While most families wouldn’t consider going without medical insurance, dental insurance is often considered more of an optional choice. That is until an emergency reminds you of how important coverage can be to your finances.
Selecting to carry dental insurance is beneficial for all ages, from children to senior citizens. As a bonus, when you have dental insurance, you’re more likely to schedule appointments for preventive care as part of your overall well-being and not wait until an emergency occurs.
While not everyone may need full coverage, there are situations where dental insurance is worth having, both individually or as a family.
When Is Dental Insurance Worth It?
While enrolling in dental insurance is an individual choice, there are situations when paying for coverage is worth it. These include:
- You need family coverage: Families benefit from dental insurance in more ways than one. It can help pay to protect your children’s teeth to prevent tooth decay or damage to permanent teeth. Teenagers may need orthodontic attention, such as braces. And, if they play sports, dental accidents can happen, so having insurance can provide peace of mind. The adults in any family will also benefit from regular check-ups.
- You are in retirement: People are more prone to dental issues as they age. Needs may include implants, crowns, dentures, bridges, or gum disease treatments. Having to budget for these makes dental insurance worth keeping.
- You have a family history of dental issues: Family genetics can play a role in your dental health, meaning you can be at higher risks of developing specific conditions regardless of how often you brush and floss your teeth. If you know your family history, look for the following:
- tooth decay
- gum (periodontal) disease
- misaligned teeth
- oral cancer (While oral cancer treatments may cross over under medical insurance benefits, regular oral exams will help detect them sooner.)
- You have health conditions: Certain health conditions can lead to dental problems. One of these is diabetes, which decreases the blood flow to the gums which then increases the risk of periodontal disease. Others include Osteoporosis and Alzheimer’s Disease.
- You have access to an employer-sponsored group plan: If your employer offers dental insurance, it’s worth considering. Participation in these insurance plans will usually cost less than individual plans and provide a broad spectrum of coverage.
- Your diet includes sugary and acidic foods and beverages: Diets rich in sugar and acidic foods or beverages can wear out tooth enamel. This kind of diet can also affect the tissues of the mouth. Sugar itself reacts negatively with bacteria found in plaque and causes tooth decay.
- You anticipate needing major dental work: While you may not need extensive dental work now, you may know that it is coming eventually. This can be due to family hereditary issues or other factors. Some insurance coverage requires you to wait 6-12 months before certain procedures will be covered, so the sooner you start, the better.
What Is Covered Under Dental Insurance?
Coverage under dental insurance depends upon the plan level you select. Some offer limited services and are best for those in good health. Others provide more extensive coverage, which is beneficial for those unexpected emergencies or continued care for certain conditions.
Your dental insurance can cover any of the following, paying between 80-100% for preventive care, 50-80% for basic care, and up to 50% for major procedures.
- Bi-annual cleanings
- Oral exams
- X-rays (including digital radiography)
- Fluoride treatments for children, teens, and adults
- Ceramic fillings
- Tooth extractions
- Root Canals
- Crowns and Caps
- Dental Implants
- Dental Bridges
- Dentures
- Surgical extractions
- Braces
- Aligners
- Night Guards or other devices
What Are the Overall Benefits of Dental Insurance?
Even if you have healthy teeth and exceptional oral hygiene, preventive care covered under dental insurance can be extremely beneficial. It can save you considerably in the long run by identifying issues before they become bigger problems.
Carrying dental insurance also prompts you to schedule bi-annual cleanings and exams without worry. This is another way of protecting your health and well-being and that of family members.
The growing years of children and teens bring unpredictable surprises when it comes to dental health. Being prepared for what may come can provide peace of mind to parents and even grandparents.
Under dental insurance, you receive lower rates on various procedures, which means the amount you pay is less when insurance only covers 80% or less. While you still pay premiums and any amounts over the allowable maximums of your plan, overall, your dental costs are made more affordable.
When deciding whether purchasing dental insurance is worth it, consider your dental health needs currently. If you know that you will need occasional cleanings and maybe a filling, see if this justifies the cost of monthly premiums plus the amount you will be responsible for under insurance.
Schedule Your Appointment Today with Eastgate Dentist Excellence in Cincinnati
The compassionate professionals at Eastgate Dentist Excellence in Cincinnati understand all your dental needs and the various forms of insurance coverage available. Contact our Cincinnati office today to schedule your dental appointment.