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Dental insurance can be a valuable investment for oral health, but choosing the right plan for your needs is important. Before purchasing a dental insurance plan, it’s essential to read and understand the terms and conditions that come with it.
One of the most crucial things to consider in a dental plan is its benefits. It would help if you understood what services are covered and their associated costs. This includes co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums. Co-payments are the set fees for each dental service, while deductibles are the amount you must pay before your insurance coverage starts. Annual maximums limit how much your insurance will pay for dental services each year.
By understanding your dental plan’s benefits, you can make informed decisions regarding your oral health. You can also avoid any surprises when it comes to costs. Knowing the details of your dental insurance plan can help you get the most value from it and ensure that you receive the dental care you need.
In summary, before purchasing a dental insurance plan, read and understand the terms and conditions, including the benefits, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums. This will help you make a well-informed decision and get the most out of your dental insurance plan.
Reply: I am 19 and a full-time student. I am looking to get dental insurance only. I talked to the company I had with my parents, but they said they could not just give me a plan of my own since it is a group plan through my dad’s job. Are there any discounts for full-time students if I buy my dental insurance plan?
Answer: All our dental insurance and discount plans have no special discount for students full-time or part-time. However, we do have lower-cost HMO dental insurance plans and lower-cost dental discount plans you may want to review. You can contact our member service line at 310-534-3444, where our team of experts will help you understand each plan’s different options and benefits. They will guide you in selecting the best plan to provide your family with the necessary coverage at a price that fits your budget.
Question: So, my dentist said I would need braces to close up some gaping issues I have with my teeth. I talked to my dental insurance company, and they said they do not cover adult braces but advised me to look for a discount plan such as Aetna Dental Choice, which would at least give me a discount on the cost of braces for an adult and not have waiting periods. Is that true? If so, how much of a savings do I get?
Answer: The Aetna dental discount plan this website has to offer, all services are effective the next business day from signing up —even braces. You can go to any Orthodontic dental office that takes the Aetna dental plan. Your savings for braces are 20% off the dentist’s normal charges.
Question: I have dental insurance through work. It is an HMO. I received two cleanings a year for free. I have yet to use the plan and was considering going in for my cleaning because I have not seen a dentist in over two years. My teeth are stained even though I brush and floss daily. I do not drink coffee or tea, nor do I smoke, but I do eat food that may stain my teeth. If I go in for a good cleaning, will that help remove the stains and make my teeth brighter?
Answer: It’s great that you have dental insurance through work that offers two free yearly cleanings. Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for your overall health, so it’s recommended that you go in for cleaning regardless of the stains on your teeth. That being said, getting a professional cleaning can help remove some surface stains and make your teeth look brighter. If you’re still unsatisfied with the color of your teeth after the cleaning, you can discuss the possibility of teeth whitening with your dentist. They can recommend safe and effective options that can help brighten your smile.
Dental Opinions – Does Impacted Wisdom Tooth Extraction Hurt?
Question: I need to have an impacted wisdom tooth removed and worry that it will hurt.
Reply: Once you get past the injections, you are generally accessible at home free. The dentist will numb the nerves and tissue of the impacted tooth before extraction. One item to note is an impacted tooth sometimes requires the dentist to make deep injections, so consider a mild over-the-counter pain relief medication in advance. In addition, make sure the topic ointment used to numb the gum tissue initially sits on the gums for a minute or two.
Finally, and most importantly, please express any reservations about the procedure to the dentist. You are paying for their service, and they should be willing to sit with you for a few minutes exp, explain the extraction process, and resolve any concerns you may have regarding the pain involved.
Question: I am eighteen, and my teeth are in terrible shape. I always had bad teeth. Even my baby teeth were cavity-ridden. Now, with my adult teeth, I have already had seven cavities. My mom was paying for my dental work out of her pocket since we never had any dental insurance, but she told me today that she would no longer be paying my dental bills and that I better start taking care of my teeth. The thing is, I brush three times a day most days. It is not like I do not try to take care of my teeth. They are just weak or something. My teeth are now okay since I saw the dentist three months ago. But what if I keep getting cavities like I have in the past? How am I going to pay my dental bills?
