Dental insurance is a type of health insurance that covers the costs of dental care, such as checkups, cleanings, fillings, crowns, implants, and braces. It can help you save money on dental expenses and prevent oral health problems.
However, not all dental insurance plans are created equal. Some may offer more benefits, lower premiums, or wider networks than others. So how do you choose the best dental insurance plan for your needs and budget?
In this article, we will review some of the best dental insurance companies of 2023 based on their coverage, costs, customer service, and reputation. Learn why Spirit Dental is our top choice and other alternatives to try.
Pros:
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Why We Chose Spirit Dental
Spirit Dental Insurance offers comprehensive coverage for a wide range of dental services with no waiting periods. This means you can get the dental care you need right away without having to wait for months or years.
Spirit Dental also covers some of the most expensive and complex dental procedures, such as implants, which are often excluded or limited by other insurance companies.
This best dental insurance also gives you the option to choose your own dentist, whether they are in-network or out-of-network, and still get reimbursed for your expenses.
Plans and Coverage
Spirit Dental reviews note that it offers four different coverage plans for individuals and families. These are:
All these plans have no waiting periods, which means you can use your benefits as soon as your coverage starts.
Summary
Spirit Dental Insurance is a great option for people who want to have access to quality dental care without any delays or restrictions. It covers preventive, basic, and major dental services at generous levels and has high annual maximums.
>>Check the best prices for Spirit Dental
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Why We Chose DentalPlans
DentalPlans provides a variety of dental savings plans that can suit different needs and budgets. You can compare and choose from different plans based on the dental services you need, the dentists you prefer, and the price you can afford.
If you prefer the best dental insurance, it offers that as well. DentalPlans Insurance also provides excellent customer service and support, as well as online tools and resources to help you manage your dental care.
Plans and Coverage
Depending on your needs, DentalPlans.com reviews note that you can choose between dental savings plans and dental insurance plans.
Summary
DentalPlans connects you with over 30 dental savings plans from various providers. It has a large network of dentists, no waiting periods, no annual limits, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
>>Check the best prices for DentalPlans
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Why We Chose 1Dental
Unlike traditional dental insurance, which can have high premiums, deductibles, copays, and limitations on coverage, 1Dental Insurance offers a simple and affordable way to access quality dental services at discounted rates.
You can choose from three different best dental insurance plans that suit your needs and budget, and enjoy unlimited usage of your plan throughout the year. 1Dental reviews note that you can also access these discounts online or by phone, without having to fill out any forms or wait for reimbursements.
With 1Dental, you can easily find a dentist near you by using their online search tool or calling their customer service. All dentists in their network have passed thorough background checks and have state licenses in good standing.
Plans and Coverage
1Dental offers dental discount plans, which are membership programs that give you access to lower rates at participating dentists. You pay a small fee to join the plan and then pay the discounted rate at the time of service.
1Dental offers three best dental insurance plans to choose from: Dental Access 500 Series, Preferred Plan, and Care 500 Plan.
Summary
1Dental Insurance is a dental discount plan that offers discounts ranging from 15% to 60% on various dental procedures. It is a cost-effective alternative to traditional dental insurance for people who want to save money on dental care.
>>Check the best prices for 1Dental
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Why We Chose Guardian Direct
Guardian Direct stands out as the best dental insurance provider that offers flexible and comprehensive plans for individuals and families.
Its plans cover a wide range of dental services, from routine cleanings to major procedures like implants and braces. Preventive care is covered at 100%. Guardian Direct also has a user-friendly website where customers can easily enroll, find a dentist, and manage their account.
The platform also covers some services that are not usually covered by other dental insurance plans, such as implants, dentures, orthodontics, and teeth whitening.
Plans and Coverage
Guardian offers various best dental insurance plans for individuals and families. Here are some of the plans they offer:
Summary
Guardian Direct is a division of Guardian Life Insurance Company of America that offers dental insurance to more than 8 million Americans. Guardian Direct covers preventive care at 100% and waives the waiting period for basic care on many plans.
