Getting dental insurance is a smart way toward taking good care of your oral and dental health and making it more affordable. At Mountain View Dental, we want our patients to understand some important facts about this type of dental insurance so that they can get the right policy for their needs and take full advantage of the benefits.
What It Covers
No dental insurance plan covers all of the expenses associated with having dental procedures done. Most policies do cover such routine work as diagnostic X-rays and regular cleanings. More complex and extensive procedures such as dental implants and root canals are not fully covered, so patients may have some out of pocket expenses.
How Coverage Varies
Before deciding on a policy, investigate what the limit is for office visits, X-rays and other forms of treatment. Find out what the deductible is, meaning the amount you are expected to pay upfront. Find out what the waiting period is after obtaining the policy in order to begin any form of dental treatment. Coverage for children often differs from plans targeted at adults.
Low Premiums Aren’t Necessarily the Best
When it comes to dental insurance, lower premiums usually means fewer treatment options are covered. Or one form of treatment, such as amalgam fillings rather than white fillings, may be your only option. If you pay a bit more in premiums, you usually also have less out of pocket expenses for office visits.
Annual Maximum Limits
Most dental insurance plans allow for coverage during the plan year up to a certain maximum amount, so you should know what that amount is, especially if you anticipate having more extensive and expensive procedures done beyond the annual check-up, X-rays and cleaning. Go shopping for dental plans in order to compare what benefits each offers for the amount of premium you will be paying. When looking for insurance for children, check to see that treatments such as braces are included and to what extent.
What Dentist You Can See
Some dental plans insist that you use their plan’s list of preferred dental providers rather than a dentist of your own choosing. Be aware that if you choose your own dentist rather than one recommended by your dental plan, you’re likely to pay more for dental coverage because their preferred providers usually charge lower rates for their services.
What About Pre-Existing Conditions
Check to make sure that the dental plan you select covers the continuation of any work you need to have finished, or if it excludes treatment on crowns, bridges, and dentures that are less than a few years old.
The caring and experienced dental professionals at Mountain View Dental in Pleasant View want you to get the most advantages by selecting the right dental insurance plan for you and your family’s needs. Our staff will do everything possible to make you feel welcome and comfortable when you come in for treatment of any kind. If it’s been a while since you’ve taken care of your teeth, call us to schedule an initial consultation and we will be happy to answer your questions.