Did you know that over 70 million Americans do not have any type of dental insurance coverage? If you are new to dental insurance, it may seem overwhelming to determine your policy limits and what exactly is covered under your insurance plan.
Have you ever wondered, what does dental insurance cover? Here is a guide to some of the most common coverage questions for affordable dental insurance.
Regular Checkups and Cleanings
Almost all dental insurance plans cover regular checkups and teeth cleanings. Usually, you are eligible to receive two checkups and dental cleanings per year, or once every six months.
Your dentist will usually do an oral exam to check for any cavities and inflammation in your teeth. They may also measure your gum depth to look for signs of gingivitis, or gum disease.
If you have serious dental problems, then it may require deep cleaning. You will have to check with your plan to see if you have coverage for deep cleaning or if you will have to pay out of pocket.
Necessary Dental Work
Once you get your exam done, your dentist will diagnose you with different problems if you have any. Some of the most common problems are cavities, which occur when the tooth starts to decay.
When you have cavities, you will likely need fillings to fix them. These fillings are made of composite so that they match the color of your teeth. Your dentist may numb you up with novocaine or lidocaine for the procedure if your tooth is sensitive or in pain.
If your tooth decay is extensive and affects one or more nerves in your tooth, then you may need a more serious procedure, such as a root canal. A root canal involves cleaning out the decay and filling the infected nerves so the infection does not spread further.
Dental surgery is also a major procedure that you may need if you have tooth extractions or infections in your gums. Most of these necessary procedures are covered by affordable dental insurance.
Orthodontia and Aligners
Some of the best dental insurance plans include orthodontia and aligners. These are devices that will help to straighten your teeth and adjust your bite if you have issues with your alignment.
The most affordable option is traditional metal braces, which your insurance may cover all or part of. Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, may cost more, but they have the benefit of looking more aesthetically pleasing during the treatment time.
What Does Dental Insurance Cover?
If you get a new dental insurance plan, you should not be in the dark about what it does and does not cover. To make sure you know, you can always look up your insurance policy so you know exactly what you will pay.
Want to learn more about how you can take care of your teeth? Check out our site for more information on insurance coverage.