Dental insurance is an investment in affordable dentistry. You can benefit from reduced rates for the services you need to keep your mouth healthy. With your oral health and general wellness connected, healthy teeth and gums are important. However, less than 3% of people meet or exceed their annual limits. Let’s face it, dental insurance can be confusing. You don’t have to throw money down the drain. Here’s what you need to know to maximize your coverage.
1. You Can Choose Any Dentist That Accepts Your Insurance
Your dental insurance company recommends choosing a dentist in their network to benefit from more coverage at the time of services. They have pre-negotiated rates for select services with preferred dental practices. You can still use your insurance at an out-of-network dentist. You’ll be responsible for the difference between the dentist’s fees and your insurance’s allowable amount.
2. 100% of Preventive Dental Services Can Be Covered
Dental insurance can cover up to 100% of the expenses for preventive dentistry for a co-payment. Besides semi-annual cleanings and checkups, your insurance may pay for X-rays and other diagnostic services. Your policy may also include other preventive treatments, like fluoride varnish.
Routine dental appointment stops common oral health problems from occurring in the first place. You’ll invest in a healthy mouth and body while reducing your overall dental expenses. Researchers have found that every $1 spent on preventive dental care can save up to $50 on restorative services.
3. Up to 80% of Restorative Treatments Can Be Covered
If your dentist finds anything concerning, you don’t have to delay dental work if money is tight. Your insurance can pay up to 80% of the expenses for basic restorative treatments after meeting your annual deductible. Your policy may also cover 50% of the costs for major dental work until reaching your annual limit. You can treat the issue early to avoid a dental emergency down the road.
4. Your Dental Insurance Expires
Your dental benefits don’t last forever. Your coverage expires at the end of the year. You will lose anything you haven’t used and nothing will carry over into the following year. You won’t be reimbursed for your premiums or deductibles. You could lose hundreds to thousands of dollars if you don’t use your coverage.
You pay for your dental insurance, so why not use it? Your dentist will work on your behalf with your dental insurance to maximize your coverage. They’ll help you find the solutions you need to keep a healthy smile within your budget.
About Dr. Hadi Ansari
Dr. Ansari earned his dental degree from the University of Pittsburgh and has continued his education in oral and maxillofacial surgery, anesthesia, dental implants, oral pathology, and much more. He accepts many dental insurance plans to keep his services affordable. Request an appointment through his website or contact his office.