Answer: Since you are 18, you can get your dental insurance plan to make dental work affordable. You do not have to do what your mom did and pay out of pocket for your dental services when so many affordable dental insurance plans are available. Consider looking at dental HMO insurance plans as a starting point. You can contact our member service line at 310-534-3444, where our team of experts will help you understand each plan’s different options and benefits. They will guide you in selecting the best plan to provide your family with the necessary coverage at a price that fits your budget.
Question: I need dental insurance for myself and my 10-year-old son. I used to have dental insurance through work and never had to get it alone. When getting a dental insurance quote, would I be looking at the family rates? Since it is for my son and me, can I get the couple prices since there are only the two of us? Does a couple mean that you need to be husband and wife?
Answer: Regarding dental insurance, the pricing structure can vary depending on the number of people covered under the plan. Generally, dental insurance and dental plans refer to couples as two people and families as three or more. However, some plans may offer a different pricing structure depending on the number of people covered. So, reading the plan summary, exclusions, and limitations is always a good idea or calling the customer service line to check.
Since you are looking for dental insurance for yourself and your 10-year-old son, you may be able to get a couple’s pricing since there are only two of you. A couple usually refers to a husband and wife, but it can also include an adult with a dependent child. However, checking the specific plan to ensure it meets your needs is important.
When reviewing dental insurance plans, paying attention to the coverage offered, deductibles, annual maximums, and any exclusions or limitations is important. You’ll want to make sure the plan meets your needs and budget while providing the coverage you need for routine and preventative dental care and any necessary procedures.
If you have any questions or concerns about dental insurance, don’t hesitate to contact the customer service team for the plan you are considering. They can provide more information and help you decide on the best dental insurance plan for you and your family.
Question: How much for fake teeth?
Reply: If you’re asking about the cost of artificial teeth, it would depend on the type of restoration you need. For example, a dental bridge typically costs between $500 and $1,200 per tooth, a dental implant can range from $1,500 to $6,000 per tooth, and a partial denture can cost anywhere from $300 to $5,000. However, these options are usually considered when no other option is left, and the primary goal of any dental procedure is to preserve natural teeth. If you’re experiencing any dental issues, it’s always a good idea to seek professional advice from a dentist as soon as possible.
A retainer is a crucial dental appliance that helps maintain the teeth’ structure and alignment. After a kid has completed their orthodontic treatment, the dentist will remove the braces and fit the child with a retainer. The retainer is designed to hold the teeth in their new position, allowing the gums and bones to adapt to the new alignment.
Retainers are made of plastic and metal, and each retainer is custom-made to fit the unique structure of the patient’s teeth and mouth. Even though retainers may look similar, no two retainers are alike. Your dentist will advise you on how long you need to wear your retainer and how often you should wear it.
Retainers are not only used after braces treatment. They also close gaps between teeth, help with speech problems, and solve specific medical issues such as sleep apnea. Retainers come in different types, such as clear retainers, removable retainers, and fixed retainers.
It is essential to properly care for your retainer to ensure its longevity and effectiveness. It would help to clean your retainer daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild soap or toothpaste. Avoid using hot water to clean your retainer, as it can cause it to warp or lose its shape.
In conclusion, retainers play a crucial role in maintaining the structure and alignment of your teeth. If you or your child needs a retainer, consult your dentist to determine the best type for your needs.
If you have an HMO: One significant benefit of an HMO dental insurance plan is that there are no claims to file. The cost of dental procedures is usually fee-based. The dentist will charge based on the fees laid out under the HMO plan. Therefore, you know the price of the services before having them done.
However, service costs may differ from what you think the charge should be. Take a crown as an example. There are many different types of crowns; therefore, knowing what kind of crown you will have is essential in understanding your cost and if your HMO plan covers it. That is where ADA codes come in. There is a different ADA code for each dental service, so even though there are many crowns, the ADA code is different for each crown type.
When questioning the cost of services, ask your dentist for all the ADA codes that will be provided so you can match them to the insurance company fee schedule. If the dentist charges the highest crown cost or a crown not covered by your plan, you may want to question why. It is up to you to know your benefits and ask questions if things do not match up how you expect them to.
