Did you know that experts recommend taking your baby to the dentist for their first checkup by the time they’re just one year old? Spirit Dental understands the importance of starting early, so we offer dental insurance plans suitable for your entire family, including the smallest and youngest members of your household.

At Spirit, we believe that starting early is the key to long-lasting oral health. Sure, you can brush your kid’s teeth and gums daily, but that’s only one step that you can take to ensure those teeth will remain healthy. Nothing beats the expertise of a dentist who knows how to thoroughly examine a youngster’s mouth for early signs of problems.

Periodic checkups and oral health education are the ideal strategies for preventing dental issues before they start. Plus, getting your child used to trips to the dentist can help them establish habits they’ll take into adulthood.

While we don’t have specific dental plans for kids, all children are covered when you opt for a family insurance plan. Once enrolled, all major plan details will be the same for everyone on that plan.  

Spirit dental insurance for children: How it works

It's so easy to get a Spirit family dental insurance plan that includes dental insurance for children.

1. Sign up for Spirit family dental insurance online. It only takes a few minutes.
2. In about 10 business days, you’ll receive your ID card in the mail.
3. On the effective date of your policy, you can start using your dental insurance for your kids’ cleanings, checkups and orthodontics. Just let your dentist know that you have coverage, and you’re all set!

Children's dental insurance plan details

• Coverage is available right away. No waiting periods for preventive, basic, and major services.
• Coverage options differ per plan. Make sure to compare before purchase.
• Guaranteed acceptance.
• All plans have a monthly premium and a one-time $100 deductible.
• Your monthly premium will be based on several factors, including your zip code, the type of coverage you select, and whether you opt for a Choice or Network plan.
  
  

Plan benefits include:

• Three cleanings per year
• Choose your own dentist, including a pediatric dentist for your kids
• Orthodontic insurance

Interested in getting a quote? Get your personalized dental insurance quotes now.

Want more information? You might find the answer on our FAQs page.

Age-specific information*

With Spirit dental insurance for kids, you can rest assured that you’ll get the financial support you need when taking your kids to the dentist. Whether they need to go in for an annual checkup, they need a professional cleaning, or they’re ready to get braces to achieve a straight and beautiful smile, the right kids' dental insurance plan will have you covered. 

But there is some age-specific information to keep in mind with dental insurance for kids:

• For children to be eligible for coverage, the main plan applicant must be 18 years of age or older.
• Children are eligible for coverage under the Individual+1 and Family plans. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age to enroll, and dependent children are eligible up to the age of 26.

Treatments for cavities and gum disease are covered with children's dental insurance

Dental decay is considered a common condition among kids in the United States. Left untreated, it can lead to toothaches and, worse yet, infections. Over time, your child might even have trouble eating and speaking. That's why you need children's dental insurance.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), roughly 20% of kids between the ages of 5 and 11 and 13% of kids between 12 and 19 have at least one tooth exhibiting untreated decay.

Did you know your child could develop cavities even in their baby teeth? Referred to as early childhood caries (ECC) and also known as baby bottle tooth decay, this condition can wreak havoc on your little one’s teeth, so it’s important to seek the help of a dentist who can provide appropriate treatments. Your dentist can even give you tips on how to prevent further decay. Once the permanent teeth grow in, it’s still important to see the dentist, as those are the pearly whites your child will have for the rest of their life.

Treating problems like gum disease and cavities can help ensure your child’s chompers remain healthy as they grow. The right dental insurance for children could help cover the costs of expensive treatments, so you don’t have to break the bank to keep your kids’ teeth shiny and strong.

Additional Resources

Need more information on how to keep your family’s teeth and gums healthy? Here are a few of our latest blogs.

• How to Prevent Bottle Rot
• Oral Care for Babies
• Help Your Kids Maintain Stellar Dental Health
• New Parent’s Guide to Toddler Oral Care
• Infants Thumb Sucking | The Dental Effects
• Kids First Dentist Visit: Dos and Don'ts

Orthodontics for kids are also covered by Spirit dental plans for kids

As your kid’s permanent teeth come in to replace the baby teeth, you might notice that they aren’t growing properly. For example, the teeth might be crowded or crooked, or there might be too much space between them. Beyond that, the bite might not be in proper alignment if there’s an overbite or an underbite. In all of these cases, failing to fix the problem might lead to complications in the future, and your child won’t have the lovely smile they deserve.

With a Spirit Dental plan for kids, you can rest assured that you'll be covered if your child needs braces. And that’s important because, on average, braces could cost anywhere from $3,000 to $7,000!

If you’re interested in learning more about dental insurance for children’s orthodontics, visit our orthodontic insurance page.  

Additional Resources

Need more time to consider orthodontics for your kids? Here are some of our informative blogs. 

• 5 Types of Braces
• Invisalign vs. Braces: Which Is Best for Your Teen?
• Overbites: Protect Your Kid’s Smile!
• Does Dental Insurance Cover Braces?

When wisdom teeth aren’t perfect, Spirit Dental can help with dental insurance for kids

Ah, wisdom teeth. Sometimes, they aren’t so “wise,” particularly when they don’t grow in perfectly straight. These are the last chompers to erupt, but many teens have impacted wisdom teeth that may damage nearby teeth, as well as pain, infection and other oral health issues.

Even when the wisdom teeth do erupt correctly, they’re difficult to clean because they’re all the way in the back of the mouth. This makes them vulnerable to gum disease and cavities.  

A dentist can keep track of your kid’s wisdom teeth from a young age, particularly with the help of x-rays. If they’re showing signs of being impacted or causing other problems, the necessary steps, such as extractions, could provide relief, and your Spirit dental plan for kids will be there to help cover the cost.

Additional resources

Need more information on wisdom teeth? Check out these helpful blogs →

• What You Need to Know About Your Wisdom Teeth
• Preparation for Wisdom Teeth Removal

Ready to get dental insurance for your kids? 

Review our plans or speak with one of our licensed agents today if you have any questions regarding coverage and which Spirit dental plan for kids is best for your family.

Children's dental insurance FAQ

At what age should you get dental insurance for a child?

Dental insurance for kids is essential, whether your child is an infant or a teenager. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children visit the dentist by their first birthday or within six months of getting their first tooth.

It is important to bring children in to see the dentist twice (or more) annually for regular exams and cleanings to ensure everything is growing into place properly and to avoid tooth decay and other future problems. Dental insurance can help cover the costs of this preventive care and provide peace of mind for your little one’s smile.

Can I get dental insurance for just my child?

We are not able to offer dental insurance for a child-only. For children to be eligible for coverage under a Spirit Dental & Vision plan, the primary applicant must be 18 years of age or older. Child-only plans are hard to come by, as many add their child to their private insurance plan. If you are looking for child-only dental plans, they are available with Denali Dental & Vision. 

Where can I get dental insurance for my kids?

Spirit Dental & Vision plans are great for children, and our family plans provide coverage for all your dependents, whether you have one or 5+ children!

1. https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/children_adults/child.htm

*Spirit Dental is not a child-only dental plan. This plan requires the main applicant to be at least 18 years of age to be eligible for coverage. Minor children between the ages of 0 and 17 may apply for coverage, as long as a parent or legal guardian is enrolling in the dental plan. Our Denali Dental plan DOES have a Child-Only option.  To get a quote for a Child Only plan, please visit the following website: Denali Dental.