Spirit Dental Resources

You look at your calendar and see an upcoming dentist appointment, and your stomach drops. It’s not necessarily a top priority, much less a way you’d like to spend an hour of your day. The temptation to call and cancel begins taking over… But before you pick up the phone, take a look at why you shouldn’t put off your dentist visits. 1. Avoid preventable damage and disease Practicing good oral hygiene at home is incredibly helpful for keeping your smile healthy, but nothing can quite compete with the expertise and professional equipment your dentist has. He or she can perform a much more thorough cleaning on and between teeth, as well as along the gums. A professional cleaning removes a build-up of plaque to prevent cavities, decay, gingivitis and other oral health issues.   2. Fix small issues before they get bigger Along with cleaning, your dentist gets an up close look at the inside of your mouth to examine the health of teeth and gums and identify anything that looks abnormal. By spotting existing damage and disease early, chances are they can be treated with less extensive procedures. As the condition becomes more severe, treatments will be more painful and expensive and require a longer recovery time.    3. Eliminate or decrease pain Dental treatments may not be pleasant, but the results are well worth it. These procedures heal or restore issues that can cause pain or discomfort in the gums, mouth and face—allowing you to get back to work and do things you love without irritable distraction. 4. Save thousands in dental bills Preventing serious dental disease means you also avoid costly procedures. Fillings, crowns, root canals and other treatments can add up to thousands of dollars in dental bills. Rather than paying for multiple visits to fix damage and disease over time, the cost of going to the dentist once or twice a year is insignificant in comparison. 5. Set your kids up for a lifetime of healthy smiles If you have children, you want to keep them healthy and do whatever you can to set them up for success. And it starts by them seeing you take care of your oral health. Further, getting them in for their first dental appointment at an early age gets them in the habit of prioritizing their oral health and seeing their dentist regularly.  Make sure you find a good dentist for yourself and your family to promote everyone’s good health. 6. Develop a roadmap to better oral health Despite all your effort, sometimes oral health problems will happen. Going to your dentist allows them to look closely at the existing issue to recommend a game plan for treatment. Share the desired outcome and your budget with your dentist, then work together to put together the best strategy for you.   7. Gain confidence  Misaligned, cracked or discolored teeth can take a toll on someone’s self-esteem. Studies show that the condition of a person’s smile affects not only their self-confidence, but their ability to get a job or promotion.  Other positive effects of a strong, beautiful smile include: Improved mood Improved social connections Lowered stress Ultimately, good oral health can improve your quality of life and wellbeing.  Spirit makes it easy to get dental care access Spirit Dental & Vision offers plans that fit your needs, with no waiting periods, high annual maximums and flexibility in what provider you see.  With a plan from Spirit, you don’t have to fear or dread visiting your dentist, because you know you’re covered. Compare available plans today.

The dental insurance landscape is a point of confusion for many consumers. When browsing carriers and policies, terms like “coinsurance” and “annual maximums” can throw people off and hinder their ability to find the best plan for their needs.In this blog, we’ll help you understand what full coverage dental insurance is, what it does and does not cover and other important details to help you in your search.What is full coverage dental insurance?As the name implies, full coverage dental plans provide benefits for a wider range of treatments, helping to cover higher-cost procedures. They help cover preventive care as well as basic and major restorative care — plus orthodontics, in some cases. Keep in mind that full coverage doesn’t necessarily mean costs are covered in full.What does full coverage dental insurance cover?While the specifics of coverage depend on the type of plan and carrier, full coverage plans generally go beyond preventive care like cleanings, x-rays and fluoride treatments.They may also include: Basic restorative care like fillings and extractionsMajor restorative care like bridges, crowns and denturesOrthodontic treatments like braces and other alignersWhat isn’t covered by full coverage dental plans?While full coverage reduces your out-of-pocket cost, procedures won’t be 100% covered. Just like with medical insurance, full coverage dental plans do not cover elective or cosmetic procedures, like teeth whitening. You will be responsible for the full costs of these types of treatments.Additionally, people with pre-existing conditions may not have certain services covered. For example, if you had missing teeth before getting your dental plan, full coverage may not offer any coverage for replacement procedures like dentures, bridges or dental implants. Specialty dentistry like orthodontia may also not be included in your policy. If you know you will need specific treatment down the line, review the details of your plan so you understand what will be covered and what you will have to pay out of your own pocket.Can you get full coverage dental insurance with no waiting period?Often, dental insurance