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Dental insurance is a type of health insurance that helps you pay for dental care. The best dental insurance can cover preventive services, such as regular checkups, cleanings, and x-rays, as well as basic and major services, such as fillings, root canals, crowns, bridges, and dentures.
Depending on the plan you choose, you may have to pay a monthly premium, a deductible, a copay, or coinsurance. You may also have to choose a dentist from a network of providers or pay more if you go out of network. The best dental insurance can help you save money on dental costs and maintain your oral health.
Dental insurance works in a similar way as health insurance, but there are some differences. Dental insurance plans usually have a monthly premium, which is the amount you pay to have the coverage.
They also have a deductible, which is the amount you must pay out of your pocket before the insurance starts to pay. For example, if your deductible is $200 and your dental bill is $300, you have to pay $200 first and then the insurance will cover the remaining $100.
Another term you may encounter is copay, a fixed amount you must pay at the time of service. For example, if your copay is $20 and your dental bill is $100, you have to pay $20 when you visit the dentist, and then the insurance will cover the rest.
One more term you may see is coinsurance, a percentage of the cost you must share with the insurance company after you meet your deductible. For example, if your coinsurance is 20% and your dental bill is $500, you have to pay 20% of $500, which is $100, and then the insurance will cover the remaining $400.
The best dental insurance plans usually cover different types of services at different levels.
For example, preventive care such as cleanings and exams may be covered at 100%, meaning you don’t have to pay anything for them. Basic care such as fillings and root canals may be covered at 80%, meaning you have to pay 20% of the cost. Major care, such as crowns and bridges, may be covered at 50%, meaning you have to pay half of the cost.
Dental insurance plans also have annual maximums, which are the limits on how much the insurance company will pay for your dental care in a year. For example, if your annual maximum is $1,000 and your dental bills add up to $1,500 in a year, the insurance company will only pay up to $1,000, and you have to pay the remaining $500.
Some best dental insurance plans may also have waiting periods, which are the lengths of time you have to wait before you can use certain benefits. For example, some plans may require you to wait six months before you can get a filling or a year before you can get a crown. Waiting periods are designed to prevent people from signing up for dental insurance only when they need expensive procedures.
>>Check the best prices for Spirit Dental
There are different types of dental insurance plans that offer different levels of coverage, costs, and network options. Here is a brief overview of some of the most common types of dental insurance plans:
A DPPO plan allows you to choose any dentist you want, but you will pay less if you see a dentist who is part of the plan’s network. You usually have to pay a deductible and a percentage of the cost of the services (coinsurance) up to a certain annual maximum. Most preventive care, such as cleanings and exams, is covered at 100% by the plan.
A DHMO plan requires you to select a primary care dentist from the plan’s network and get all your dental care from that dentist or a referral specialist. You typically pay a fixed fee (copay) for each service and there is no deductible or annual maximum.
Most preventive care is covered at 100% by the plan. DHMO plans tend to be more affordable than DPPO plans, but they may have smaller and more local networks.
A fee-for-service plan, also known as a dental indemnity plan, is a type of traditional insurance that pays claims based on the fees charged by the dentists. You can see any dentist you want, and the plan will reimburse you a percentage of the cost of the services (usually 50% to 80%) after you meet a deductible.
There is usually an annual maximum for the benefits. Fee-for-service plans offer the most flexibility, but they may also have higher premiums and out-of-pocket costs.
A dental discount plan is not an insurance plan, but rather a membership program that gives you access to lower prices for dental services from a network of participating dentists. You pay an annual or monthly fee to join the plan and then pay a discounted fee directly to the dentist at the time of service.
There is no deductible, coinsurance, or annual maximum. Dental discount plans may be a good option for people who do not have dental insurance or who need services that are not covered by their insurance plan.
>>Check the best prices for Spirit Dental
The best dental insurance typically covers different types of dental services, depending on the plan and the level of coverage. Generally, dental insurance plans can be categorized into preventive, basic, major, and orthodontic care.
This includes services that help prevent dental problems, such as regular cleanings, exams, x-rays, and fluoride treatments. Most dental insurance plans cover 100% of preventive care costs, meaning you don’t have to pay anything out of pocket for these services.
