5 Things You Need To Know About Dental Insurances Before You Get One

Dentist Reston

Those who’ve experienced unbearable toothaches know how vital it is to have dental care. Even more important is to actually prevent these dental issues from happening in the first place. You can do this by getting regular checkups and other oral health services offered by dental insurance. But choosing a dental insurance can be tricky if you do not have any idea about how it works. You will want to find one that works in your best interests and fits your budget. So here are some tips to help you out.


1. Most dental insurances include preventive dentistry

Bi-annual or annual checkups generally include visual inspection, cleaning and x-rays. This could add up to a decent amount for preventive care visits. Almost all dental insurances offer coverage for preventive care. While some cover these expenses partially, there are some insurances that offer complete coverage for preventive care. Since preventive care insurances that you do not have to make expensive appointments in the future, it is essential to choose a plan that includes preventive care expenses cover.


2. Coverage for Major Dental Work

Unlike preventive care, cost of restorative treatment is not covered in full. Most insurances cover about 50-80% of the restorative treatment cost. Since you will not require restorative treatments regularly, it is still advised that you check the payment gap. For treatments like bridges, crowns, root canals and more, you may feel like you have to pay a large sum, but in reality the insurance can bring down the amount from your pocket to less than half.


3. Cosmetic Services are Generally Not Included

If you need a cosmetic or orthodontic treatment like braces, you should carefully check what is covered by the policy. While insurances typically do not cover braces and implants, some insurance plans with higher monthly costs may provide some coverage. Such plans can cover about half of the service cost.


4. Annual Ceiling

Most dental insurances have a ceiling to the coverage offered in a year. Some insurance plans may even cover only selected services in a year. Typically, dental plans have a maximum limit between $1,000 and $2,500 a year. Anything beyond that will have to be met from your pocket. You should check the ceiling when planning your dental expenses. However, the benefits of the dental plans are not carried forward to the next year. So make sure your put your insurance to good use and utilize the benefits before they expire.


5. Single or Family Coverage

It is always suggested that you should get your entire family on the dental plan. In the long run, you will be able to save money and ensure that everyone gets the required dental care. You should check the kind of coverage offered when choosing your plan.


To make the most of your dental insurance, you should always choose one that meets your needs in the best way. For families with children, orthodontic coverage should be given preference. Also, you should take good advantage of the preventive care coverage. Early detection and proper care will prevent damage and expensive treatments in the future.


While insurance is the best way to meet your dental expenses, you will be surprise to know that not all dentists accept insurance. So, always make sure that your dentist participates in your insurance plan. At Expressions Dental Care, we always try to work in favor of the patients. That is why we work with most PPO insurance plans to make things easier. If you want to know your Financing & Insurance options in Reston VA; contact us and we will be happy to help you.