Maintaining good oral health is crucial for overall well-being, but the cost of dental care can often be a barrier for many people. Dental insurance offers a way to reduce these expenses helping to ensure that essential dental treatments, particularly preventive care, is accessible.

Dental insurance may not be the right, or most affordable, option for everyone. Dental savings plans offer reduced rates along with other unique advantages. These plans are often the best choice for people who need more than basic dental care.

We detail the advantages of dental insurance and dental savings plans below so you can choose the option that best fits your needs.

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How does dental insurance work?

Dental insurance coverage may include preventive care, basic treatments like fillings and extractions, and more extensive procedures such as root canals or crowns. Affordable dental insurance plans aim to strike a balance between cost and coverage to make dental care affordable for as many people as possible.

There are two basic types of affordable dental insurance: Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO) and Dental Preferred Provider Organization (DPPO).

DHMO plans typically have low premium payments and no annual spending limit. You must use in-network dentists (typically you are assigned to a dental practice by your insurer), and there may be restrictions on how often you can access some dental services.

DPPO plans tend to be a bit more expensive than DHMO. They have an annual spending limit, as well as waiting periods for restorative services (6-12 months). They are widely accepted, and you can choose to see an in-network or out-of-network dentist (you’ll usually pay more for out-of-network).

Help choosing the best dental insurance

Know your dental insurance options

When searching for the best affordable dental insurance, it’s crucial to examine the coverage options. Some plans may focus more on preventive care, while others offer broader coverage for major procedures. Assess your dental needs and preferences to determine which plan aligns with your requirements.

For example, some basic dental insurance policies are only for preventive care, which is covered at 100%. That means you don’t have to pay a penny out-of-pocket for essential services such as regular dental checkups, cleanings and a set of bitewing x-rays. Other preventive services, depending on your insurance plan, may include fluoride application and dental sealants for children to prevent dental decay, and perhaps mouth guards and other non-orthodontic oral appliances. But you may not get coverage for root canals, crowns, bridges, dentures or orthodontics. Typically, dental insurance covers 50% of the cost of these services (20% for braces). The typical cost of an individual dental insurance policy is $47 a month, ($565 annually) according to Forbes Advisor analysis of dental insurance premiums.

Premiums and Deductibles

Affordable dental insurance should have reasonable premiums and deductibles. The premium is the amount you pay monthly or annually for the insurance coverage, while the deductible is the amount you must pay out-of-pocket before the insurance kicks in. Look for plans with lower premiums and deductibles, ensuring that they strike a balance between affordability and comprehensive coverage.

Network Dentists

Most dental insurance plans have a network of dentists who have agreed to provide services at discounted rates to plan members. Ensure that the plan you choose has a network that includes dentists or dental clinics near you. You may want to check online reviews of the nearby network dentists before choosing a specific insurance plan.

Waiting Periods

Some dental insurance plans have waiting periods before certain treatments are covered. These periods can range from a few months to a year. If you need immediate dental care, look for plans with shorter waiting periods or those that waive them for preventive services. You can also join a dental savings plan that activates immediately, unlike insurance, these plans can be used right away to reduce the cost of even the most expensive procedures.

Annual Maximums

The annual maximum – also called an “annual cap” or “annual spending limit” is the maximum amount the dental insurance plan will pay for covered services in a calendar year. Consider your potential dental needs and choose a plan with a higher annual maximum if required.

Top Affordable Dental Insurance Plans

Dental insurance availability in your area, and plan offerings may vary. Below is not a comprehensive list. Check here to find details about the top affordable dental insurance plans** near you.

Aetna Dental

With the Aetna Dental® Direct Preferred PPO you’ll get preventive treatment at 100% with no out of pocket cost. Basic services are covered at 80% with in-network dentist (after deductible). Major services are covered at 50% with in-network dentist (after deductible). You can choose from one of the more than 420,000 dentist locations in the Aetna Dental PPO network. Your annual cap with this plan is $1,250, and the cost of an individual plan is $406.92 annually ($33.91 per month)

Delta Dental

Delta’s Dental PPO Individual Basic covers diagnostic and preventive care, including exams, cleanings and x-rays. This plan also covers services like fillings and simple tooth extractions. A great choice if you have excellent oral health. And that’s not all, you also receive savings on LASIK™ eye surgery through Qualsight™ and hearing benefits through Amplfon™. Visit any licensed dentist, though you’ll generally save more by visiting a dentist from Delta’s PPO network. Your annual cap with this plan is $1,000 and the cost for an induvial plan is $258.84 a year ($21.57/month).

Renaissance Dental

Renaissance Dental Insurance Plan III is a PPO plan that can be used at any licensed dentist, but you may save more at Renaissance’s network of 300,000 dental locations throughout the country. preventive treatment at 100%. Basic services are covered at 80% and major services are covered at 50% (both with in-network dentist and after deductible). Your annual cap with this plan is $1,000 and the cost for an individual plan is $497.28/year ($41.44/month).

Dental Savings Plans

Dental savings plans (also known as discount dental plans) are a trusted alternative to dental insurance that make dental care simple, flexible and worry free. Plan members pay an annual membership fee to unlock access to savings on virtually all dental procedures at more than 140,000 dentists and specialists nationwide – about 70% of dental practices in the U.S.

Plan members report an average savings of 50%* on their dental care and can use their plan as often as needed. While dental insurance typically has annual maximums, deductibles and waiting periods, dental savings plans do not. Plans activate within 72 hours and do not have restrictions based on current health conditions, so you can save on what you need, right away.

You can save on preventive care such as annual checkups and cleanings, as well as restorative care – crowns, root canals, braces, dental bridges, dentures, dental implants – even the cosmetic procedures that are not typically covered by dental insurance.

Need help choosing between dental insurance and dental savings plans? Give us a call at 1-833-735-0399, we’ll review your needs and provide a personalized recommendation. We have 20+ years of experience in helping people access affordable, quality dental care by matching them to their perfect dental insurance or dental savings plan.

Want more details right now? Use our calculator below to see how much you can save at the dentist.

*Discount Health Program consumer and provider surveys indicate average savings of 50%. Savings may vary by provider, location, and plan. 

** Actual plan rates may vary by zip, age and number of people insured. See the insurance policy for the plan you choose to learn more about covered services and benefits levels.