What Does Your Dental Insurance Cover?

Dental insurance is an investment in reduced cost for the services you need to keep your mouth healthy. Although more Americans than before have dental coverage, less than 3% of policyholders meet or exceed their annual limits. This accounts for billions of dollars lost every year. Let’s face it, dental insurance can be confusing, but you don’t have to throw money down the drain. Here’s what your dental insurance covers and how you can use it to invest in optimal oral health for minimal out-of-pocket expenses.

How Dental Insurance Works

Your premiums give you access to a nationwide network of dental professionals. You can visit any dentist that accepts your coverage, but most dental insurance companies recommend choosing an in-network practice. They have pre-negotiated rates with preferred dental practices to lower the amount you pay for common services. 

You can benefit from 100% coverage for preventive services. If your dentist finds anything concerning, your insurance can pay 50% to 80% of the costs after reaching your annual deductible. You are given an annual allowance to use toward the expenses for common dental services. 

Preventive Dentistry

Dental care is designed to stop common oral health issues from occurring in the first place, like cavities and gum disease. Researchers have found that $1 of preventive dentistry can save up to $50 on restorative and emergency fees. You can visit your dentist twice a year for preventative care for a co-payment. Your insurance will cover:

• Cleaning and Checkups
• Oral Cancer Screening
• Routine X-rays
• Fluoride Treatments
• Dental Sealants
• Diagnostic Services

Basic Dental Care

Routine appointments allow your dentist to detect anything concerning while it is still small to avoid needing costly dental work later. Basic restorative services are generally covered by 80% after meeting your deductible, which includes:

• Dental Fillings
• Simple Tooth Extractions
• Gum Disease Therapy
• Root Canal Therapy

Major Dental Work

If you require a major dental procedure, your insurance will cover up to 50% of the expenses until you meet your annual limit, including:

• Dental Crowns
• Dental Implants
• Dental Bridges
• Partials and Dentures
• Surgical Tooth Extractions
• Oral Surgery

Orthodontics

Some dental insurance plans also include orthodontics. After meeting your deductible, your insurance will pay a set amount for orthodontic care, like braces.

Dental Benefits Don’t Last Forever

At the end of the year, your dental insurance benefits reset. Nothing accumulates, and you won’t be reimbursed for your premiums or deductibles, even if you never see a dentist.

There’s still plenty of time to use your coverage. Your dentist will help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile without costing you an arm or a leg by using your dental insurance.

About Dr. Xinxing Liu

Dr. Liu achieved her dental degree at the Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine. She continues her training regularly in the latest treatments and technologies. Dr. Liu accepts dental insurance to keep dentistry affordable and accessible for everyone. Request an appointment through her website or call her office at (469) 949-1993.