plans will kick in to cover preventive care as soon as you enroll, but require patients to wait six or 12 months before covering more extensive and high-cost care. However, Spirit Dental offers dental insurance with no waiting period for major services.How much does full coverage dental insurance cost?The amount you’ll pay annually for a full coverage plan can differ significantly, as the following costs all need to be taken into account:Co-pays: Preset value you’ll pay to get dental treatment.Deductibles: Amount you must pay before your plan coverage kicks in.Coinsurance: Percentage of costs shared by you and your plan once the deductible is met.Annual maximums: How much your policy will cover per year.Monthly premiums: What you pay monthly to be enrolled in your plan.Whether you opt for a DPPO or DHMO plan will also impact what you can expect to pay.How do I choose an affordable full coverage dental plan?To select affordable dental insurance for your oral health needs, do the following:Understand the difference between PPOs, HMOs and other types of plans.Consider what dental care you and your family will need in the foreseeable future.Examine what is and is not covered by different plans.Add up monthly and annual costs for different plans. Even easier? Let Spirit Dental & Vision do it for you. Get a quote and get full coverage today, with no waiting period!

Did you know that the health of your mouth is very closely tied to your overall health? There has been a ton of research that has found numerous links between oral health and overall health. That's why taking care of your teeth is so incredibly important. With affordable dental insurance from Spirit Dental, you can make sure you are taking care of both your dental health and overall health. Let's take a look at four of the ways oral hygiene and overall health have been linked.   1. Diabetes One connection between oral hygiene and overall health is type 2 diabetes. Doctors have known for many years that those that suffer from type 2 diabetes have a much-increased incidence of periodontitis and/or gum disease. Researchers at Columbia University found that people who had higher levels of gum disease had two times the risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared with people who suffered from no gum disease. While a lot more research is needed to further explain the connection,  there is no doubt to medical professionals that gum disease can actually lead people to develop diabetes. There are different theories as to why this happens. One of them is that the infections in your mouth can actually spread throughout the rest of your body. Therefore, the inflammation and infections can wreak havoc on your ability to process sugar, which can lead to diabetes. 2. Heart disease Just as with diabetes, there have been a few connections theorized between dental health and heart health, specifically heart disease. However, the results are not yet conclusive as to whether the relation between oral hygiene and heart health is actually direct. There are a few common causes of heart disease and poor oral health. For instance, smoking has been identified to cause gum disease as well as cardiovascular issues. Researchers have yet to figure out what directly causes this connection between dental care and heart health, but they have a couple of theories as to why this happens. One theory is that small amounts of bacteria may enter your bloodstream through infections in your mouth while chewing which can then run through the rest of your bloodstream. Because of this, the bacteria can lodge themselves in different blood vessels which can cause a lot of dangerous blockages and lead to heart disease. If periodontal diseases are treated earlier, it might reduce arterial blockage thereby saving the patient from riskier cardiovascular diseases. 3. Pregnancy complications A lot of pregnant women actually suffer from gum infections throughout their pregnancy as a result of hormone fluctuation. However, researchers have shown that it is a huge mistake to neglect oral care while pregnant because gum disease and/or inflammation in the gums/mouth can actually cause an increase in the production of a chemical compound that is known as prostaglandin. This chemical compound is actually widely known to have the ability to produce early labor. Therefore, there is sufficient evidence of another serious connection between oral health and overall health: poor overall dental care and oral health can lead to very low birth weight and other pregnancy complications. 4. Osteoporosis Sometimes a health issue outside of your mouth can be found hinting at problems in your mouth, showing another link between oral hygiene and overall health. Osteoporosis, commonly seen in postmenopausal women, causes your bones to become weaker. Believe it or not, your mouth can alert a dentist to thinning bones in other parts of your body, even though this condition typically won’t result in changes to your teeth. When osteoporosis takes hold, it causes changes within the bone that gives support to your teeth. So if your dentist notices that you have loose teeth or a receding gum line, he may recommend talking to your doctor to see if osteoporosis is to blame and to receive the appropriate treatment. Frequently asked questions about oral health and overall health We have shown four common health issues showing the connection between oral health and overall health, but you still may have questions. We have answered a few common questions we hear about the link between dental health and overall health below. What are some of the other medical conditions that might be