As a frugal individual, you may be looking for ways to save money on professional oral healthcare. Either dental insurance or a dental discount plan could help you do that. But which option is better? The answer really depends on what your personal preferences are. In this blog post, you will find a generalized overview of each type of provision to help you make a well-informed decision about which one is best for you.
Dental Insurance
In exchange for a monthly premium, dental insurance provides coverage for a range of oral health services. Each plan is unique, but here is an overview of some of the benefits that are commonly available with PPO dental policies:
- Preventive care is 100% covered. This typically includes two cleanings and exams each year, along with any necessary diagnostic services, such as X-rays.
- Restorative care is 50 – 80% covered. The coverage level depends on whether a particular service is classified as minor or major.
- You can use your benefits at virtually any practice, regardless of whether they are in your plan’s network.
Of course, there are also a few downsides to traditional dental insurance:
- There is an annual maximum that limits how much your insurance policy will pay for approved services each calendar year. Usually, the limit is around $1,000.
- Cosmetic services are almost never covered.
- There may be a waiting period before you are eligible to receive coverage for certain restorative services.
Dental Discount Plans
Just like insurance, each dental discount plan comes with its own unique set of details. Here are some common benefits that you might experience with this type of provision:
- You may need to pay nothing out of pocket for preventive care.
- There are no waiting periods or annual maximums.
- You can receive a discount on virtually all dental services, including those that are not covered by traditional insurance, such as teeth whitening and veneers.
- Often, dental discount plans cost less than insurance.
Some downsides that you might experience with a dental discount plan include:
- You can only use your benefits at certain dental practices.
- You are likely to pay more out of pocket for restorative services than you would with regular insurance.
Making Your Choice
There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing between insurance and a dental discount plan. Carefully review the options that are available to you, and consider how they align with your priorities. Hopefully, you will be able to make a decision that will allow you to enjoy a healthy smile at the lowest price possible!
Meet the Practice
Family Dental Practice of Newington features a large team of dentists and specialists, all of whom are eager to provide top-quality care that is accessible for patients on a budget. Our practice welcomes insurance, and we offer the Essential Dental discount plan. If you are curious about how we can help you save money on high-quality oral health services, contact our office at 860-856-6201.