You are a budget-conscious person, so the last thing you want to do is pay full price for anything — including dental care. Either insurance or a dental discount plan could help you save a significant amount of money on oral health services. But which option is better? This blog post explains the pros and cons of each provision to help you make a well-informed decision about the one that is best for your family.
Dental Insurance
It is important to bear in mind that dental insurance policies can vary greatly. You should examine the details of any plan you are thinking about buying. In the meantime, here is a general overview of the advantages that you will probably enjoy with a PPO dental insurance plan:
- In most cases, preventive care — including routine exams and cleanings — is 100% covered. Often, these services are exempt from a policy’s deductible.
- Restorative care is usually 50 – 80% covered, depending on the specific procedure you undergo.
- You can use your benefits at virtually any dental practice, regardless of whether they are in your plan’s network.
Admittedly, dental insurance also has some downsides:
- You may have to wait 6 – 12 months after buying your policy before you are eligible for certain types of coverage.
- You are likely to have an annual maximum, which places a limit on how much your insurance company will pay out within a calendar year.
- Some services may not be covered, such as cosmetic procedures. Orthodontia, dental implants, and other treatments are also not always covered.
Dental Discount Plans
A dental discount plan requires patients to pay a monthly or annual fee. In exchange, they might enjoy the following benefits:
- You may get to receive preventive services for nothing out of pocket.
- You can enjoy discounts on almost all other services, including those that are not typically covered by traditional dental insurance.
- A dental discount plan usually costs less than insurance.
- There are no deductibles, waiting periods, or annual maximums.
Dental discount plans also have a few disadvantages:
- There are hard limits on where you can use your benefits (some discount plans are usable at just one practice).
- The discount you get on restorative services will likely be less than what you would get with insurance.
Which Should You Choose?
There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing between dental discount plans and dental insurance. The one that is best for you depends on your budget, your oral health, and other circumstances. Whichever one you choose, you can look forward to a healthier smile at a reasonable price!
Meet the Practice
The experts at Santavicca Dental Professionals are proud to offer a comprehensive range of treatments for the Lebanon community. We charge competitive prices, accept more than 200 dental insurance plans, and offer the Essential Dental discount plan. To learn more about how we can help you save money on high-quality oral healthcare, contact us at 603-215-7108.