more affordable cost, making it a viable option for those who need ongoing or extensive dental services, even after reaching the maximum limit of their primary insurance coverage. 3. Plans with higher annual maximums ​​Enrolling in a dental insurance plan with a higher annual maximum can be a strategic move to avoid paying thousands of dollars for dental services. By opting for a plan with a higher annual maximum, individuals can access a larger pool of funds to cover their dental expenses throughout the policy year. This means that when major dental services are needed, such as complex procedures or treatments, ‌insurance coverage will extend further, significantly reducing out-of-pocket costs.Find the best dental insurance plan with a high annual maximum with SpiritSpirit Dental offers flexible plans that suit everyone’s needs. Whether you need coverage now or require extensive work, we’ve got policies with no waiting periods and high annual maximums so you don’t have to sacrifice your health for the sake of saving money.Don’t put it off any longer, discover the best plan for you today.[Find my plan]

Major dental services like crowns, bridges, and dentures, are expensive. But they’re also of critical importance in restoring and maintaining oral and overall health. When you need to fix your teeth, you don’t want cost to be a barrier to getting proper care. But what if you already have a primary dental plan and are stuck in a waiting period? Finding a no wait secondary plan can give you access to savings immediately.What is a secondary dental plan?A secondary dental plan is an additional insurance policy to a primary plan. For instance, a person may have their own primary plan through their employer, then a secondary plan individually or as a dependent through a spouse. So, which plan pays for what aspects of care when you have dual insurance? Coordination of benefits (COB) is a detailed process used to determine just that. Different insurance providers have different COBs, so it’s important to read through plan details thoroughly to understand how costs are split.       What are waiting periods?Most insurance plans have a required dental waiting period, which is the time between when a patient enrolls in a plan and when it goes into effect. That means there is a period of several months up to a year where the patient has no coverage.Having a secondary insurance policy can help avoid a lack of coverage during this time. How does a no wait dental insurance plan with secondary coverage for major services work?Let’s look at an example scenario for how secondary dental insurance from Spirit Dental works. A patient needs dental implants, but their employer-sponsored plan doesn’t take effect for twelve months. They shop Spirit plans, which offer no waiting periods for immediate coverage. With their secondary plan, they get 25%* off the first year, plus 25-50% lower in-network rates.When the patient’s procedure is complete, Spirit Dental will pay the full submitted claim (likely a partial payment). It’s important to keep in mind that Spirit doesn’t coordinate benefits, giving you the best opportunity for more savings.Is it worth it to have secondary dental insurance?People with dual coverage may be concerned about the cost of having two plans. There are two monthly premiums, deductibles and possible co-pays to consider. But secondary dental insurance provides a number of potential benefits, like:Better coverage for certain treatments or proceduresLower out-of-pocket costs for necessary careWider network of dentists to choose fromUltimate peace of mind knowing you’re covered and have optionsTalk to your dentistAlso key to getting the treatment you and your family need—when and how it works for your schedule and budget—is having an open conversation with your dentist. Putting off the care you need will only make the condition worse and require more extensive and costly care in the future. Being honest with your situation and working together with your provider to create a personalized treatment plan means you get care fast and at a price you’re comfortable with.Shop Spirit no wait dental plansSpirit makes it easy to find a secondary dental plan without a waiting period. If you want to bypass a waiting period with your primary plan or need to cover a more extensive procedure, we’ve got the plan that meets your needs. Browse plans in your area and get coverage for yourself and your family now. [Find my plan]

Although we’ve talked about the importance of oral health for overall health, many people still neglect caring for their teeth due to fear or anxiety about how much it will cost.Dental insurance mitigates the costs of different treatments and procedures. While there are costs associated with enrolling in an insurance plan (see below), it’s worth it — these are often far less than you would pay for certain services fully out-of-pocket. Learn more about costs associated with dental care and insurance policies. Do I need dental insurance?Like medical insurance, dental insurance covers a variety of oral health care services. From full coverage for preventative care to partial care for more major procedures, dental insurance helps you maintain a healthy mouth without breaking the bank. Dental insurance out of pocket costs to considerThe cost of dental insurance includes more than your monthly premium. Consider the other cost factors:Deductible: The amount you have to pay before insurance kicks in to cover dental services, typically between $50 and $150.Coinsurance: The percentage of costs for dental services you pay after you’ve met your deductible, typically around 20%. Annual maximum: The total amount your policy will pay within a given year, beyond which you are responsible for payment, which on average is between $1,000 and $2,000.How to lower your out-of-pocket costsThere are further ways to reduce the amount you’ll