Spirit Dental Resources

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 neckPrior trauma experienced in a dental healthcare or regular healthcare settingClaustrophobiaAgoraphobiaObsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) Fear of losing controlTrust issuesWhat 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 breathingQuickened heartbeatSweatingLow blood pressureCryingFeeling like you’re going to faintFeeling panickedHow 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 healthMost 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 anxietyThere are many ways to manage dental anxiety. Determine which of the following will work best for you.Communicate with your dentistIf 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 imagerySome 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 distractionIf 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 personA 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 toIf 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 rewardFor 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.AnalgesiaMore 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 medicationAnxiolytic 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 sedationWhile 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 anesthesiaFinally, 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 & VisionIt’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/

Did you know that oral health is directly linked to overall health? Certain conditions, including periodontal (gum) disease and cavities have been linked to heart disease, diabetes and stroke, among other conditions.Although prioritizing mouth health is proven to mitigate the risk for something more serious, many still avoid visiting their dentist for fear of lofty costs. Fortunately, there are cheap dental insurance plans that can help individuals get the care they need affordably. Brush and floss at homeThe first step in preventing steep dental costs is to practice proper oral hygiene every day at home. Brushing and flossing at least twice a day prevents plaque from staying and hardening on and in between teeth. Ridding your mouth of this plaque keeps bacteria under control and helps to avoid tooth decay and gum disease. And ultimately, you minimize the likelihood of having to undergo costly procedures, like gum treatment, oral surgery, and crown placement.  Keep up with cleaningsIn addition to home preventative care, you should see your dentist every six months for a cleaning and check-up. Brushing and flossing is a great start, but your dentist has the expertise and tools to more thoroughly clean teeth and remove bacteria that can contribute to other health issues.And not only do regular dental visits ensure your teeth are thoroughly cleaned, but they also allow your practitioner to identify any potential issues and treat them before they develop into a more serious—and expensive to treat—condition.  Consider dental insurance to help cover your dental care costsSometimes, either through lack of regular oral care or simple bad luck, patients reach a point where certain procedures are unavoidable. In this instance, saving money is a priority—and that’s where dental insurance is useful. Many dental plans cover 100% of cleanings and exams (three per year) and partial coverage for other services and procedures for a monthly premium. You can choose to add a dental plan to your regular health insurance, which may have a waiting period and require you to use only in-network providers. Alternatively, you can purchase a dental plan separately. How to get cheap dental insuranceNavigating the dental insurance market is overwhelming for the average patient. Spirit Dental makes it easy to find the right plan depending on your specific needs. All you have to do is enter who you need coverage for (individual, spouse or family) and your zip code, and Spirit presents plans in order of quoted price.With a low-cost dental plan from Spirit, you can choose your own dentist with no waiting periods for preventative, basic or major dental services. Cheap dental insurance FAQDoes dental insurance really save money?Over time, dental insurance can save patients hundreds or even thousands of dollars. With routine cleanings and exams 100% covered, you don’t need to fear going to see your dentist, and will therefore keep teeth and gums healthier—not to mention reduce the risk for more serious issues and costly treatments down the road.In the event you do need a more invasive procedure, dental insurance can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Depending on your needs, you can find a plan that covers a percentage of basic services, like fillings and x-rays, and a plan that offers major services dental insurance to cover services like extractions and surgery.      Can you negotiate prices with your dentist?Prices for dental services are often non negotiable, but it’s always worth asking. And even if your dental office has no wiggle room on price, they may be flexible with how and when you pay what’s owed. For instance, your provider may offer a discount if you pay in cash, or payment plan options where you can pay in installments over time. Or, there could be a temporary fix to hold you over until you feel more comfortable paying for the more extensive treatment.If you plan to negotiate or discuss alternative payment plans, be sure to do so well ahead of your visit so you’re prepared. You don’t want to go into an appointment expecting a discount but ending up paying significantly more. And remember, the best way to save money on oral health care is to enroll in a dental insurance plan. Do dentists prefer cash?Paying cash for your dental treatment limits the hassle for both yourself and the dental practice, since there won’t be any paperwork to submit to third-party insurance providers. Further, they may offer a discount on out-of-pocket costs for those paying cash. Ultimately, dentists don’t have much of a preference—they get paid either way. Have an open and honest discussion with your provider to determine what makes most sense for you financially. In most cases, investing in an insurance plan will be the long-term money-saver. Find cheap dental insurance and start saving on dental workTaking care of your teeth and gums shouldn’t take a toll on your financial stability. Doing your due diligence and finding a cheap dental insurance plan gets you the care you need without breaking the bank.Spirit Dental offers patients affordable coverage for preventive cleanings, implants and other procedures with no waiting periods. Get a quote today to view available plans or call our Spirit Care Connect team at (844) 833-8440 to talk through your options.

