A dental indemnity insurance plan pays the dental office (dentist) on a traditional fee-for-service basis. The insurance company usually pays 50% – 80% of the dental office (dentist) fees for a covered procedure; the remaining percentage – the insured pays. These plans often have a predetermined or set deductible amount, which varies from plan to plan. Indemnity plans can also limit the number of services covered within a given year, and dentists can be paid based on various UCR fee schedules. Some typical features of these plans:

Plan Deductibles:

Indemnity dental insurance plans generally require the payment of a deductible before coverage begins. However, well-designed plans do not apply the deductible to preventive services. The average deductible is around $25 – $50 per person per year, while for families, it may be something like $150 max per year. For example, if the plan has a $50 deductible per person, and a family of four is insured under the plan, if the plan has a maximum deductible of $150 per year after three family members pay their deductible in the same year, the fourth member would not have a deductible for that given year.

Waiting/Probationary Periods:

A waiting period is a set amount of time before you can receive coverage for specific dental services under your insurance plan. During this period, you are not eligible for coverage for the particular services subject to the waiting period.

Insurance companies implement waiting periods to control their costs. They want to ensure they don’t have to pay for expensive procedures that people might sign up for only after finding out they need them. With a waiting period, insurance companies can limit the risk of people taking advantage of the system.

Waiting periods vary depending on the insurance company and the specific plan. Some plans may have no waiting periods, while others may have waiting periods of up to a year or more. It’s essential to read the terms of your insurance plan carefully to understand what services are subject to a waiting period and how long that period is.

Maximum Limitation:  

The maximum limitation is how much a dental insurance plan will pay for dental services annually. The maximum limitation varies depending on the specific plan and insurance company. Generally, the maximum limitation for dental indemnity plans is between $1,000 and $2,500 per person per year. 

Dental indemnity plans have maximum limitations to control costs for the insurance company and the insured. Dental services can be expensive, and without a maximum limitation, the insurance company could pay a lot of money for a single person’s dental treatment. The maximum limitation ensures that the insurance company does not have to pay more than a certain amount for dental services for each individual. 

It’s important to note that if an individual reaches their maximum limitation for the year, they will be responsible for paying for any additional dental services they need out of their pocket.

Choosing Your Dentist:

One of the most significant benefits of an indemnity dental insurance plan is that there is no network of dentists. You have the freedom to choose any dentist you desire, and there are no limitations to a specific group of dentists you can select from. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for people who live in rural areas or who have established a long-term relationship with a specific dentist.

For instance, suppose you move to a new city and would like to continue seeing your current dentist. In that case, an indemnity dental insurance plan would be an excellent option, as you can choose your dentist without worrying about whether they are in-network. Additionally, suppose you have a family dentist caring for your family’s dental health for years. In that case, you can continue to visit them even if they are not part of the insurance company’s network.

By having the freedom to choose your dentist, you can maintain a trusting and long-term relationship with your dentist, which can benefit your overall dental health. You can discuss your dental health concerns and goals with your dentist, and they can provide you with personalized care that meets your specific needs.

In summary, an indemnity dental insurance plan allows you to choose any dentist you want, giving you the freedom to receive care from a dentist you trust. It’s an excellent option for people who value the flexibility to choose their dentist and maintain a long-term relationship.

Average Cost of an Indemnity Dental Plan

While it’s true that indemnity dental insurance plans can be more costly than other types of plans, they offer a significant advantage in terms of flexibility. With an indemnity plan, you can choose any dentist you want, and you won’t be restricted to a particular network of dentists. This means you can maintain a long-term relationship with your current dentist, even if they are not in the insurance company’s network. Additionally, indemnity plans typically have higher annual maximums than other plans, which can be beneficial if you need extensive dental work. Finally, indemnity plans may cover a broader range of dental services than other plans, such as cosmetic procedures. Ultimately, whether an indemnity dental insurance plan is a good option depends on your needs and preferences.

State Insurance Departments regulate Companies Selling Indemnity Plans:

The regulation of dental insurance and indemnity plans by state insurance means that these plans are subject to state laws and regulations regarding insurance coverage. This includes requirements for coverage, premium rates, and other terms and conditions of the plan. This regulation aims to protect consumers from unfair practices by insurance companies and ensure they receive appropriate coverage for their dental care needs. The specific rules may vary from state to state, but they generally aim to provide a fair and transparent insurance market for dental care.

