As a budget-conscious individual, you may always be on the lookout for ways to save money on essential services, including oral healthcare. For example, you might be thinking about purchasing a dental insurance policy or a dental discount plan. But which one is better? Either one can help you enjoy a healthy smile at a reasonable price. However, each option has its own unique pros and cons. This blog post provides some information that may help you to decide which is right for you.
Traditional Dental Insurance
Every dental insurance policy has its own details, so you will have to pay close attention when you are comparing various options. Most PPO insurance plans offer the following benefits:
- You can enjoy preventive care, such as cleanings, exams, and X-rays, for little to nothing out of pocket.
- Restorative care is usually 50 – 80% covered, depending on whether a procedure is classified as minor or major.
- You can use your policy at any dental practice, even ones that are not in your insurance network.
Of course, dental insurance also has some downsides:
- There may be an annual limit on how much your insurance company will pay out for approved services.
- Certain services, such as orthodontia, dental implants, and cosmetic procedures, are not always covered.
- There might be a waiting period before you can receive coverage for some restorative procedures.
Dental Discount Plans
Dental discount plans are designed to appeal to patients without insurance. Their details can vary, but they often offer some remarkable advantages:
- You may not have to pay anything extra for preventive care.
- There are no annual limits or waiting periods.
- You can enjoy discounts on virtually any service, including those that are not usually covered by insurance. For example, you may get a discount on teeth whitening or veneers.
- Dental discount plans often cost less than insurance premiums.
Some common drawbacks of discount plans include:
- You can only use a discount plan at specific practices. Some plans are even limited to a single practice.
- The discounts you get on restorative services may be less than what you would enjoy with traditional insurance.
Making Your Choice
Both dental insurance and dental discount plans are excellent ways to save money on caring for your smile. The one that is best for you depends on your needs and preferences. Talk to your dental team — they may be able to offer personalized advice that helps you make a wise decision.
Meet the Practice
All Dental is home to a talented team of oral health professionals who provide top-quality services in a welcoming environment. We accept many types of insurance, and we participate in the Essential Dental discount plan. If you would like to learn how we can help you save money on your family’s oral care, we are ready to speak with you. Contact our Watertown office at 617-924-9993.