associated with poor oral health? Besides the three we listed above, other medical issues associated with poor oral health may include:   Endocarditis Pneumonia Stomach ulcers Arthritis Alzheimer’s disease Can you sign up for Spirit Dental insurance any time? Yes, you can! You don’t have to wait for an Open Enrollment period to sign up for Spirit Dental, so you can sign up any time of the year. If you are self-employed, between jobs or retired, you can get affordable dental insurance now. And we offer dental insurance with no waiting periods so you can start taking care of your oral hygiene and overall health as soon as you sign up. Trust Spirit Dental to help improve your oral health and overall health Because oral health and overall health are linked so closely, it is important that you take care of your mouth. With Spirit Dental, it's so easy to get dental insurance quotes and have your dental care covered quickly. Compare dental insurance plans and find the one that is right for you. Let us help you care for your mouth and your whole body.

Pregnancy is an exciting time for most, but it also comes with added health concerns for both the mother and the child. And while dental health may not be top of mind for a pregnant person, it is still important to pay attention to and practice preventative and proactive care.  Learn more about the relationship between pregnancy and oral health, and other must-know information for expectant mothers in this blog post. How pregnancy affects your dental health Pregnant people experience hormone changes, which can in turn lead to changes in their dental health, such as: Loosening of tissues and bones Increased risk of periodontal (gum) disease  Increased risk of cavities Tooth erosion Different eating habits that affect teeth (e.g., sugary treats) Tender gums and fatigue may lead to being more lax on dental care Signs and symptoms of dental problems during pregnancy With these increased risks in mind, note any of the following symptoms of oral health problems: Gums that are red, swollen, tender, shiny or bleeding Loose teeth Spaces that have formed between teeth Mouth sores Bad breath that doesn’t go away after brushing or rinsing If you experience any of these, contact your dentist right away. Why dental care is important during pregnancy Oral health is an important part of your overall health — and even more so when you’re pregnant. After all, a healthier mom means a healthier baby. Certain conditions, including infected teeth and gum disease, are linked to premature birth. Babies born before 37 weeks are at a higher risk for health issues at birth and later in their life.  How to prevent dental problems during pregnancy Keeping your teeth healthy during pregnancy includes the same preventative care as you normally practice, starting with proper brushing and flossing twice a day. Continue seeing your dentist for regular exams and cleanings, and be sure to let them know you are pregnant and if you’re taking any medication.  FAQs about dental work while pregnant If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you’ve likely got a lot of questions about maintaining your oral health. We’ve got answers to the most common questions below. Do I need to tell my dentist that I’m pregnant? Yes! It’s extremely important to disclose to your dentist that you’re pregnant. They may have certain precautions for you prior or during your appointment. You should also make them aware of any medications, vitamins and supplements you’re taking during pregnancy and any medical advice your doctor has given you. Is dental care safe during pregnancy? Regular dental care should remain part of your normal routine during pregnancy. Cleanings and checkups are fine at any point during pregnancy, but elective procedures should be postponed until after delivery. Some dental work is more extensive and not recommended,  Together, you and your dentist can put together a treatment plan  Short answer: yes, with some exceptions. Explain how some dental work should not be performed during the first trimester, how some medications should not be taken, etc. Can you get dental x-rays while pregnant? Getting dental X-rays is absolutely fine during pregnancy. The amount of radiation used is so low that it won’t cause any harm to a pregnant person or their unborn child. As an added layer of protection, your dentist will also cover you with a special apron and collar when taking the X-rays.  Can I get a root canal while pregnant? Both the American Dental Association (ADA) and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) agree that it’s safe for pregnant people to undergo root canal procedures. It’s recommended to do it in your second trimester if possible, after initial nausea has subsided and before lying in the dentist’s chair for too long becomes uncomfortable. In the event you need an emergency root canal, your dentist will take the necessary steps to keep you as comfortable as possible. Can an infected tooth affect pregnancy? While a single infected tooth may not seem like cause for alarm, the infection can enter the bloodstream and increase your risk for complications. Infection of any kind can cause harm to your unborn baby, so the benefits of treating it far outweigh the risks of leaving it untreated. Protect your dental health—and your baby—with dental insurance from Spirit Don’t neglect your oral health during pregnancy. Keeping up with regular care will help to keep both mother and baby safe and healthy.  If you need assistance in covering the costs of dental care, dental insurance can help you save money. Explore your options from Spirit Dental & Vision.