Glossary of Dental Insurance Terms 

Dental insurance plans can be complex and challenging to understand. Indemnity plans are one type of dental insurance that allows you to choose any dentist you want. However, it is essential to understand your plan’s various terms and conditions to make informed decisions about your dental care. We will break down some of the standard terms you see in a dental indemnity insurance plan.

1) UCR Fees: UCR stands for “Usual, Customary, and Reasonable.” Insurance companies use UCR fee schedules to determine how much they will reimburse for a dental procedure. The UCR fee is the maximum amount an insurance company will pay for a particular dental service in a specific geographic area. For example, if a dental procedure costs $200, but the UCR fee in that area is $150, the insurance company will only reimburse the dentist $150. 

Under dental indemnity plans, dentists can be paid based on various UCR fee schedules. This means that the reimbursement a dentist receives from the insurance company can vary depending on the UCR fee schedule used by the insurance company. It’s important to note that UCR fees are determined by the insurance company and not the dentist, and they can vary widely depending on the geographic location and the specific plan. 

UCR fee schedules can affect payment for dental services under indemnity plans because they limit the amount the insurance company will reimburse for a particular service. If the UCR fee for a specific service is significantly lower than the amount the dentist charges, the patient may be responsible for paying the difference out of pocket. However, if the UCR fee is higher than the amount charged by the dentist, the insurance company will only reimburse the UCR fee, and the patient will not be responsible for paying the difference.

2) Allowable Charge: Regarding dental indemnity insurance, the term “allowable charge” refers to the predetermined fee schedule as the basis for plan deductibles, coinsurance, and maximum percentage. Essentially, this is the amount that dentists are reimbursed for the services they provide, as per their agreement with the insurer. This will allow for transparency and consistency in pricing and ensure that the dentist and the patient understand the costs associated with the services rendered. It’s important to note that the allowable charge may vary depending on the specific insurance plan, so reviewing your policy details is always a good idea to understand what is covered and isn’t covered.

3) Balance Billing: Balance billing is a prevalent issue dental patients face when dealing with indemnity dental insurance plans. It refers to the difference between the total cost a dental office charges a patient for a particular dental service and the amount the patient’s insurance plan pays for that service. This difference can be substantial, leaving patients with a significant financial burden.

Indemnity dental insurance plans typically pay a percentage of the total cost of the services provided rather than a set amount. The amount of coverage a patient receives from their insurance plan can vary widely depending on the price of the service and the percentage paid by the insurance company. 

For example, suppose a patient requires a dental procedure that costs $1,000, and their insurance plan pays 50% of the cost. In that case, the insurance company will pay $500 for the procedure, and the patient will pay the remaining $500 out of pocket. However, if the dental office charges more than the insurance company deems reasonable, the patient may be responsible for paying the difference, known as balance billing.

Balance billing can be a significant financial burden for dental patients, especially if they require multiple procedures or have a limited budget. It’s essential to carefully review the terms of an indemnity dental insurance plan before enrolling to understand what percentage of the cost is covered by the insurance company and what the patient’s financial responsibility will be.

In some cases, dental offices may offer payment plans or other financial assistance options to help patients cover the cost of balance billing. Patients can also consider negotiating with their dental office to reduce the balance billing amount or seeking a different dental office offering more affordable pricing.

Balancing billing is critical for dental patients considering an indemnity dental insurance plan. By understanding the potential financial implications of this issue, patients can make informed decisions about their dental care and budget accordingly.

4) Claim Forms: Dental indemnity insurance is essential to dental care that helps patients cover their dental expenses. When a patient receives dental care, the dentist or the patient can use a claim form to submit information about the services provided. The claim form serves as a document that contains all the necessary information about the dental services rendered, including the type of treatment, the date of service, and the cost of the treatment.

The dentist is responsible for ensuring that the information in the claim form is accurate and up-to-date. It is crucial because the information in the form determines the amount the insurance company will pay for the services rendered. The insurance company will review the claim form and pay the dentist or the enrollee/beneficiary.

