You deserve to have a healthy smile. However, some people may have concerns about how to pay for their oral healthcare. If that is true of you, you might be wondering if you should buy a dental insurance policy or a dental discount plan. Is one better than the other? Both can help you save money, but they are suited to different circumstances. This blog post explains some pros and cons of each option.
Dental Insurance
Each dental insurance policy is unique, so you should research details before you commit to any particular plan. Here is an overview of some of the perks and benefits that you can enjoy with most standard PPO policies:
- Preventive care is often 100% covered, so you can attend cleanings and checkups for nothing out of pocket.
- Restorative care may be 50 – 80% covered, depending on whether the procedure is classified as minor or major.
- You can use your benefits at practically any dental practice without getting permission or a referral.
Despite their advantages, dental insurance policies also commonly come with some drawbacks, such as:
- There may be a waiting period before certain services are covered.
- Many policies enforce an annual maximum (a limit on how much the insurance company will pay out within a calendar year).
- Elective services, which often include things like teeth whitening and veneers, are very rarely covered.
Dental Discount Plans
A dental discount plan may be managed by a private practice, a corporate dental group, or a third-party company. In exchange for a reasonable fee, you may get to enjoy some noteworthy advantages:
- You may be able to receive preventive care for no additional cost.
- You can get a discount on almost all other services, includingelective procedures.
- You might pay less for a dental discount plan than you would for traditional dental insurance.
- You there are no waiting periods or annual limits.
The biggest downside of dental discount plans is that you can only use them at specific practices. They also do not reduce out-of-pocket costs for restorative care as much as insurance does.
Which Should You Choose?
Both dental insurance and dental discount plans can be highly beneficial for patients. The one that is best for you depends on your circumstances and preferences. Ask your local dentist about their discount plan so you can compare its details with any insurance plans that are available to you. Then, you will be able to make a well-informed decision about which one is best for your family.
Meet the Practice
New Haven Dental Group takes great pride in providing high-quality care for patients in our community. We charge reasonable prices and are always willing to help patients understand their payment options. We accept many forms of insurance and offer the Essential Dental discount plan. To learn how we may be able to help you save on dental care, contact our Hamden office at 203-587-7327.