Visiting the dentist is rarely something a patient looks forward to. But for some, it can cause genuine fear and stress. This is so common today that there is a term used for it: dental anxiety. Patients who experience dental anxiety may feel discouraged about seeing their dentist and fail to get the care they need. If you find yourself suffering from dental anxiety, we’ve got the background, tips and solutions you need to ensure you keep your mouth healthy with less stress involved. What is dental anxiety or dental phobia? Dental anxiety and dental phobia are sometimes used interchangeably; however, there are important distinctions. Dental anxiety refers to a common unease, fear and/or stress related to dentist visits. Dental phobia refers to a more severe (and less common) condition that causes irrational fear and usually avoidance of visiting the dentist until an emergency occurs.  What causes dental anxiety? Dental anxiety can stem from various causes, including other existing mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), generalized anxiety disorder and depression, as well as the following: Prior trauma to the head and/or neck Prior trauma experienced in a dental healthcare or regular healthcare setting Claustrophobia Agoraphobia Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)  Fear of losing control Trust issues What are the signs and symptoms of dental anxiety? The symptoms of dental anxiety vary greatly from person to person and include a number of mental and physiological symptoms that may reveal themselves before or during a dental visit. In the days leading up to an appointment, you may experience strong feelings of nerves and stress or have trouble sleeping and eating. Those with severe anxiety or phobia may even cancel their dental appointment or fail to show up on the scheduled day and time. Throughout the dental exam and cleaning, you may experience the following symptoms: Trouble breathing Quickened heartbeat Sweating Low blood pressure Crying Feeling like you’re going to faint Feeling panicked How common is dental anxiety? Dental anxiety is relatively common and affects people of any age, from small children who are new to the experience, all the way to seniors who’ve been to dozens of dental appointments over their lifetime. The fear of the unknown, the scary-looking tools, the prospect of feeling “trapped” in the chair and other aspects of a dental appointment can all contribute to worry and dread. The severity of anxiety differs from one person to the next, but in general, severe dental phobia is far less common. How dental anxiety can affect your oral health Most oral health problems are related to lifestyle, and are therefore preventable. But in order to prevent them, you must see your dentist regularly.  Unfortunately, those who experience dental anxiety or phobia are less likely to do so because of the fear and stress it causes. Professionals can identify potential issues — like cavities or gum disease — and resolve them before they become severe. When left unchecked, these will require more extensive, and possibly more painful, treatment down the road. How to calm dental anxiety There are many ways to manage dental anxiety. Determine which of the following will work best for you. Communicate with your dentist If your dentist doesn’t know you have dental anxiety, they can’t take the proper measures to make you feel more safe and comfortable. You should have trust with your dentist and be open about your fears and triggers. They may also be able to refer you to a psychologist that specializes in this type of anxiety. Try deep breathing, meditation, and guided imagery Some patients with dental anxiety swear by relaxation techniques. Try meditation, deep breathing, or guided imagery (visualizing positive scenarios, like sitting on a warm beach) to calm the nervous system while you’re sitting in the dentist’s chair.  