Dental care is part of taking care of your overall health—but most people don’t spend a lot of time thinking about different kinds of dental coverage available to them. Dental insurance can make it simpler and more affordable to access dental care for you and your family, through all stages of life. So what kind of dental coverage do you need?

Let’s take a look at what you should consider when weighing your options for different kinds of dental coverage.

What Is Basic Dental Care?

Basic dental insurance focuses on covering preventative care and some basic treatments. For example, most basic plans will cover 100% of the cost of regular cleanings, check-ups, and x-rays for every member of the family. These plans may also cover most or part of routine and complex treatments—known as restorative services—such as cavity fillings or root canals. Some basic plans require a 6 to 12 month waiting period before restorative treatment coverage kicks in.

More comprehensive or full-service plans may offer some coverage for even more restorative treatments such as implants, bridges, crowns, dentures, and extractions, plus orthodontic care. 

Is Dental Coverage Required?

Dental coverage is not required by law for adults or children. Health insurance plans are not required to provide dental coverage to adults, but they must offer it as an option for children. To receive care from a dentist, you do not need to have dental insurance coverage. Some dentists may offer their services at a discount to uninsured patients.

Can I Buy Dental Insurance on My Own?

Dental insurance is usually available through your employer’s health insurance plan. If coverage is not offered through your employer, you can buy dental insurance on the Health Insurance Marketplace. Dental insurance is available as a stand-alone plan, or you may choose a health insurance plan that includes dental.

What Kind of Dental Coverage Do I Need?

What kinds of dental coverage and insurance you need depends on your age, stage in life, and whether you have children.

Families with Children

Many families with young children may be fine with basic preventative care packages, but if you have several children, the best dental plan types for families include restorative care as well. If you have several children needing sealings or cavity fillings per year, the cost can add up quickly, so it will pay off to have better coverage. As your children get older and closer to needing braces, you’ll want a plan that offers orthodontic care as well.

Adults

Single adults or married adults without children do well with basic preventative care coverage for dental, unless you anticipate needing more comprehensive restorative care or prefer the peace of mind knowing that it’s available to you.

Older Adults

Older adults benefit from full dental coverage that offers some coverage for extraction, implants, and denture services. Even if you don’t need dentures or similar services now, you may need them in the near future, and having the coverage available offers peace of mind.

Want to learn more about different kinds of dental coverage available through Insurance Center Associates? Contact us to request a quote today.