If you have a dental PPO or Indemnity Plan: These are types of dental insurance plans where you can go outside the network or choose your dentist. Going to any dentist significantly benefits people, which is why these types of plans are favored.
However, more work is placed on you (the insured) when it comes to filing claims. Even though the dental office may call the insurance company regarding coverage, it is up to you to ensure you are covered and for how much. You can submit a quote to the claims department before the work starts or call.
Many PPOs or Indemnity Plans pay based on % up to ACV/UCR, so even though you may have coverage, you can get hit by a hefty bill if your dentist is above the ACV/UCR. (I advise submitting claims as quotes before proceeding with the dental services. Some PPOs will require submitting a quote for any dental service over $300.00, which helps you know your service cost. Remember that even the dental insurance company will say what they provide is an estimate, and the price can vary depending on when and what is submitted to them.
What is ACV/UCR Fees?
ACV stands for Actual Cash Value, and UCR stands for Usual, Customary, and Reasonable fees. In dental insurance, ACV/UCR is the maximum amount of money that the insurance company will cover for a specific dental procedure. The insurance company determines the ACV/UCR based on the average cost of a particular procedure in a given geographical area. If your dentist charges more than the ACV/UCR, you will be responsible for paying the difference.
Since you can choose your dentist regardless of area or network, you will want to know if your dentist will be within the company ACV/UCR or understand if not, you can have a higher service cost.
Question: I went to the dentist and had some work done. The dental office said my dental insurance policy covered the services I needed up to 50 percent, so I paid half the cost of the services rendered at the time. Yet about two weeks later, the dental office tried to charge me more money, saying that the insurance company did not pay the remaining 50 percent and I still had a balance due.
Reply: You can still have a balance due for many reasons besides a lying dentist. However, the first place to call would be your dental insurance member services line for claims. The claims department could advise you why they did not pay out as you expected. Examples could be:
- You maxed out your yearly maximal limitation.
- You had a deductible.
- You went to a dental office outside the network with UCR fees.
- You went to a dental office in the network of providers but out of your rating area and had UCR fees.
- You had a higher-cost dental service than what the plan covers, so they covered you at a lower cost. An example would be that the plan covers up to 50 percent of a Resin Crown with high noble metal, but if you have a Full Porcelain Crown that is more costly, the plan covers you at the cost of the Resin Crown.
If, after speaking to the dental insurance claims department, you still feel like you were misled by the dental office regarding cost and coverage, you would then call the dental office. With that said, most dental offices will say that your cost was an estimate based on your policy, but that final cost is determined by what the company pays out.
It’s important to note that even when submitting a claim for a quote, only to the insurance company so that you know what the company will pay on the claim before having the services. Even the company will state that it is an estimate and can be subject to change.
Dental insurance coverage for children is an essential health benefit. According to studies, dental health is linked to your overall wellness. Also, studies have shown that people with dental insurance tend to visit their dentist regularly to maintain their dental health care needs. Dental care cost is a leading factor in why parents and their kids do not see a dentist as much as they should. Since that is the case, having dental insurance helps control their family dental care cost, thereby making it possible for them to see their dentist regularly.
In addition to regular visits to the dentist, dental insurance can cover major dental procedures and emergencies. This can provide peace of mind to parents, knowing that their children’s dental health needs will be taken care of without any unexpected financial burden.
It’s important to note that dental insurance policies can vary in coverage and cost, so it’s essential to research and compare different options before selecting a plan. Some plans may restrict specific treatments or providers, so reading the terms and conditions of the plan is crucial.
Dental insurance is a wise investment for families prioritizing their dental health. Dental insurance can help children and parents maintain healthy teeth and gums for a lifetime by providing access to regular check-ups, preventative care, and emergency treatment.
Research that was published in BioMed Central’s open access journal BMC Cancer shows that a four-gene signature may accurately predict which patients are at higher risk of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma recurrence. Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma is responsible for nearly a quarter of all head and neck cancers. It is one of the leading causes of cancer death, this was largely due to the failure of current histological procedures in predicting the recurrence of the disease.