The insurance company accepts claim forms submitted either on paper or electronically. Since the advent of technology, electronic submission of claim forms has become more prevalent. Electronic submission of claim forms is more convenient and faster than paper-based forms. It eliminates the need for mailing, reduces the chances of errors, and speeds up the processing time.

In conclusion, the claim form is vital for dental indemnity insurance. It is used to submit information regarding the dental services provided and helps the insurance company determine the amount of payment to be made. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the information provided in the form is accurate and up-to-date.

5) Coinsurance:  When it comes to indemnity dental insurance plans, coinsurance refers to the percentage of the cost of services the patient is responsible for. The insurance company pays a portion of the cost while the patient pays the remaining amount, typically a copay or coinsurance. The percentage that the patient pays can vary depending on the specific plan and the type of service being provided. For example, a plan may cover 80% of the cost of routine cleaning, while the patient is responsible for the remaining 20%. However, for more complex procedures such as a root canal, the patient may be responsible for a higher percentage, such as 50% or more. It’s important to carefully review the terms of your indemnity dental insurance plan to understand the coinsurance requirements and any other costs associated with your coverage. Doing so lets you make informed decisions about your dental care and avoid unexpected expenses.

6) Deductible: An essential aspect of indemnity dental insurance plans is the deductible, which refers to the amount the policyholder pays out of pocket before the insurance coverage kicks in. This deductible amount varies between plans and can range from around $25 to $50 per person per year for an individual plan, while for families, it may be something like $150 max per year. Well-designed plans typically exempt preventive services from the deductible, meaning that policyholders can receive these services without first meeting the deductible. 

For example, suppose an indemnity plan has a $50 deductible per person, and a family of four is insured under the plan. If the plan has a maximum deductible of $150 per year after three family members pay their deductible in the same year, the fourth member would not have a deductible for that given year. The deductible is crucial when choosing an indemnity dental insurance plan, as it can significantly impact the out-of-pocket expenses that policyholders will face when receiving dental services.

7) General Dentist: Regarding dental indemnity insurance plans, a general dentist offers a wide range of dental services. They are responsible for routine dental care, such as check-ups, cleanings, fillings, and extractions, as well as more complex dental procedures, such as crowns, bridges, and root canals. General dentists are trained to diagnose and treat various dental issues, including gum disease, tooth decay, and oral infections. They also educate patients on proper oral hygiene practices to maintain good dental health. In short, a general dentist is a crucial component of a dental indemnity insurance plan, providing comprehensive dental care to ensure the insured’s oral health

8) Limitations & Exclusions: When it comes to dental insurance, it’s essential to understand the limitations and exclusions of an indemnity dental plan. These refer to specific services that may not be covered under your plan and will require you to pay out of pocket if you choose to receive them. Often referred to as optional services, they can include treatments such as cosmetic procedures or orthodontics. Reviewing your plan carefully is crucial to understand which services are limited or excluded and any associated costs. Doing so lets you make an informed decision about your dental care and avoid unexpected expenses.

Considerations for Choosing a Dental Indemnity Insurance Plan

In conclusion, a dental indemnity insurance plan offers flexibility and choice when selecting a dentist. Although the plan can be more expensive than other insurance plans, it provides higher annual maximums. Before choosing an indemnity plan, it’s essential to read the plan’s terms carefully to understand the waiting periods, deductibles, and maximum limitations. This way, you can make an informed decision that meets your dental health needs and goals.

At DentalOpinions.com, we understand the importance of having dental insurance that suits your unique needs. We offer many dental insurance plans, including indemnity dental insurance. If you have any questions or want a free dental insurance quote for you or your family, please get in touch with us at 310-534-3444. Our friendly and knowledgeable team can assist you from Monday to Friday between 8 am and 4 pm. We are always happy to help you find the right insurance plan for your budget and dental care requirements.

Question: I need to find a family dental plan where we can all go to the dentist whenever we need to and pay the dental office bills after the dental insurance company pays their part before making us pay our share of the cost. Currently, we pay the dentist upfront for the total cost of our dental services and wait for the insurance company to refund us. The problem is we don’t always have the money to pay in full, which is why we got the insurance in the first place. 

