Your dental insurance was designed to help you save money while safeguarding your smile, but despite over 290 million Americans having this protection, many people don’t understand what treatments are allowed. Here’s a closer look at what most plans cover, so you can make the most of your money while protecting your gorgeous grin!
What Does “Full Coverage” Dental Insurance Mean?
Although it can vary from plan to plan, typically, full coverage dental insurance refers to a plan that covers both general preventive oral health care such as checkups, cleanings, and X-rays, and restorations like dental fillings, crowns, and dentures.
Many full coverage plans have what is known as a “100-80-50” rule, which means that your plan will cover:
- 100% of the cost of preventive care.
- 80% of the cost of restorations like dental fillings.
- 50% of the cost of major procedures like dental crowns and bridges.
Please be aware, however, that the exact treatments and percentages covered may differ by provider and plan, so it is important to verify the details of your policy with your insurance company before using your benefits. Thankfully, your dentist’s office can easily assist you with that!
What Limitations Could My Plan Have?
When you have a new plan, it is important to familiarize yourself with any limitations your policy may carry, including:
- A waiting period, which may apply for new policies and will vary from plan to plan. In some cases, you may be able to have this waived if you can provide proof that you’ve had continuous coverage before beginning your new policy.
- An annual maximum, which is the total your dental insurance provider will pay for your coverage over 12 months. Once you have met your annual maximum, you are responsible for paying anything over this out-of-pocket.
Additionally, your plan could require you to wait a certain amount of time between treatments like dental crowns, fillings, or bridges on a single tooth, or between fluoride treatments for your child.
What Isn’t Covered?
While dental insurance can save you money when caring for your teeth and gums, most plans won’t cover everything. In most cases, cosmetic dentistry treatments like professional whitening and veneers aren’t covered, and although some plans do include orthodontia, not every plan will. Furthermore, some policies may not permit coverage for certain preexisting conditions such as tooth loss, so be sure to read the fine print carefully before signing up.
Remember, dental insurance was designed to protect your oral health and your wallet, so if you’re currently paying for a plan and not using it, you could be missing out on both! Don’t let your hard-earned money go to waste! Schedule your checkup and cleaning today and save your bank account and your smile at the same time!
About Our Practice
At 325 Dentistry, Dr. Robert Hawley and Dr. Jonathan Hawley are pleased to welcome all dental insurance plans. While we are out-of-network, our team is well-versed in dealing with dental insurance and is happy to file your PPO claims on your behalf or even request pre-authorizations, so you’ll know exactly what you’ll be responsible for out-of-pocket. To get started saving your money and your smile, visit our website or call us today at 325-692-0565.