Supplemental insurance would seem to be the answer if you have exceeded your dental insurance plan's annual maximum or if your plan does not cover a needed procedure. But before you pay more for yet another insurance policy, consider potential problems and your options.

A dental emergency is never fun, especially if you're without dental insurance. When looking for dental insurance, you'll notice the term "waiting period," which can often be a roadblock for many people trying to get immediate dental treatment. We'll explain what a waiting period is and how it works. 

The advantages to prepaid plans include low premiums (the fee you pay to belong to a plan), deep discounts on dental care, no annual spending limit, and coverage for pre-existing conditions. But what are the disadvantages?

The good news is that modern dentistry can keep our teeth and gums healthy throughout our lives. The bad news is that we’ll probably be paying for that dental care out-of-pocket. Most of the insurance options that specifically serve seniors, like Medicare, do not cover dental care.