Having to pay the dentist in full upfront is keeping us from going to the dentist, and at that point, I do not see spending $125.00 a month for a dental insurance plan we do not even use because we can not pay upfront for dental services. What options are left for us that would be more affordable?

Reply: Welcome! I hope you are doing well today. I want to discuss dental insurance plans and how claims are processed. I can understand why the claims process can be distressing, especially concerning how the claims get paid. Let me assure you that you are not alone. Many people have questions about dental insurance plans and how they work.

Based on what you have told me, you have either a dental PPO or an Indemnity dental insurance plan. Consider talking to your dentist if you like the plan benefits and coverages overall and if it’s just about how claims are paid. With dental PPO and Indemnity plans, the payment process and how the dentist gets paid is really up to the dental office. It does not typically come from your insurance company.

The dentist can choose to submit the claim and get paid by the insurance company before billing out any remaining balances to their patient. In the past, many dental offices processed claims that way. However, sadly, many patients would fail to pay their part, and then the dentist’s office would have to chase them down for payment. That is why numerous dental practices have resorted to charging their patients the full amount and requiring them to submit claims to their insurance company to reimburse the portion owed to them.

Some dental offices charge you what they think your part of the cost would be, based on your policy coverages, then bill or credit you depending on the outcome. However, only some dentists still do this, as it can still be an issue of fully getting paid for services already rendered.

Based on what we have discussed, it is not an issue with the insurance plan per se but more of knowing how your dentist is willing to file claims and how they expect you to pay for services. Therefore, if you are still facing issues with your dental insurance plan, you may need to change your dental office, not your dental insurance plan. I hope this information was helpful to you. If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

Affordable Dental Care: Tips for Maintaining Oral Health Without Breaking the Bank

Ensuring proper dental care is essential for maintaining overall health, and avoiding necessary procedures due to cost can be detrimental. To help with the affordability of dental care, we have compiled a few suggestions that may be useful to you. Please find the tips below regarding a PPO or Indemnity dental insurance plan.

1) Find out how the dental office files a claim: Talking to the dental office about their claims process is essential in understanding what is expected of you before receiving dental services. You should find out how the dental office processes claims and what upfront cost they expect from you. 

Some dental offices may require you to pay the total cost of the dental services upfront and then submit your claim to the insurance company for reimbursement. In contrast, others may charge the insurance company directly and only bill you for the remaining balance. 

Knowing your financial obligation before receiving dental services is crucial, as this can help you budget your dental costs accordingly. Additionally, ask about any payment plans or financing options that the dental office offers to help you cover the cost of your dental services.

If you are unsatisfied with your current dental office’s claims process, consider switching to a different provider offering more favorable payment terms. Many dental offices are willing to work with their patients to find a payment plan that fits their budget, so don’t hesitate to ask about your options.

By understanding your dental office’s claims process and what is expected of you before receiving dental services, you can take control of your dental health and ensure you get the care you need without breaking the bank.

2) Payment Plan: Another option to consider is a payment plan. Some dental offices offer payment plans for patients to pay for their dental services over time. You can ask your dental office if they offer any payment plans and if they have any discounts available for paying in total upfront.

Additionally, you can inquire if the dental office will charge you based on your insurance coverage. You will be billed for adjusted differences after the insurance company pays them. By asking these questions before receiving dental services, you can budget your costs accordingly and be prepared for any financial obligations.

It’s essential to communicate with your dental office about your financial situation and any concerns you may have regarding payment. Many dental offices are willing to work with their patients to find a payment plan that suits their budget, so don’t hesitate to ask about your options.

3) Get a Cost Estimate: Dental care services can be expensive, especially if they involve complex procedures or treatments. As a responsible patient, it’s essential to know the costs involved and plan accordingly. Before undergoing any dental care service that costs more than $200.00/$300.00, requesting an estimate of coverage cost from your dental insurance company is a good idea. 

This estimate will help you understand the coverage your insurance company will pay for the service and the out-of-pocket costs you’ll be responsible for. Understanding the service’s total cost in advance can help you plan your budget accordingly and avoid any unpleasant surprises later on. 

It’s worth noting that dental insurance policies can vary widely in terms of coverage and limitations. Hence, reviewing your policy carefully and asking questions if you need clarification is essential. Also, remember that some dental services may not be covered by insurance at all, so it’s necessary to understand the total cost upfront. 