have to pay for dental care. Network savingsNetwork savings plans are different than dental insurance in that they offer discounts on common dental procedures — as long as you go to a dentist within the network. You will still pay a monthly fee to be enrolled, but this amount is less than an insurance premium.Preventative careOf course, the best way to prevent paying thousands in dental care is by not needing the care at all. Accidents and genetics play a part in oral health, but decay and other conditions can be avoided with proper daily oral hygiene. Prevention also includes visiting your dentist twice annually so they can thoroughly clean your mouth and examine teeth and gums.Secondary dental plansIf you are enrolled in an employer-sponsored dental insurance plan, it’s possible to get additional coverage through a secondary, or supplemental, plan. It doesn’t provide double the coverage, but could offer better benefits or lower costs for certain procedures.Cost of dental procedures with and without dental insuranceWondering how much of a difference dental insurance can make? Take a look at the cost comparisons for certain treatments below.Cost of a dental cleaning with and without insuranceA routine dental cleaning ranges from $75 to $200, and deeper cleanings can reach $300. Most dental insurance plans cover one or two routine cleanings per year, in full. Cost of a dental crown with and without insuranceDental crowns are caps placed on the top of broken or decayed teeth to restore their shape and size. According to GoodRx, the price for a dental crown averages between $3,500 and $6,700 per tooth, with a porcelain crown.  Every dental insurance plan differs, but most policies cover up to 50% of the cost for crowns. Check your annual maximum to understand what your out-of-pocket costs will be. Cost of dental implants with and without insuranceDental implants comprise three parts: the body, the crown and the abutment. According to  GoodRx, the price for a dental implant averages between $3,500 and $6,700 per tooth, with a porcelain crownRegarding the cost of a dental implant with dental insurance, you can receive out-of-pocket savings with coinsurance—typically covered under major services, up to 50%—and network savings with an in-network dentist (network dentists offer lower rates with the dentla insurance plan). Cost of orthodontia with and without insuranceOrthodontia refers to treatments and procedures used to fix misaligned teeth and irregularities in the jaw, including braces, braces and mouthguards. Braces can cost anywhere between $3,000 and $10,000 depending on the type of braces you want (metal, ceramic, lingual), where you live, and other factors. Not all dental plans cover orthodontic services, but you may be able to add it as supplemental orthodontic insurance — at a higher monthly premium. How much is covered, again, varies greatly depending on your policy, but it typically falls around 50% of the total. Ask your orthodontist if they accept payment plans or discounts. Compare dental plansEnrolling in dental insurance is well worth the investment. When shopping dental plans, consider who needs to be covered (your family or just yourself), what care you foresee needing, waiting periods with dental insurance and your budget. Check out plans from Spirit Dental & Vision to get the affordable care you need without a waiting period. We offer dental insurance options for individuals, families, small business owners and more; all designed to get you the coverage you need.[Find my plan]

As parents, ensuring the well-being of our children is a top priority. While we pay attention to their overall health, it’s crucial not to overlook the significance of dental care. Proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups are vital for children’s overall development. Further, problems with teeth and gums can cause a loss of confidence and lower self-esteem.Keep reading to learn the impact of oral health on kids, and how to keep their smiles beautiful and healthy.The importance of dental care for kidsBeyond general dental health, there are various reasons your kids should prioritize their dental health.NutritionDental problems like cavities or misaligned teeth can make it difficult for children to chew their food properly, leading to nutritional deficiencies. And if a child experiences pain or discomfort while eating, oral issues can interfere with swallowing. A healthy set of teeth allows kids to break down and digest food effectively, ensuring they receive the necessary nutrients for growth and development.SpeakingIssues with teeth and gums can also impact speech development in children. Problems like tooth decay, missing teeth or a misaligned jaw may affect their ability to articulate sounds correctly, leading to speech impediments. Early detection and treatment of dental issues can help address speech difficulties and ensure proper language development.Emotional impactProblems like tooth discoloration, gaps, or misaligned teeth can make children self-conscious about their appearance. Kids may become hesitant to smile, laugh or engage in social activities due to the fear of being judged or teased. This, along with any discomfort eating or speaking, can take a toll on their overall emotional well-being, leading to feelings of embarrassment, social withdrawal and even anxiety. Prioritizing dental care and addressing any cosmetic dental issues promptly can help children feel more confident in social interactions.Mental healthThe effects of dental issues extend beyond physical discomfort. Ongoing dental problems can cause chronic pain, lead to irritability, difficulty concentrating and poor academic performance. Additionally, children may experience heightened anxiety or stress due to the fear of dental visits or treatments. Regular dental care helps prevent these negative effects and supports children’s mental