Here’s the scenario: You purchase a dental plan online, go to your dentist for a cleaning, they find a cavity (or two) and say it’ll cost around $200. What about my dental insurance? That’s with your dental insurance. Well, why am I paying for a dental plan if I still have to pay $200 for my fillings? Good question. Let’s answer that. But first… Dental insurance is not like health insurance With health insurance, you pay a deductible and once that’s reached (for most plans), your coverage after is covered 100%. Dental insurance doesn’t work this way. Dental insurance has deductibles too, but once you reach your deductible, you’ll still be required to pay a portion of your dental bill. This is called coinsurance—you pay a portion, and your dental carrier pays a portion too. There are also annual maximums that health insurance doesn’t have. An annual maximum is a cap on the amount your dental plan will pay per benefit year. Most dental plans are around the $1,000-$2,000 range (Spirit Pinnacle plan is $5,000 in year 3, Spirit Senior Preferred has $3,500 year 1).   Extra! Extra! Get your dental insurance savings here Even though dental insurance doesn’t cover your entire bill, there are still savings available for you to use. Dental insurance pulls different levers of savings that you should know about: Network savings The importance of network savings shouldn’t be overlooked when it comes to dental savings. Networks are a large group of dentists that accept lower fees to get clients that carry that particular insurance. For instance, Spirit Dental uses the Ameritas Network which has over 130,000 dentists nationwide. If you choose any Spirit Dental plan (all Spirit plans are PPO), you can see between 25-50% savings by visiting one of these in-network dentists. *How to check if your dentist is in-network: Simply use find a dentist and visit the Ameritas dental portal. If you see your dentist’s name on the list, they’re considered in-network, and you can use your plan benefits tomorrow. If they’re not located, you can still get benefits from a dentist out-of-network, but you’ll pay more without the network savings. Coinsurance The coinsurance (described above) you receive is based on the procedure you need. Dental insurance has 4 main categories of coverage: Preventive, Basic, Major and Orthodontia. Each category will have a specific percentage of coinsurance the plan will cover. It’s important to check what your plan covers with the dental service you need. Annual maximums But wait, you say, annual maximums are just the cap on the benefit per year, there are no savings with annual max. This is true, you won’t get additional savings with annual max. But, if annual max is the cap on your benefit, having a higher annual max will give you more savings to work with ($1,000 annual max vs $5,000 annual max). Supplemental dental plans Having two dental plans offers more savings than one. Let’s say you have a dental plan through your employer, you know you need an expensive dental procedure, and you’d like to pick up some additional coverage. What options are there? With Spirit Dental, these plans do not coordinate benefits. Unlike other dental plans, Spirit pays off the full claims submitted and does not look to see what any other plan is involved with saving you more money.   Save more when you schedule dental care We’ve already discussed how savings work with dental insurance. But how can you take it one step further? If you’re able and if your dentist approves, schedule dental care accordingly to your dental plan. First, figure out your needs. You visited the dentist, and the exam summary looked something like this: 2 fillings (basic category), 2 root canals (major category) & 2 crowns (major category). Next, view your dental plan and see what savings you’ll receive until your annual max runs out. *One of the perks of Spirit Dental is the increasing coinsurance and annual maximums. If you know you need a major category procedure, like implants, it may make sense to break up your procedures to account for more savings. With Spirit Senior Preferred, the major category goes from 10% year 1, to 50% year 2, to 65% year 3. Annual maximums also increase with our Spirit Pinnacle plan up to $5,000 in year 3. For the dental plan’s benefit year (from the beginning of the plan’s effective date), how much can you get done within your budget? Multiple cleanings, both fillings and one of the root canals? Do you wait for all major services until the following year when you’ve increased in coinsurance coverage? Can you do part of the procedure now (some bone grafts for a dental implant need to heal for around 4 months) and part of the procedure when your annual max resets? Your dentist can always provide a statement of benefit for your situation that explains all costs and what your insurance will cover.   Your health depends on it For most people, health and well-being rank right at the top of things they’d like to improve. It shouldn’t be a mystery that your oral health is just as important as your overall health. There are direct links to poor oral health and heart disease among others. Visiting your dentist is like getting an oil change for your car. Your car needs annual maintenance a couple of times per year to keep the car running smoothly. Same thing with your teeth. The dentist is much better equipped to get to the hard-to-reach spots and scrape away the sticky bacteria that your toothbrush can’t wash away. True or false: If you have dental insurance, you’re more likely to visit the dentist. True! And Spirit Dental offers preventive cleanings covered 100%. Get dental insurance, see your dentist, keep your mouth in tip-top shape, stay healthy and avoid costly procedures!   Is dental insurance good? Dental insurance is based on health and prevention which also helps cut costs for dental procedures. If you want to stay healthy, dental insurance helps you get to the dentist. If you want to cut down on costs, dental insurance can help there too. With Spirit Dental, you’ll get no waiting periods, implant coverage, ortho available for families, a top network of dentists and it pairs great with Medicare. Run your quote today and choose the plan that works for you. If you need help choosing a plan, our Spirit Care Connect team is here to make it easy. We love talking dental insurance and guiding you to the plan that fits you best. Give us a call today: (844) 833-8440.