Have a distraction If sitting with your own thoughts doesn’t help, bring comfort and distraction items, like a weighted blanket, a book, a game or headphones to listen to your favorite music or a podcast. Not only will they help focus your attention elsewhere, they can make you feel more comfortable and secure while the dentist and assistants do their work.  Bring a support person A parent, spouse or close friend can serve the same purpose of distraction and comfort. They can sit next to you, hold your hand or simply keep you busy in conversation (of course, they’ll do more of the talking) during your appointment. Simply knowing another person is there for you can do a lot to keep your mind at ease. Take breaks if you need to If the dental exam or procedure will take long, you can request to take breaks when it makes sense. Again, speak to your dentist beforehand so they can plan for these breaks in advance — or, if you prefer, agree on a hand signal for you to use when you need to stop for a moment. Give yourself a reward For those with dental anxiety or phobia, getting through a dental appointment is a huge accomplishment. A great method for motivating yourself is to have a special treat ready for you after you leave the dentist’s office. It could be as simple as a coffee from your favorite shop or as extravagant as a new pair of shoes — whatever your budget allows for and will incentivize you to show up for the appointment. What do dentists give for anxiety? In instances of severe dental anxiety, or certain procedures, your dentist may prescribe or provide certain sedative medications that put you to sleep or keep you relaxed. Analgesia More familiarly known as nitrous oxide or “laughing gas,” analgesia is administered through a mask fitted to your face. Throughout the procedure, you will breathe a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide, keeping you awake but relaxed. You’ll be able to talk to the dentist but may not remember all of what was said, and the effects wear off quickly once the mask is removed.  Anxiety-relieving medication Anxiolytic medications are oral medications for relieving anxiety and may be prescribed by a dentist or doctor to help you relax during an appointment. Typically, a small single dose is suggested to be taken an hour before the appointment. While the medication is short-acting, you’ll need someone to drive you home afterward, as some of the sedative will still be in your body, affecting your reaction time and ability to operate a vehicle. You should not take an anxiolytic medication until you’ve spoken to your dentist or doctor.  Conscious sedation While anxiolytic medications are given in pill form, conscious sedation is intravenous, administered through a drip placed into a vein in the arm or hand. Under this type of sedation, you are relaxed and may even fall asleep. It’s possible to feel drowsy or nauseous afterward, so you should plan for someone to drive you home. Keep in mind that not all dental practices offer this kind of sedation, and certain pre-existing conditions may prevent your ability to have IV sedation. General anesthesia Finally, some patients may be recommended to go through treatment under general anesthesia, which must be carried out in a hospital setting by both a dentist — who must have specialized training — and an anesthetist. This is taken very seriously, so you’ll need both a pre-op and post-op visit to the dentist, as well as an anesthetist assessment. Side effects tend to last longer, so once again, you’ll need to find a friend or family member to drive you home. Patients are typically urged to use other methods for basic appointments and procedures, and reserve anesthesia for lengthier, more extensive treatments.  Be sure to check your dental insurance plan before planning general anesthesia, as not all plans cover this benefit.  Find a caring dentist with Spirit Dental & Vision It’s always important to find a dentist you feel comfortable with, but especially for patients who suffer from dental anxiety or phobia. Make sure your preferred dentist is in network with your dental insurance plan.  Explore your options for affordable dental insurance with Spirit and get the care you need from someone you trust.