By requesting an estimate of coverage cost from your insurance company, you can make informed decisions about your dental care and avoid any unexpected bills.

4) Budget Dental Cost: Budgeting for dental care costs is an excellent way to ensure that you can afford the care you need when you need it without breaking the bank. While having dental insurance is a fantastic start towards reducing dental care costs, the cost associated with dental care may still be challenging to manage if you do not plan.

One simple way to budget dental care costs is to set aside a small amount each pay period. For example, you could set aside $20.00 each pay period or whatever amount you can afford. The key is to use that money only for dental care and avoid dipping into it for other expenses.

If you get paid twice a month and budget $20.00 per pay period, that’s $40.00 per month and $480.00 per year. If you only need preventive care in a year, which is typically free or at least under $100.00 (with insurance), continuing to save this amount will help pay for more extensive dental needs in the future. The more you can put aside each pay period, the more you will have towards larger dental care costs.

By budgeting for dental care costs ahead of time, you can feel more in control of your dental health and avoid the financial stress that can come with unexpected dental expenses. 

5) Change Dentist: If your dentist is not willing to work with you on payment options and you find it challenging to pay for dental services in full, it may be beneficial to look for a more flexible dentist. We understand that dentists need to get paid for the services provided, but not everyone can pay for those services upfront, which is why many people consider payment plans an option. 

Some dental offices offer payment plans for patients to pay for their services over time. You can ask the dental office if they have any payment plans or if they would be willing to create a payment plan that works for your budget.

Another option to consider is financing through third-party companies that specialize in dental financing. These companies work with dental offices to provide payment plans and financing options for patients who need them. Working with a financing company allows you to get the dental care you need without paying for everything upfront.

Lastly, if you do not have access to credit cards or want to avoid incurring more debt, shopping around for a dental provider that will work with your budget may be helpful. Many dentists understand that dental care can be costly and are willing to work out a payment plan that fits your needs. Finding the right dentist may take some research and effort, but it is worth it if it means getting the dental care you need.

In summary, options are available if you struggle to afford dental services. You can look for a dentist who offers payment plans or financing options or shop around for a dentist willing to work with your budget. It is essential to prioritize your dental health and get the care you need, and finding a dentist who understands your financial situation can help you do just that.

Other Alternatives for Lower-Cost Dental Care

Here are some other options that may help make your dental care cost more affordable, but they may also require you to choose a new dentist as your provider. 

1) Dental HMO Insurance Plans: Dental insurance is an excellent way to maintain good dental health while saving money. However, the cost of dental insurance can often be a barrier for many people. Fortunately, Dental HMO insurance plans can be an affordable option for those seeking dental coverage.

One of the primary benefits of an HMO dental insurance plan is that you do not have to file claims. HMO plans have already negotiated rates with the dentists in the plan network. The plan providers have a fee schedule for each covered service, which outlines the costs. Therefore, you only have to pay the reduced, negotiated prices when you receive dental services.

Another advantage of HMO dental insurance plans is that they are typically more affordable than other dental insurance plans. This is because HMO plans limit the dentists and facilities you can use to those within the plan’s network. As a result, the plan providers can negotiate lower rates with these dentists and facilities, which results in more affordable dental services.

While you may have to pay in full when you receive dental services, the negotiated prices are generally much more affordable than what you would pay without insurance. However, if you still find it challenging to pay for your dental services upfront, ask your dentist if they offer a payment plan option.

In summary, HMO dental insurance plans can be an excellent option for those seeking affordable dental coverage. With no claims to file and reduced, negotiated prices, HMO dental plans can help you stay on top of your dental health without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for a way to save money on dental services, an HMO dental insurance plan may be worth considering.

2) Dental Schools: Dental schools can be an excellent resource for saving money on dental care costs. Dental schools offer low-cost or free dental services to the public as part of their training programs for future dentists.

While it may seem daunting to receive dental services from a student rather than a licensed dentist, dental students are supervised by experienced dentists, ensuring that patients receive quality care. In fact, dental schools have some of the most advanced and up-to-date dental equipment and technology available, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordable dental care.