One trip to the dentist will make you realize that even preventive care like checkups and cleanings can be expensive. And if you’re paying for it all out-of-pocket, you might find yourself avoiding the dentist when you should actually be seeing them regularly. How can you save money on dental bills? The answer is simple: enroll in a dental plan from a top-quality insurance provider like Spirit Dental. But is dental insurance worth it? You bet! Keep reading to discover the value of our dental insurance plans.  9 reasons to choose Spirit Dental 1. 30-day guaranteeWe understand that sometimes things don’t work out. That’s why all of our Individual Dental and Vision plans come with a 30-day Customer Satisfaction Guarantee. After your plan becomes effective, you’ll have 30 days to see how you like it. Not satisfied? No worries, you can just cancel the plan for any reason. We’ll refund the premium you paid, as long as no services were provided. If any services were rendered, you may cancel the policy but you won’t be reimbursed for the premium.   2. History and expertise of Ameritas Life Insurance Corp.Our insurance is offered by Ameritas Life Insurance Corp., which is a company known for high-quality insurance plans and stellar customer service. Today, the Ameritas Dental Network is one of the biggest in the country, with network providers who charge up to 50% less than their usual rates so you can enjoy lower costs. 3. Choose your own dentistAt Spirit Dental, you get to choose between plans that have networks and those that don’t.  Want to avoid networks, or prefer to select your own dentist? No problem! Check out our Choice plans. Don’t mind a network and want to save even more? Our Network plans might be the perfect fit.  4. No waiting periodsSome insurers have dental plans that impose a waiting period before coverage kicks in. It might apply to certain types of care or all types of care. And some waiting periods might be longer than a year. Yikes! This can be really annoying, especially if you need to receive treatment right away.You can avoid this problem by opting for dental insurance plans with no waiting period, like Spirit Dental.. Because we offer plans without a waiting period, once your policy is active, you can make your appointment to see the dentist.5. Guaranteed acceptanceWhen you need insurance, you don’t want to delay getting valuable coverage. And being rejected after taking the time to fill out an application can be frustrating and disappointing. But with Spirit Dental, you don’t need to worry about that.  We guarantee acceptance of your application. Plus, if you need assistance along the way to be sure you submit everything correctly, we’ll gladly help. 6. Implants and major services coveredMajor services may cost hundreds or thousands of dollars, but having the right coverage can reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. Whether your dentist has recommended a crown, bridge, inlay, implant or dentures, our plans can help you afford the care you need. While other insurers might impose waiting periods and restrictions or only offer limited support for major services, our plans provide this coverage from the first month. This means you won’t need to delay receiving treatment, and you won’t need to break the bank either. 7. Three cleanings per yearBrushing and flossing isn’t enough when it comes to keeping your teeth and gums clean and strong. Nothing compares to a professional cleaning, which your dentist might recommend you get more than once a year. To help you maintain a bright and healthy smile, our plans cover three cleanings annually. Compare this to other providers, who might only cover just one or two cleanings each year.  8. $5,000 annual maximumA dental plan with a low annual maximum can make it challenging to get the financial support you need, especially if you have to undergo expensive treatments. Once you reach this limit, you’ll need to pay for care totally out-of-pocket or hold off on getting treatment until a new year starts. Many providers will have annual maximums that are $1,000 to $1,500. But we’re proud to provide higher dental insurance annual maximums, with some plans offering up to a $5,000 maximum per year. 9. Add vision coverage for as little as $7 per monthIf you want vision insurance, we can help. With super affordable premiums as low as $7 per month, our add-on vision plan is designed to help you save money on eye exams, glasses, and contacts. Whether you have a Choice or Network dental plan, getting vision coverage is a snap, so you can have a bright smile and clear vision.    How much is Spirit Dental insurance per month?Unlike other types of insurance that might scare you away when you see how much they cost, dental insurance may be surprisingly inexpensive. Spirit Dental can provide you with the low-cost solution you’re searching for. Plans range from just $36 to $70 per month, and there’s a $100 one-time deductible. Can you get dental insurance anytime? Yes! You don’t have to wait for Open Enrollment to sign up, so you can do it at any time of the year, whether you’re in between jobs, self-employed, or retired and looking for quality coverage.  Ready to get started?Once you know what to look for in dental insurance policies, it’ll become easier to narrow your options to those that are ideal for your needs and budget. Spirit Dental offers a variety of affordable dental plans, and each one comes with a host of perks.Want to see what’s possible? You can get a quote quickly and easily online. And if you need help, we’re here to answer all of your questions.  Sources:https://www.anthem.com/individual-and-family/insurance-basics/dental-vision-insurance/is-dental-insurance-worth-ithttps://www.deltadental.com/us/en/protect-my-smile/dental-benefits/dental-insurance/the-value-of-dental-insurance.html https://www.deltadental.com/us/en/about-us/why-delta-dental.html

