When is Dental Insurance Worth it?
Regular dentist appointments are crucial for maintaining good overall and oral health. Despite this fact, many people overlook the importance of dental insurance until they face a dental emergency. However, just as medical insurance provides coverage for unforeseen health issues, dental insurance is an essential backup that can make dental care more affordable. By investing in dental insurance, you make it easier to maintain your oral health and protect yourself from potentially costly procedures down the line.
Why is dental insurance important?
If you have a mouth, you need dental insurance. Let’s dig into some of the reasons investing in dental coverage may be a great option for you:
Dental care can be expensive
According to Forbes, the price of dental care in the United States can be costly and continues to rise due to inflation. Today, a simple dental cleaning can cost about $100, while more complex procedures like root canals and dental implants can cost thousands. Fortunately, most dental insurance plans often cover up to 100 percent of preventive care (exams, x-rays, cleanings), up to 80 percent of basic services (fillings, extractions), and up to 50 percent of restorative services (root canals, implants, bridges). While coverage depends on the specifics of your plan, there's no doubt that having dental insurance to help cover costs can save you money when looking at the bigger picture.
Dental procedures and medical procedures are different
One misconception people have is that their medical insurance will cover dental treatments. That isn’t the case. Dental procedures, such as cleanings, fillings, root canals, and others, are not usually covered by medical insurance. In contrast to medical insurance, which tends to cover reactive treatments, dental insurance focuses on preventive measures to keep your smile healthy.
Dental insurance can improve quality of life
Dental problems can impact your quality of life in many ways. For example, pain, discomfort, and embarrassment of the state of your smile can directly affect how you eat, speak, and socialize. Dental insurance gives you the ability to schedule dentist appointments and get the treatment you need to maintain good oral health. Additionally, preventive care coverage, which provides for things like regular cleanings and checkups, can help you avoid pain and costly procedures.
Don’t wait until you need dental insurance
One of the biggest mistakes people make when it comes to dental insurance is waiting until they need it to get it. Dental problems can come unexpectedly and happen anytime. They often require immediate attention. If you don't have dental insurance, you may be forced to pay for dental procedures out of pocket. Many dental insurance companies also have waiting periods, which could lead to heightened discomfort, pain, and the likelihood that the condition will worsen before coverage begins.
Weighing the cost versus the benefits of dental insurance
The cost of dental insurance varies depending on the plan and provider, but it's essential to consider the long-term benefits. For example, preventive care that comes from regular dentist appointments can help you avoid more serious dental problems that can be costly to treat. Additionally, many dental insurance plans offer discounts on procedures and services. At the end of the day, by having dental insurance, you can rest easy knowing you're covered whether you need a cleaning or an unexpected dental problem.