health.Help your child regain their confidenceHygiene at homeA fundamental aspect of maintaining good dental health is establishing consistent oral hygiene habits. Teach your child the importance of brushing their teeth at least twice a day, using a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Encourage them to brush for a full two minutes each time and guide them to reach all tooth surfaces, including the back molars. Also emphasize the significance of daily flossing to remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth. By instilling these habits early on, you set the foundation for a lifetime of good oral hygiene.Dental visitsRegular dental check-ups are also vital to monitor your child’s oral health and address any concerns before they worsen. Schedule your child’s first appointment by age one, and subsequent appointments every six months or as otherwise recommended by their dentist. During these visits, the dentist will:Perform a comprehensive examinationThoroughly clean teethApply fluoride or dental sealantRestorative and orthodontic careIf your child requires treatment to correct misaligned teeth or bite issues, consult with an orthodontist to explore the available options. Braces or clear aligners can improve alignment, enhancing your child’s smile and overall health. Additionally, if your child has cavities or damaged teeth, restorative treatments like fillings or dental crowns can restore the function and appearance of their teeth.Responding to dental emergenciesEmergencies occur unexpectedly and require immediate attention. Whether your child experiences a severe toothache, knocks out a tooth, or encounters any other dental trauma, it’s crucial to bring them to a dentist as soon as possible. Quick action can often save a tooth or prevent further complications.The impact of dental health on a child’s self-esteem, physical well-being and mental health cannot be understated. As parents, it’s up to us to shape our children’s dental habits and keep their smiles healthy. Enrolling your family in dental insurance coverage will assist you in getting your kids the care they need to show off their smiles for years to come. View available plans from Spirit Dental.[Get a quote] 

While some Americans aren’t covered by a dental insurance plan, others are fortunate to be covered by not just one, but two, policies. Secondary dental insurance isn’t common, but it typically happens when two spouses receive dental benefits from their employers and include each other as dependents.Learn more about what secondary insurance is and how it works below.Can you have two dental plans?Yes, you can have two dental insurance plans. This is what is referred to as secondary dental insurance, also called dual insurance or dual coverage.What is secondary dental insurance?Secondary dental insurance is a separate insurance policy that covers you in addition to your primary dental insurance. Oftentimes, an individual may have secondary dental insurance if they have coverage through their employer as well as a plan where they’re a dependent (e.g., through a spouse’s plan) or if they have two jobs that both provide coverage.How does secondary dental insurance work?Many people who aren’t familiar with secondary dental insurance believe that it means they get twice the benefits and coverage (e.g., getting double the free annual cleanings and exams instead of the typical two). However, this isn’t the case.Benefits carriers work together when a person has dual coverage in what is called coordination of benefits (COB). One policy — the one where you're the primary account holder — will be labeled your “primary insurance,” which will pay out benefits first. The secondary carrier accepts a claim only after the primary claim has been paid, when they will require a copy of the primary payment information. Both insurers will make sure that the combined amount paid by the two does not exceed the total amount the particular dentist charges for the service.What is Coordination of Benefits?COB is the process for determining which plan pays for dental services first when a person has dual insurance.Some COB provisions involve a detailed process to determine which plan pays for what, while others limit what a plan will cover. State laws and regulations may also dictate how COB works. Review the details of both insurance carriers and policies to make sure you understand how costs for dental services will be divided.Non-duplication of benefits rulesCertain dental insurance policies contain a clause that applies to individuals with dual coverage. In this clause, if the primary plan already paid for the same amount or more than what the secondary plan allows for the same treatment, that secondary plan will not pay out any benefits.The benefits of dual dental insurance coverageWhile you won’t get double coverage, dual dental insurance has some other advantages, including:Potential added savings for care beyond basic preventative proceduresAccess to a wider range of in-network dental care providersAvoid lapses in coverage caused by typical waiting periodsHow do I know which is my primary and which is my secondary dental insurance plan?In most cases, an individual’s primary plan is the one provided by their employer and the secondary is the one where they’re the dependent. If you are the account holder for both policies, the primary plan is the one that’s provided coverage the longest.;Upgrade your dental coverage with Spirit Dental & VisionWhether you have one dental insurance plan, two plans, or no plan, it’s time to evaluate costs and explore options to ensure you’re getting coverage for important oral health care. Different carriers and state laws will dictate how benefits work — do some research to determine whether secondary dental insurance will put you at an advantage.See available, affordable plans in your area with Spirit Dental & Vision.