In addition to offering basic dental services such as cleanings and fillings, dental schools also provide more specialized treatments such as root canals, crowns, and implants, all at a fraction of the cost of a traditional dental office. Patients can expect to save anywhere from 30 to 50% on dental services when visiting a dental school.

It is worth noting that dental school appointments may take longer than appointments at a traditional dental office, as the students are still learning and may take more time to complete procedures. However, this extra time is often reflected in the lower cost of services.

To find a dental school near you, you can search online or contact your local dental association for recommendations. It is also important to note that dental schools may have specific patient requirements, such as a need for certain dental services or a willingness to participate in student evaluations.

Overall, utilizing the services of a dental school can be an excellent option for individuals looking to save money on dental care costs. Not only can it provide affordable dental care, but it can also contribute to the education and training of future dentists.

Get affordable dental care with our comprehensive insurance plans – Contact us today for a free quote.

I hope that the information provided was helpful and informative. Remember, ensuring proper dental care is essential for overall health and well-being. By understanding your dental insurance plan and knowing your financial obligations before receiving dental services, you can take control of your dental health and get the care you need without breaking the bank.  

Thank you for contacting us regarding dental insurance plans and tips for affordable dental care. At DentalOpinions.com, we understand the importance of having access to affordable and comprehensive dental care. That’s why we offer a range of dental insurance plans to meet your needs.

If you have any questions about our dental insurance plans or would like a complimentary dental insurance quote for you and your family, we encourage you to call us. Our knowledgeable representatives are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to answer your questions and help you find the plan that best fits your needs and budget.

Don’t let the cost of dental care keep you from maintaining good oral health. Contact us today at 310-534-3444 to learn more about our dental insurance plans and how we can help you get the care you need at an affordable price. Thank you for considering DentalOpinions.com for your dental insurance needs.

Question: I am looking for a low-cost dental insurance plan. I want to have the routine cleaning twice a year with X-rays. Since I only need preventive dental care, I do not want to spend $30-$50 monthly for dental insurance to get two free cleanings yearly. Is there any dental insurance with a low monthly rate for people who will only be using it twice a year? 

Answer: You may want to look into a dental HMO insurance plan. Generally, HMO dental insurance plans offer a low monthly cost ranging from $8.00 to $25.00 monthly. HMO dental insurance plans are good overall dental plans, and many provide free office visits, X-rays, and dental cleanings. Make sure you read the policy terms to confirm plan coverages.

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.

Dental Erosion: The enamel (the hard, protective coating of the tooth) is worn away by exposure to acid; when that happens, it leaves the sensitive dentine area of the tooth exposed. Dental erosion of the enamel can result in pain, particularly when consuming hot or cold food. The enamel on the tooth becomes softer and loses mineral content when we eat or drink anything acidic. However, this acidity is canceled out by saliva, which slowly restores the natural balance within the mouth. But if the mouth is not given enough time to repair itself (because these acid attacks are happening too often), the surface of the teeth is worn away.

Soft drinks are the most significant factor in the severity of dental erosion, according to a new study published in the Journal of Public Health Dentistry. Anything with a pH value (acidity) lower than 5.5 can damage the teeth. Diet and regular sodas, carbonated drinks, flavored fizzy waters, sports drinks, fruit, and fruit juices are all known to be harmful to teeth if consumed too often. If you drink these types of drinks, limit their contact with your teeth by drinking through a straw. Also, consider substituting that type of drink with water whenever possible. Water is good because it causes no damage to your teeth and is also great for your body.

Once you find a dentist and dental office you like and trust, it can be challenging to change providers just because you want dental insurance to help control your dental care cost.

However, you do not have to change your dentist and have dental insurance. Many good dental insurance plans let you choose and stay with your current dentist. These plans are called Indemnity plans. That is because Indemnity dental insurance plans do not have providers that let you choose the dentist you want. One thing to remember is that Indemnity dental insurance plans are like PPO’s dental plans. They usually come with waiting periods. So, buying these types of dental insurance plans is best before you have a toothache.

If you loose a tooth due to an accident and the tooth is recovered quickly you have a chance to save the tooth by going straight to a dentist and having it reattached.  However often too much time passes between the loss of the tooth and getting the dental care needed.  At that point you will need to think about how you are going to replace the tooth.

