As a frugal individual, you may constantly be on the lookout for ways to save money. Dental insurance or a dental discount plan could certainly help you do that — but which option is better? Both have their pros and cons. This blog post provides a generalized comparison of these two provisions so you can make a well-informed decision about which is best for your unique situation.
Dental Insurance
Every dental insurance plan is unique, so it is important that you research specific details before you make any commitments. In the meantime, here is an overview of some of the advantages you can expect to enjoy with most standard PPO policies:
- Preventive care is usually 100% covered, so you can attend checkups, cleanings, and other basic services for nothing out of pocket.
- Restorative care is usually 50 – 80% covered, depending on whether a procedure is categorized as minor or major.
- You can use your policy at virtually any dental practice, regardless of whether they are in your insurance network.
There are also a few drawbacks of traditional dental insurance that you should be aware of:
- You might have to wait 6 – 12 months before you receive coverage for restorative services.
- You will likely have an annual maximum, which is a limit on how much your insurance company will pay out for approved services within a calendar year.
- Orthodontic care is not always covered.
- Elective services, usually including things like teeth whitening and veneers, are very rarely covered.
Dental Discount Plans
A dental discount plan can be managed by a single private practice, a corporate dental organization, or a third-party company. In exchange for an annual or monthly fee, you may get to enjoy the following benefits:
- Usually, preventive care is provided for no additional charge.
- You may get a discount on virtually all other services, including those that are not covered by traditional dental insurance.
- Often, dental discount plans cost less than insurance.
- There are no waiting periods or annual maximums.
The biggest disadvantage of dental discount plans is that you can use them only at certain practices. Also, if you need restorative care, your discount will likely not be as much as what you would enjoy with regular insurance.
Which Should You Choose?
Both dental insurance and dental discount plans can be valuable ways to save money on oral care. The one that is best for you depends on your preferences and circumstances. After you examine the details of any insurance policies and discount plans that are available to you, you will be able to choose the one that is most suitable for your current situation.
Meet the Practice
The general dentists and specialists at New Haven Dental Group in Woodbridge offer a wide range of services at reasonable prices. We accept more than 200 different dental insurance policies, and we offer the Essential Dental discount plan. If you are curious about how we can help you save money on high-quality care, contact our office at 203-409-2535.