Did you know that your oral health and general wellness are connected? Healthy teeth and gums are essential for your well-being. Brushing and flossing aren’t enough to keep your mouth healthy. The American Dental Association recommends regular dental care. Dental insurance allows you to receive the comprehensive care you need without worrying about large bills. After meeting your deductible, you have access to several benefits to lower the cost of care. Here’s what you need to know about your dental insurance deductible.
How Dental Insurance Works
Dentistry focuses on prevention to stop common oral health issues from occurring in the first place. Your dental insurance makes it easy and affordable to see your dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup. However, your policy also offers coverage for dental services necessary to rehabilitate a healthy smile. Although every plan differs, most include:
- 100% of preventive services
- 80% of basic dental work
- 50% of major dental services
Your insurance may pay 100% of the costs for preventive dentistry after a co-payment. Besides cleanings and checkups, they may also cover X-rays, diagnostic services, and other preventive treatments. You can prevent cavities and gum disease to lessen your need for costly treatments later.
Understanding Your Deductible
If a complication occurs, like a toothache or gum inflammation, your dental insurance will cover some of the expenses after meeting your deductible. Depending on your policy, you may have:
- An individual annual deductible
- A family annual deductible
You don’t pay your annual deductible all at once. Instead, you’ll be required to pay a certain amount before your insurance will cover 50% to 80% of the expenses for a treatment. You’ll be responsible for the remaining balance. You are given an annual limit to use toward the cost of medically necessary treatments.
Maximize Your Dental Insurance
Your dental insurance benefits don’t last forever. Your plan resets at the end of the year, including your deductible. On average, less than 3% of Americans meet or exceed their annual limits, resulting in billions of dollars lost in unused dental coverage.
At the end of the year, you will lose anything you have not used and you won’t be reimbursed for your deductible. Your dentist can help you maximize your coverage to invest in optimal oral health for minimal expense.
You’ve paid your insurance premiums, so why not use your dental coverage? You can achieve a healthy, beautiful smile to be proud of without spending your life’s savings.
About Dr. Michitti
Dr. Michitti earned his dental degree from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry and has continued his education in various specialties, including dental implants. He has achieved Mastership status with the Academy of General Dentistry. He accepts dental insurance to keep his services affordable. Request an appointment through his website or call his office at (413) 831-5531.