One way is by having a dental implant. Implants are artificial roots for a tooth that is placed in your mouth and attached to a replacement tooth. They do not rest on other teeth to support the replacement tooth, but rather are rooted into the gums. A dental implant will look just like any of your other teeth and  work and function the same.  Dental implants are a great substitute for dentures and bridge work. They are secure, and do not feel or look fake. The only problem with the procedure is the high cost.

Many dental insurance plans do not cover for dental implants but there is still an option if your insurance plan does not offer benefits for implants.  If implants works is needed then you may want to get a dental discount plan.  On a dental discount plan you will be able to save money off the cost of having dental implants as long as there is a provider in the plan that does that type of dental services.  It is worth looking into when deciding about implant dental work.

Make sure to change your toothbrush regularly. Throw away your old toothbrush every three months or when the bristles start to flare, whichever comes first. Also note: If your bristles flare much sooner than every three months, you may be brushing too hard. Try easing up.

There are a few steps you may want to take when thinking about buying dental insurance for yourself and or your family.   First step is to know your own dental needs the best you can.  You will be able to see that on line there are a ton of website offering dental insurance and dental plans that  you can have the option to review.  However, if you do not have a clear understanding of what you may need from a plan it will quickly seem overwhelming.  Before getting online ask yourself a few questions.

First are you trying to stay with a dental office?  If so the first step should be calling the dental office you are wanting to stay with to find out what plan they are a  PROVIDER for.  The key word is provider.   There are many higher cost dental insurance plans one can buy that lets you choose your own dentist but if your dental office is a provider of a lessor cost plan would you not want to know about it.   At the same time knowing this information will save you time in reviewing dental plans like HMOs where you have to stay within a network.

With that said you also need to have some idea on the dental services you may want.  Such as if you are in need of having a root canal getting a dental PPO with waiting periods for major dental services may not be the best option as to buying a dental HMO plan with no waiting periods or a getting a dental discount plan that let you see the dentist normally within the next business day of your online enrollment..

Make sure you read each plans terms and conditions so that you are sure to buy a dental plan that best fits your dental needs.   And lastly when in doubt about coverages or plan details call member services and get a clear understanding the time you put into make sure you getting the right plan from the start is well worth it.

I am 25 and will be getting all four wisdom teeth pulled how many days will it take for me to recover enough to go back to work.

Answer: It would depend on how you feel. People are different about how much they can take or do when they do not feel 100 % . Part of the time healing process is to do as directed afterwords. I would guess about two to three days. If you have your teeth pulled towards the end of the work week you may only miss a day of work.

Root canal can be done by either a general dentist or an Endodontist specialist.  Normally you would go to a general dentist first and if determine that you should see a endodontist the general dentist will refer you to one. The dentist will remove the inflamed or infected pulp that is in the inside of your tooth.  Then the tooth is filled up and sealed.

If you went to a endodontist dentist for the root canal you would return to your general dentist for a crown.  The crown will help to protect your tooth and restore it back to full function.  Even though having a root canal and crown work can be costly, most dentist will advise this procedure in order to save a tooth.  Some people feel that having an extraction would be less costly however that is not the case if you are wanting to replace the missing tooth pulled.    Leaving gaps in your teeth due to pulling is never a good idea because shifting of your remaining teeth will happen over time.  That is why it is a good idea to have dental insurance in place prior to having any major dental services render.

Brushing your teeth too hard can cause damage to your gums. It can cause your gums to recede. Plaque attaches to teeth like jam sticks to a spoon. It can not be totally removed by rinsing, but a light brushing will do the trick. Once plaque has hardened into calculus (tartar), brushing can not remove it. If you think you might brush too hard, hold your toothbrush the same way you hold a pen. This encourages a lighter stroke.

I am fourteen and my teeth are yellowish in color.  I brush my teeth twice a day with crest+ with whitening but it really is not helping and my mom will not pay for me to have my teeth whiten by the dentist because it is over $100 to have that done.  What are some home remedy I could try to whiten my teeth?

Answer:  Listed a few Ideas that may help. However, ASK YOUR MOM BEFORE DOING ANYTHING !!
1)Brushing with Lemon Juice
2)Brushing with Baking Soda
3)Brushing with Hydrogen Peroxide
4)Brushing with Salt
5)Rubbing Strawberries on your teeth then Brushing off.