This includes services that treat minor dental problems, such as fillings, extractions, and sealants. Some dental insurance plans may cover 80% of basic care costs, meaning you must pay 20% out of pocket for these services.
This includes services that treat more complex dental problems, such as root canals, bridges, crowns, and dentures. Some dental insurance plans may cover 50% of major care costs, meaning you must pay 50% out of pocket for these services.
This includes services that correct the alignment of your teeth, such as braces and retainers. Some dental insurance plans may cover a portion of orthodontic care costs, usually up to a lifetime maximum amount per person.
The exact coverage and costs of dental insurance vary by plan and provider. You should always check the details of your plan before getting any dental service.
>>Check the best prices for Spirit Dental
The best dental insurance is a type of health insurance that helps you pay for some or all of the costs of dental care. Dental insurance typically covers different types of dental services, depending on the plan and the level of coverage.
However, there are some dental services that are usually not covered by dental insurance, such as:
These are dental treatments that improve the appearance of your teeth, but are not medically necessary. For example, teeth whitening, veneers, bonding, and contouring are usually not covered by dental insurance. Look into cosmetic dental insurance if these are an important factor for you.
These are dental treatments that correct the alignment of your teeth and bite, such as braces and retainers. Some best dental insurance plans may cover a portion of orthodontic costs, usually up to a lifetime maximum amount per person. However, many plans do not cover orthodontic procedures at all, or only cover them for children under a certain age.
These are artificial tooth roots that are surgically placed into your jawbone to support replacement teeth, such as crowns or dentures. Implants are considered a more permanent and natural-looking solution for missing teeth than bridges or dentures. However, most dental insurance plans do not cover implants, or only cover them partially.
These are dental problems that you had before you enrolled in a dental insurance plan, such as missing teeth, cavities, or gum disease. Some insurance plans might not include coverage for pre-existing conditions, or require a waiting period before you can receive benefits for them.
The exact coverage and costs of dental insurance vary by plan and provider. You should always check the details of your plan before getting any dental service. You can also compare different dental insurance plans to find the best option for your needs and budget.
The cost of dental insurance depends on several factors, such as the type of plan, the level of coverage, and the location. However, some common costs that you may encounter with dental insurance are:
A deductible is the amount you must pay out of your pocket before the insurance company starts paying for your dental services. Deductibles vary by plan, but they are usually around $50 to $100 per year for an individual or $150 to $300 per year for a family.
Coinsurance is the percentage of the cost of a dental service that you have to pay after you meet your deductible. Coinsurance rates vary by plan and by type of service, but they are usually lower for preventive care (such as cleanings and exams) and higher for major care (such as crowns and implants).
For example, a plan may cover 100% of preventive care, 80% of basic care (such as fillings and extractions), and 50% of major care.
A copayment is a fixed amount that you must pay at the time of service, regardless of your deductible or coinsurance. Copayments are more common for dental HMO plans than for dental PPO plans. Copayments vary by plan and by type of service, but they are usually around $10 to $30 per visit.
An annual maximum limit is the maximum amount that the insurance company will pay for your dental services in a year. Annual maximum limits vary by plan, but they are usually relatively low, ranging from $750 to $2,000 in many cases. Once you reach your annual maximum limit, you have to pay for any additional dental services out of your own pocket.
These are some of the costs that you may encounter with dental insurance. However, the exact costs will depend on your specific plan and your dental needs. Therefore, it is important to compare different plans and read the fine print before choosing a dental insurance policy.
>>Check the best prices for Spirit Dental
Getting the best dental insurance can be a smart way to save money and protect your oral health. However, there are many different types of dental plans and providers, so it can be confusing to choose the best one for you. Here are some steps you can follow to get dental insurance:
Think about how often you visit the dentist, what kind of services you need or expect to need in the future, and how much you are willing to pay out of pocket.
For example, if you have a history of dental problems or need orthodontic treatment, you may want a more comprehensive plan that covers more procedures and has a higher annual maximum.
On the other hand, if you only need preventive care and have good oral hygiene, you may opt for a more basic best dental insurance plan that has lower premiums and deductibles.
