Dental Insurance – Friendswood

Maintaining an excellent oral hygiene routine is necessary to keep your smile healthy. However, even if you are very disciplined, there are still going to be areas that you miss. This is where your regular dental visits come in. However, many people put off visits to the dentist because they are worried about the cost. Dental insurance is a great way to make essential dental care affordable to you and your family. However, it is quite a bit different from the medical coverage you are used to. Continue reading to learn more about dental insurance and how it works.

How Dental Insurance Works

When you pay your premium each month, you gain access to discounts on dental treatments and procedures you need. Every plan is a little bit different, but here is what a typical plan may look like in terms of coverage:

• 100% coverage for preventive care
• 80% coverage for basic restorative treatments
• 50% coverage for major restorative treatments

Ultimately, when you attend your regular dental checkups and cleanings, you can prevent the need for restorative treatment, as these services aren’t covered at as high of a rate. Here are some things you should keep in mind:

• Dental insurance plans are renewed at the beginning of the year. Your benefits will not carry over to the next year.
• You need to meet your deductible before your coverage kicks in. Your annual maximum is the designated amount of money your insurance provider will agree to pay in a single year. If you don’t reach this amount, the remaining balance will be returned to your insurance provider.

What Is the Difference Between Dental & Medical Insurance?

Medical insurance and dental insurance both concern your health, so you would think they would be similar. However, they have several key differences. The main one is that dental insurance is focused on preventive care. That’s why most plans include complete coverage for cleanings and checkups. This way, patients are less likely to require more complex procedures, like root canal treatment and tooth extractions, in the future.

In-Network vs. Out-of-Network

When you are choosing a dentist to receive care from, it is key to know if they are in-network or out-of-network. Here’s how this works.

In-Network Coverage

When a dentist is in-network with an insurance provider, this means that they have agreed on a contract to offer services at set fees. By choosing an in-network dentist, you can better maximize your benefits by paying the lowest possible out-of-pocket cost. At Friendswood Dental Group, we are proud to be in-network with Delta Dental Premier.

Out-of-Network Coverage

If you have a plan with another dental insurance provider, this doesn’t mean that you are out of luck in terms of coverage. We are happy to file claims for other PPO dental insurance as well. We want you to receive the highest quality of dental care at the lowest possible out-of-pocket cost.