Your teeth and gums age as you do. Even if you take excellent care of your teeth, just by chewing and cleaning will wear them down over time. Faster if you clench or grind your teeth. As you age your teeth can start to look darker due to aging dentin. Older people may have more plaque buildup on their teeth.
Though this is not necessary due to their age then age related physical changes that can make basic dental care like brushing and flossing their teeth harder to do. (Such as people who may have arthritis) Not only are your teeth aging but your gums age too.
Gums will naturally start to recede over time. If your gums recede to where the roots of your teeth are exposed your teeth may become sensitive. As you age your dentist may advise that you to see them more often in order to maintain good preventive health care.
Fluoride is safe and effective in controlling tooth decay when used properly. Too much of anything can be bad and that the same with fluoride. Children should use toothpaste with fluoride however for young child they should be supervise by an adult. Children under the age of six are more likely to swallow toothpaste after brushing instead of spitting it out. You want to make sure they only use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste when brushing their teeth. Encourage your child to spit out and rinse as much as possible. Avoid flavored toothpaste with younger children as it may encourage swallowing or eating of the toothpaste.
Within the last twenty years dental materials and techniques have improved dramatically allowing, the average person to improve the appearance of their teeth. Demand for cosmetic dental procedures is greater than ever. However with that said you should keep a few things in mind while making your decision.
Cosmetic dental services can be expensive. So much so depending on the amount of work needed you may want to start saving and budgeting in cost factors. For example, porcelain tooth veneers may cost $500 to $1,000 per tooth. Dental implants can cost as high as $1500 or more also per tooth. Take into account that most dental insurance plans do not cover for cosmetic procedures cost is something to take into account.
Try and find a cosmetic dentist that will offer a free consult. This give you a chance to get to know the dentist as well as what they may advise without committing to anything. Ask for referrals and check on the dentist experience and credentials.
There are times when a dentist will advise having dental sealants. Dental sealant is a sealant is a clear plastic protective coating for teeth. Dental sealants are normally painted onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars and premolars).
Molars and premolars have grooves and crevices where food can get stuck. Some of these crevices can be deep enough that the bristles of a toothbrush can’t reach into them. This can provide the prefect environment for bacteria to grow and cause cavities.
Having sealants will help to prevent cavities from forming since they cover the groove so that food can not get into them. In the past sealants where mostly used for children though adults can also get sealants when necessary.
Many adults wonder why they should spend the high cost of saving their child baby tooth when it just going to fall out anyway. Although pulling a baby tooth may be less expensive, if a dentist suggest doing a root canal and crown work in order to save the tooth give some consideration and thought to what he/she is saying. There are good reasons why you should save a baby tooth compare to pulling a baby tooth too soon.
Primary (baby) teeth serve several functions, besides just letting your child chew, baby teeth are needed for a child to learn how to speak correctly, as well as play a role in the child physical appearance. Baby teeth are there to maintain the space needed and to help the permanent teeth come in correctly. Pulling baby teeth too soon can make braces necessary in the future for adult teeth Tooth decay in a baby teeth can also effect the growth and envelopment of the permanent teeth. Damage to one can lead to damage to the other. This is why a dentist would want to treat and save any baby tooth whenever possible.
Communication is the key to receiving the best dental care.
1) Communicate with your dentist. Dentist will sometime talk in dental terms you many not understand. They assume if you are not asking any questions it because you understand what is being told to you. If you dentist is suggesting dental services that you do not understand ask questions until you do. If you are not sure why you need a suggested dental service do not hesitate to ask why.
2) If you speak a different languish then then dentist bring someone with you if necessary that can help translate and make things clearer for you to understand. 3) When booking a dental appointment, let them know you may have questions for the dentist and for them to book in the added time necessary .
4) Do not keep your dentist in the dark. Many dentist will have you fill out a medical health form. It is important that you complete it and be upfront about any medical conditions. Such as if you have heart disease, diabetes or high blood pressure the dentist needs to know this since gum care will be extra important to maintain.
5) If you have dental fears let your dentist know ahead of time. That way they can take the time needed to address your fears.
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