Dental Insurance vs. Discount Dental Plans

While reviewing your dental coverage options it's important to realize that there are key differences between dental insurance and discount dental plans. The differences may seem confusing at first, but don't worry. Just keep reading and soon you'll know enough to make the right choice for your needs.

What you should know about Dental Insurance

If you've ever had dental insurance you know the costs are quite high. On average individuals pay approximately $30 per month and coverage for a family can exceed $100 per month. You don't always notice these costs because dental insurance payments are usually taken out of your earnings. They're automatically deducted from your paycheck so you don't even notice the payments.

Like health insurance, you'll find plenty of limitations with dental insurance. You're typically only covered for a certain number of visits per year. Coverage of pre-existing conditions may be limited if not outright prohibited. Your annual benefits often are limited to between $1,000 and $1,500. Most insurance plans include a $50 per individual deductible which must be met before the insurance kicks in. There's usually a waiting period before coverage kicks in, too. Finally, many plans require filling out confusing claim forms and that's always a hassle.

Discount dental plans are much more flexible and much easier to understand. They offer several key benefits too. First is the cost. You can find discount dental plans covering all household members (who may or may not be related) for as low as $19.95 per month!

Some plans include prescription, vision and chiropractic coverage for the entire household for that same low price. Some even cover orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry; work that's rarely covered under traditional dental insurance plans.

With a discount dental plan you can visit your dentist as often as you like. You can have a particular service performed as often as you like and you can change dentists as often as you like. There aren't any age, pre-existing condition or waiting period limitations, either. If you need to see a specialist, go ahead and make an appointment.

Discount dental plans are hassle-free. There's never any paperwork to fill out before receiving treatment AND you save money starting with your first visit!

• Costs less than dental insurance.
• Optional vision/prescription/chiropractic coverage usually included.
• Change dentist anytime.
• No limit on number of visits or services.
• No age limit.
• No paperwork.
• No deductible.
• No waiting period.
• Ongoing dental problems accepted.
• Orthodontics (braces) and cosmetic dentistry often included.
• Specialists included (where available).
• Instant savings.
• No hassles.

It just doesn't make sense to pay more and get less with dental insurance when you can immediately get more by choosing a discount dental plan instead. It's the better choice if you're on a fixed income or if you don't have insurance for two reasons: the monthly payments are low AND you know exactly how much you'll pay for dental treatment before you even make an appointment.

It's also a good choice if your current dental insurance plan leaves you underinsured because it can cover what your dental insurance doesn't.

That's a good question and the answer depends upon the discount dental plan. No matter which plan you choose you're practically guaranteed coverage for any type of preventative work. Doctors and dentists realize the many benefits of catching problems early on while those problems can still be treated inexpensively. They also realize the benefits of preventing problems from arising in the first place which is why taking preventative measures is encouraged.

What's considered preventative? Semi-annual teeth cleanings, x-rays of bitewings, fluoride treatments and sealants for children, and routine examinations are almost always considered preventative.

You'll also find that most discount dental plans include discounts on restorative care such as silver fillings and sometimes even white fillings. The plan probably offers discounts on tooth extractions and extraction of erupted teeth.

Those are they types of dental treatments almost everybody needs at some point during their coverage period. Considered routine and customary, when comparing dental plans, you'll most often find that these types of services are included.

Not everyone needs braces, crowns, dentures or the services of dental specialists. And that's where discount dental plans really start to differ. But that's okay because it doesn't make sense to sign up for a plan that offers orthodontic treatment if you've already had braces. If you have a child with an obvious need for braces, that's another story. In that case it's a good idea to consider a plan with this type of coverage.

You can apply the same logic to other dental services like dentures and bridges. If you don't think you'll need them, don't bother searching for a discount dental plan that includes them.

But do consider this. Even if you think you may never need cosmetic dentistry, root canals, orthodontic treatments or the services of dental specialists, it's good to know that you can access these services/specialists without paying the normal full cost associated with such visits.

Getting quality and affordable dental care is easier than it has ever been with a discount dental plan. You have:

• The flexibility to choose the dentist you want.
• The flexibility to buy into a plan that covers the dental work you need.
• The ability to visit your dentist as often as you need without worrying whether the visit will be covered.
• The security of knowing you won't be turned away because of a pre-existing condition.