Understanding Dental Insurance
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Helping You Understand and Maximize Your Benefits
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Dental insurance can be confusing. Our team works with patients every day to help them understand their benefits, estimate costs, and navigate the claims process.
While we are happy to help you maximize your benefits, it is important to understand that dental insurance is designed to assist with the cost of care—not necessarily cover all treatment. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions based on your oral health needs, not simply what an insurance company chooses to cover.
How We Help Patients With Insurance
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For some patients, cosmetic dentistry offers subtle enhancements. For others, it provides a complete smile transformation. Every treatment plan is fully customized based on your goals.
- We submit claims on your behalf.
- We help estimate insurance benefits before treatment whenever possible.
- We explain deductibles, yearly maximums, and coverage limitations.
- We help patients understand in-network and out-of-network benefits.
- We help patients coordinate treatment with available insurance benefits.
- We discuss financing and payment options when insurance does not cover the entire cost of treatment.
Understanding Dental Insurance
Many people are surprised to learn that dental insurance functions differently than medical insurance.
Most dental plans include:
Annual Maximums
An annual maximum is the total amount your insurance company will pay toward dental treatment during a benefit year. Many plans still have annual maximums similar to those established decades ago, despite significant increases in the cost of dental care.
Deductibles
A deductible is the amount you must pay before certain insurance benefits begin. Many plans waive deductibles for preventive services such as examinations and cleanings.
Coverage Percentages
Most plans divide treatment into categories such as:
- Preventive Services
- Basic Services
- Major Services
Each category may be covered at a different percentage depending on your specific plan.
Insurance Does Not Determine What Is Best For Your Health
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One of the most common misconceptions about dental insurance is that if a procedure is not covered, it must not be necessary.
Unfortunately, insurance companies do not determine what is best for your oral health. Coverage decisions are based on the specific benefits purchased by your employer or insurance carrier.
Our recommendations are based on what we believe is the most appropriate treatment for your individual situation, regardless of insurance coverage.
Cost and Payment Options
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We understand that dental care is an investment.
Before treatment begins, we’ll review anticipated costs, insurance benefits, financing options, and answer any questions you may have.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions About Insurance or Payment Options?
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If you have questions about dental insurance, financing, our Dental Savings Plan, or the cost of treatment, our team is happy to help.