Many patients ignore toothaches and other oral health problems, assuming they’ll subside on their own. However, a lot of the time these are symptoms of something far more severe. An example of this is a tooth abscess. While it may seem minor at first, if left untreated, an abscess starts to impact other areas of your body. Learn more about what causes a tooth abscess, symptoms to look out for, and how to treat it before it worsens. What is a tooth abscess? A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus that forms around a tooth as a result of a bacterial infection. Not only is it gross as it sounds, it can affect the area surrounding the tooth — including bones, gums and other nearby teeth. Symptoms The signs of a tooth abscess may vary, but can include the following: Persistent throbbing or sharp pain in the area of the tooth Loosened tooth Sensitivity to hot or cold food and drink Foul-smelling breath that doesn’t go away with brushing or rinsing Bitter taste in the mouth Redness and swelling of gums It’s recommended to visit your dentist at the first sign of these symptoms. Causes Abscesses can form in different areas around a tooth for a variety of reasons. Poor dental hygiene, tooth decay or injury, gum disease or broken or cracked teeth can all contribute to infection that leads to an abscess. There are three types of infections that can contribute to an abscess: Gingival: Develops in the gums and typically doesn’t affect the teeth. Periapical: Develops at the tip of the tooth root, and the bacteria travels to the inside of the tooth through a fracture or cavity, spreading to the bone over time. Periodontal: Develops in the bone and tissues supporting the tooth, causing periodontitis or gum disease. Treatments An abscessed tooth, if caught early enough, may be treated with over-the-counter antibiotics. However, more serious cases will require in-office treatments. An x-ray, CT scan and/or thermal test may be required to determine the severity of the condition and treatment required. Upon diagnosis, your dental professional will be able to determine the best course of treatment. To eliminate the underlying infection, a few procedures may be done: Incision and drainage to remove pus from the area. Root canal to eliminate the underlying infection and restore the health of the affected tooth. Tooth extraction to allow pus to drain from the socket when the tooth is damaged beyond repair. When is a dental abscess an emergency? Ideally, you would visit the dentist as soon as you suspect something is wrong. But life can get in the way, delaying the appointment and causing the abscess to get worse. If pain isn’t managed by medication or becomes intolerable, it’s time to visit an emergency dentist. These practitioners accept walk-ins and specialize in treating certain oral issues quickly. In the case of facial swelling, fever or trouble breathing, skip the dentist and go straight to the emergency room. The infection may have begun to spread to other areas of your body. How to pay for dental abscess emergency When you have a dental emergency, you may be concerned about how much it will set you back. Whether you have insurance — and the specifics of your plan — can significantly impact how much emergency treatment will cost. What insurance will cover When it comes to emergency dental care, one size does not fit all — different dental insurance carriers have varying definitions of what an “emergency” is. Before you enroll in a plan, make sure you understand what kind of emergency situations are covered, and by how much. Many severe dental conditions, including abscesses, occur when minor issues are ignored. The biggest benefit of dental insurance is that it typically covers preventative care in full. Visiting the dentist regularly for exams and cleanings ensures any existing problems are addressed and treated before they worsen. You can also find plans that partially cover fillings and some restorative care, which will be far less expensive and invasive than an extraction or root canal. Options outside of insurance The monthly premium you’ll pay for a dental insurance plan is less expensive than paying out of pocket for an emergency. But if insurance is not an option, there are some other routes you can take to lower costs. For an annual fee (typically far cheaper than insurance), dental discount plans provide discounts for certain services. Financing is similar to a credit card; use the card to pay for services and pay it back over time. Be sure to check that the service and dental professional qualify for financing under your plan. Finally, public dental clinics are community-based offices that charge for care based on what a patient can afford. No-wait full coverage dental plans Don’t let cost get in the way of caring for your health and protecting yourself from serious illness. Find a full coverage plan that gives you peace of mind in case of an emergency like an abscess. Spirit Dental offers low-cost dental plans with no waiting period so you can resolve your symptoms and get back to your life. [Find my plan]