Updated March 2023When shopping for a dental plan, it’s wise to read the fine print carefully so you’ll know exactly what you’re buying. When you do that, you might notice that many options come with a waiting period. What is a waiting period for dental insurance? Keep reading to learn about this restriction and how you can avoid it.  What is a waiting period for dental insurance?Put simply, a waiting period is the length of time that you’ll need to wait before your dental insurance policy fully kicks in. During this time, your dental insurance may not cover some procedures.Waiting period lengths will vary by insurer, policy and type of insurance. The waiting period can be as little as a few months, up to a whole year.This waiting period requirement can stand in the way of you receiving necessary professional care sooner rather than later. Imagine having a dental emergency and being unable to use the insurance you purchased—now that’s scary! Why is there a waiting period for dental insurance?Insurance providers that impose waiting periods are trying to protect themselves and keep costs down for consumers. This tactic helps prevent people from signing up for a plan, receiving care, and then dropping the plan. In other words, it’s a way for insurers to dissuade people from signing up for coverage only when they know they have an oral health concern that needs to be treated.  What does a no waiting period mean in dental insurance?No waiting period means your dental coverage is active as soon as your application is approved. No waiting weeks or months before you can take care of that emergency dental procedure for you or your family.Don't worry, you can find dental insurance with no waiting periodsThankfully, there is dental insurance with no waiting period restrictions. It’s just a matter of finding the right plans available in your area. So, as you browse policies that give you the coverage you need, check the details regarding waiting periods.You can indeed find dental insurance with no waiting period for major services. But also consider other factors, such as the cost of the plan and whether or not you need to use a dentist who’s in-network to receive the benefits you want.  Dental insurance waiting period FAQsWaiting periods can be frustrating, so many consumers choose insurers that won’t impose limits on the care they can receive after signing up. If you’re interested in learning more about dental insurance without waiting periods, check out the FAQs below. Can I Use Dental Insurance Right Away?Depending on a plan’s details, you might be able to get coverage for all categories of care (preventive, basic, and major) immediately. But if you also need other types of coverage, keep that in mind.For example, if your child needs orthodontics, it’s a great idea to search for companies that provide dental insurance for braces with no waiting period.As another example, if you’re a senior looking for dental insurance with no waiting period for dentures or implants, you can narrow your options down based on this requirement. How long does dental insurance take to kick in?If you don’t go with a plan that provides comprehensive coverage without any waiting periods, you’ll be limited in terms of the types of treatments you’ll be able to receive at first. But not all plans with waiting periods are identical.Waiting periods might be different for the various categories of care that are covered by an insurer. For instance, you might not need to wait to receive preventive care, but you might need to wait months for basic services coverage or even up to a year or more for coverage of major services. Yikes!For this reason, it’s wise to consider your needs as you shop for insurance. For example, if you need dental insurance with no waiting period for a root canal, you can search specifically for plans that give you that coverage.Can I get dental insurance with pre-existing conditions?It is possible to find dental insurance plans that will cover pre-existing conditions. As is the case with waiting periods, it’s important to read the fine print so you’ll know what is and isn’t covered.Some plans might not cover pre-existing conditions at all. Others might not have any restrictions. And some insurers might limit the types of pre-existing conditions that will be covered. For instance, missing teeth or severe pre-existing conditions might not be covered at all, or you might just need to fulfill a waiting period before coverage kicks in. Can I get dental insurance right before surgery?Yes, you might be able to find a plan that won’t impose restrictions on the types of procedures you can undergo after enrollment. For example, you might be able to get dental insurance with no waiting period for wisdom teeth removal.Basically, if there aren’t any pre-existing condition exclusions or waiting periods on major services, you might be able to enroll in insurance and get support for surgery right away.Can you get dental insurance at any time?Yes, you can sign up for dental insurance at any time. You don't need to wait for an open enrollment period or a new year to start.Spirit Dental has the dental insurance with no waiting period you needDo you want to go with an insurance company that won’t impose annoying waiting periods? Spirit Dental offers a variety of plans to suit the needs of individuals, families, and seniors. And the best part is there aren’t any waiting periods for preventive, basic, or major services! Signing up is simple, and you can contact us anytime with questions about our plans.Let Spirit Dental help you discover a no-waiting-period dental plan that can fit your dental needs. Get started with a free instant quote today.