However, all though the above may help whiten your teeth they can do damage as well. They contain sugar and acids and are abrasive, all of which can damaged your enamel that helps protects your teeth from tooth decade

It is always important to have good dental care and to see a dentist regularly.  If you are one of the 3% (depending on what study you  read)  of the US population that suffers from Acid reflux disease, dental care and seeing a dentist becomes a larger issue and one that should be address.

With people that have acid reflux disease you may need to see the dentist more then just twice a year. Prolong or chronic acid reflux can start to cause major teeth damage.   Day after day of exposure to stomach acids will begin to dissolve away the tooth enamel which is the protective coating of your teeth.  Thus leaving your teeth noticeably weaken and more open for tooth decay.  Causing you to have larger dental issues as well as health care issues.   A dentist would be able to help you prevent teeth damage due to acid reflux but only if you see a dentist regularly.  By having a good dental insurance plan, it will help you control the cost of your dental care needs

Affordable dental insurance plans from an HMO have a limited pool of dentist to select, but it is a more affordable insurance plan. If you are self employed and looking for a more affordable dental plan, a discount dental plan may be an alternative.

Discount dental plans are not dental insurance plans. A discount plan partners with dentists to provide customers with a savings on visits to the dentist office. The downside to discount dental plans is that they are not regulated and you have limited recourse if you experience dental plan problems

I am 23 with very bad yellow teeth.  I been to the dentist and I have no cavities.  I brush my teeth and use tooth paste with whiting., but it not helping to make my teeth look any better.  I hate them I look as if I do not take care of my teeth and makes me not want to smile.  I have dental insurance but they will not pay claims for teeth whitening or having veneers.   I really do have anxiety’s and panic attacks over how my teeth look.  I need help but not sure where to find any.

Answer: Many dental insurance plan do not provide benefits for teeth whitening services.  I suggest reviewing the dental discount plan options we also have available though this website.  With a dental discount plan you are able to save money off the cost of having your teeth whiten.  Hopefully making teeth whitening services more affordable for you.

 

According to the National Association of Dental Plans, approximately half of the U.S. population does not have an affordable dental plan. The cost for affordable dental insurance can vary. Therefore, it is important to understand all your options in obtaining the most affordable dental plan coverage.

The company where you work may provide the most affordable dental insurance plan options. Dental insurance plans for individual and families are usually an HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) or a PPO (Preferred Provided Organization) and operate much like traditional health insurance organizations.

In more traditional policies (such as dental Indemnity plans) they allow the insured to obtain dental treatment from any provider and be reimbursed for claims made according to the plans benefits.   Where as on HMOs dental insurance plans limit coverage to services provided by the HMO’s providers and PPOs dental insurance plans provide a list of providers for whom benefits are provided on a preferred basis (while covering dental services of non-listed dental providers can be on a less favorable basis).

Supplemental Dental Insurance

Supplemental dental insurance is an individual or family insurance policy purchased to cover a portion of the dental costs. Supplemental dental insurance will normally not cover the entire dental care procedure.

If you have a primary dental insurance plan that you purchased or your employer provided, the supplemental dental policy typically covers the remaining dental bill.  For example, if the dental plan policy covers half of the dental cost, the secondary or supplement dental insurance plan should cover the remaining balance of your dental procedure.

A supplement dental insurance plan may also be purchased to cover the dental charges when there are annual dental benefit plan limits or exclusions.

I hope this information on supplemental dental insurance has helped.

When you are reviewing dental insurance plans that shows benefits on a fee schedule (like an HMO dental insurance plan) the schedule of benefits listed shows the amount to be paid for each treatment or dental services render under the plan.  Thus letting you know your cost ahead of time for each dental service covered under the plan.

When you are reviewing insurance plans that pay coverages based on usual, customary and reasonable (like PPO dental insurance plans) charges does not specify an amount; it provides benefits up to the reasonable and customary charge (the prevailing or average fee charged by dentist for the service in the area)  Coverages are normally paid by a percentage ( Example: 100% for preventive 80% for basic and 50% for major dental services up to UCR )