Full Coverage Dental Insurance

What is full coverage dental insurance?

When you shop for dental insurance, “full coverage” sounds like the best dental insurance option. But what does it actually mean?

Many people misunderstand how full coverage dental insurance works, leading to confusion and misplaced expectations about what’s covered and how much will be paid for dental services.

A full coverage dental plan covers a variety of services like:

• Preventive care (cleanings, exams, X-rays)
• Basic care (Simple extractions, fillings)
• Major care (crowns, implants, bridges, dentures)
• Orthodontics (braces)

Full coverage does not mean all dental costs and procedures are fully paid by insurance. And not every full coverage plan is built the same.

Let’s look at an example for how full coverage dental insurance works best. 

How full coverage dental insurance with no waiting periods work

Jenna is a freelance graphic designer in the gig economy and currently doesn’t have dental insurance. She was just about to hop into a client Zoom meeting when tooth pain stopped her cold. Anxiety set in as she worried about getting to the dentist and how much it would cost.

Jenna gets through the meeting but knows she needs a solution—and fast. Before shopping for dental insurance online, she writes down her dental care needs: a cleaning and X-rays (preventive), maybe a filling (basic) and probably a crown (major service).

She finds that a full coverage dental plan would likely work best as she can get coverage for all three services. But what about waiting periods? Most dental plans have waiting periods before their coverage begins for basic and major services.

Jenna can’t wait and needs full coverage that starts immediately.

She finds full coverage dental insurance with no waiting periods through Spirit Dental. She’s relieved but figures there must be a catch. 

She reads the fine print:

• No waiting periods for preventive, basic and major services (check)
• Affordable PPO dental plan pricing in California where she lives (check)
• Finds a dentist in-network (check)
• In-network savings through the Ameritas Network (check)
• High annual maximums that help cover extensive costs (check)
• 3 cleanings annually covered 100% (check)
• One-time deductible only paid once (check)
• Next-day effective dates (check)

Everything seems like it fits with exactly what she needs. But, what do other people think of Spirit Dental. She checks Spirit Dental reviews, and one particular testimonial stood out to her:

“Easy to understand, great rates and no waiting period. Been looking for at least a year.”
- Spirit Dental member, Oct. 11, 2025

Relieved—and as excited as you can be when shopping for dental insurance—Jenna can now use her full coverage dental plan tomorrow, get the coverage she needs, visit her preferred dentist and get back to creating beautiful designs for her clients with an added sense of confidence.

Enjoy instant peace of mind without the wait

With Spirit Dental, you're free to access the care you need without waiting. Enjoy full coverage from day one, take control of your oral health and smile with confidence. 

How to compare full coverage dental plans with dental insurance companies

When it comes to choosing the right full coverage dental plans, it's crucial to compare different options. These plans vary in terms of coverage limits, types of services covered and cost. Some plans might offer higher annual maximums, while others focus on lower deductibles. 

Understanding the differences in full coverage dental plans helps in selecting the one that best fits your individual and family needs. Here's a quick guide to key features:

• Annual Maximums: Plans average around $1,000-$2,000 for the annual cap—Spirit offers a higher annual max at $5,000 after two years.
• Deductibles: Some plans have annual deductibles, Spirit has a lifetime deductible
• Preventive services: Look for plans covering 100% of preventive care.
• Network flexibility: Options for in-network and out-of-network providers.
• Family coverage: Plans that cater to the whole family's dental needs, like child braces with no waiting period
• Senior-friendly: Plans with benefits tailored for seniors.

Explore our family dental insurance guide for all the information you'll need to make the right choice for your kids. 

Open enrollment is here. If you're reviewing your health coverage for next year, it's the perfect time to choose the right dental insurance plan that meets your needs without hassle. Get our Free Guide to Open Enrollment Dental Insurance. 

Buying affordable full coverage dental insurance

Getting affordable full coverage dental insurance is a critical step toward maintaining oral health. Identifying your specific dental needs helps to determine which plan offers the best value. Start by evaluating what "full coverage" means to you and your family. Look for affordable full coverage dental insurance plans that align with these needs, offering a mix of necessary services and financial feasibility.

Consider policies with low premiums and minimal out-of-pocket expenses. With careful research, you can find a plan that ensures affordability without skimping on essential dental care.

Among your options, Spirit Dental stands out in the crowded field of dental insurance with our commitment to accessible, comprehensive and affordable dental care solutions. Our unique approach centers on customer satisfaction and flexibility, offering low-cost dental insurance tailored to a variety of dental care requirements—so you can get the most value for your investment in dental health. 

With Spirit Dental, you're not just purchasing insurance, you're investing in a partnership that prioritizes your dental health and overall wellbeing.