As a veteran, you deserve the best dental plan that works hard to give you the benefits you need to keep your oral health strong and your costs low. With the various dental plans offered to veterans, you may be wondering which plan is best for you. When shopping dental insurance, you may be looking for: Eligibility for VA based plans Affordable monthly premiums Dental plans with no waiting period for immediate coverage on dental work A large network that spreads across the country Comprehensive coverage for family dental needs There are two main ways veterans can get dental coverage through the VA: VA Outpatient Dental Program and VADIP (VA Dental Insurance Program). And if you don’t qualify for VA dental benefits, no worries! Dental plans on the individual market can be purchased any time of year and can even provide you with better dental plan options. You can also look for discounts from dentist offices and community dental health programs offering reduced rates or even free dental care for veterans. VA Outpatient Dental Program If you qualify to receive VA outpatient dental care, your benefits are determined by a variety of factors including military service history, current health and living situation. You may be eligible to get all your dental care needs taken care of, or only some dental services covered. Depending on the benefits class you fall under will determine how much coverage you’ll receive. A few of these benefit classes are: A former prisoner of war You have one or more service-connected disabilities rated 100% disabling You have a service-connected dental disability or condition Depending on the coverage, you may not receive everything you want from your outpatient benefits. One option is to purchase a VADIP dental plan at a discounted rate. VADIP Some veterans enrolled in VA health care might be eligible for free dental care, but many do not qualify. If you don’t qualify, VADIP offers discounted private dental insurance plans for veterans. You’ll have eligibility for VADIP if one of the following is true: You’re enrolled in VA health care Be a current or surviving spouse or dependent child of a veteran that’s enrolled in the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the VA (CHAMPVA) With VADIP dental plans, you’ll pay the full insurance premium for each individual on your plan and any required copays. The plans will cover many common dental procedures including: Diagnostic Preventive Restorative (like root canals and crowns) Dental surgery Emergency dental care If you’re unhappy with your VADIP plan and looking for more coverage, you can shop for an additional dental plan on the individual market to boost your benefits. Private dental insurance for veterans Unlike health insurance, dental is fairly simple to purchase. You can buy any time of year, your zip code determines your monthly premium cost, and some dental insurance plans—like Spirit Dental—allow you to begin your dental benefits as early as the next-day. What should you look for in a dental plan? Dental insurance with no waiting period Waiting periods in dental insurance are the amount of time you must wait until your benefits can begin. For example, if you purchase a plan today, you may see a waiting period of 6 months for basic services (simple procedures) and a 12 month wait for major service (complex procedures). With dental insurance through Spirit Dental, all plans offer no waiting periods on all dental services. This gives you the best opportunity to get what you need taken care of worry free with savings. Dental networks provide savings & convenience for veterans When you’re shopping for a dental plan, you’ll want to check to see if your dentist participates in the insurance plan’s network. A network is a group of dentists that have agreed to lower costs with the insurance plan. If you find your dentist is not in-network, PPO dental plans like Spirit will still cover some of your costs. If your dentist is in-network or you’re open to seeing a new dentist in-network, you’ll save an average of 32% on dental procedures and services. As a military family, moving can be frequent. Setting yourself up with a dental plan that has a large network might be beneficial to ensure your coverage isn’t interrupted. Spirit gives its members access to the Ameritas Classic network that is one of the largest in the nation offering more than 130,000 providers. Dental coverage that matters It’s essential to understand what your dental needs are and what coverage you’ll likely need to know which dental plan is best for you and your family. You might be someone that only needs a preventive care plan that offers a lower premium and provides coverage for regular checkups and cleanings and maybe a filling. Or, you might be someone that needs lots of dental work. If you’re a veteran shopping for full-coverage dental insurance, here’s what to consider from Spirit Dental: All plans offer 100% preventive cleanings and checkups No waiting periods for all plans and all dental services means you get immediate dental coverage ASAP All Spirit plans are PPO meaning you can choose the dentist of your choice—stay in-network and get 25-50% instant savings Coinsurance splits the cost with you and averages to around 10-50% coverage with major services and 25-90% coverage with basic services Annual maximums are the cap of your dental benefits per benefit year—Spirit plans go up to $5,000 in year three and $3,500 in year one depending on the plan $100-lifetime deductible saves you money yearly as you only have to pay it once when your plan begins Spirit Dental salutes all our veterans If you’re a veteran that doesn’t qualify for VA dental benefits and are unsure of which plan fits your specific needs, give us a call: (844) 833-8440. We’ll help you compare plans, talk about your options and guide you to the best decision for you. And if you’re ready to purchase a dental plan that begins with full-coverage benefits starting tomorrow, shop Spirit Dental plans today.     Sources: https://www.va.gov/health-care/about-va-health-benefits/dental-care/ https://www.va.gov/health-care/about-va-health-benefits/dental-care/dental-insurance/ https://www.military.com/benefits/veterans-health-care/va-dental-insurance-program.html https://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/VADIP/