There are three main types of best dental insurance plans: dental health maintenance organization (DHMO), preferred provider organization (PPO), and indemnity.
A DHMO plan requires you to choose a primary care dentist from a network of providers and pay a fixed copayment for each service. A PPO plan allows you to see any dentist you want, but you will pay less if you choose a dentist from the network.
An indemnity plan gives you the most freedom to choose any dentist, but you will have to pay the full cost upfront and then file a claim for reimbursement. Each type of plan has its own advantages and disadvantages, so you should compare them carefully and see which one suits your needs and budget.
Not all best dental insurance plans are offered in every state, so you should check the availability and eligibility of the plans you are interested in.
You can use online tools on the website to find individual dental insurance plans near you with budget-friendly coverage options and get a quote. You can also contact your state’s insurance department or visit their website for more information on dental insurance regulations and consumer protection.
The best dental insurance can vary widely in terms of cost and value, so you should compare different plans based on their premiums, deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, annual maximums, waiting periods, exclusions, limitations, and benefits.
You should also consider how much you expect to use the plan and how much it will save you in the long run. For example, a plan that has a low premium but a high deductible may not be worth it if you need a lot of dental work.
A plan that has a high annual maximum but a low benefit percentage may not cover enough of your expenses. A plan that has a lot of exclusions and limitations may not cover the services you need or want. You should look for a plan that offers the best balance between cost and value for your situation.
Before you enroll in any dental plan, you should verify that the provider is licensed and accredited by your state’s insurance department or other regulatory agencies. You should also check if there are any complaints or disciplinary actions against the provider or the dentists in their network.
You can use online tools available on the best dental insurance websites to search for providers by name or location and see their ratings, reviews, accreditation status, complaint history, and disciplinary actions. You can also contact your state’s insurance department or visit their website for more information on how to file a complaint or report a problem with your dental plan.
If you have a preferred dentist or want to have more choices of dentists, you should check the provider network of the plans you are considering. You can call the dentists directly and ask them if they accept the plan you are interested in.
You should also check the quality and reputation of the dentists in the network by reading reviews from other patients or asking for referrals from friends and family.
>>Find the best deals with Spirit Dental
We ranked the best dental insurance providers based on the following criteria:
This factor accounts for 30% of the score. We compare the monthly premiums, deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance of different plans to determine which ones offer the best value for money. We also consider the availability of discounts and savings programs for members.
This factor accounts for 10% of the score. We look at how much each plan will pay for covered dental services in a year, and how this amount compares to the average cost of dental care in the U.S. We favor plans with higher annual maximums or no annual maximums at all.
We assess whether each plan covers preventive care services such as exams, cleanings, and x-rays without requiring a waiting period. We prefer plans that allow members to access preventive care as soon as they enroll, or within a short time frame. This factor accounts for 10% of the score.
We examine how much each plan will reimburse for basic care services such as fillings, extractions, and root canals. We favor plans with higher payout percentages or flat fees for these services. This factor accounts for 10% of the score.
We evaluate how long each plan requires members to wait before they can receive coverage for basic care services. We prefer plans that have shorter waiting periods or no waiting periods at all. This factor accounts for 10% of the score.
We analyze whether each plan covers major care services such as crowns, bridges, and dentures in the first year of enrollment. We favor plans that offer some coverage for these services from the start, or after a reasonable waiting period. This factor accounts for 10% of the score.
We review whether each plan covers dental implants, which are artificial tooth roots that support replacement teeth. We favor plans that cover implants fully or partially, or offer discounts or savings programs for them. This factor accounts for 10% of the score.
We check whether each plan covers orthodontic services such as braces and aligners, which are used to correct misaligned teeth and jaws. We favor plans that cover orthodontia fully or partially, or offer discounts or savings programs for them. This factor accounts for 10% of the score.
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Here, we answer a few frequently asked questions about the best dental insurance.
Whether dental insurance is worth purchasing depends on your personal situation, such as your oral health needs, your budget, and your preferences.
Dental insurance can be worth purchasing if you need regular dental care, such as cleanings, fillings, crowns, implants, or braces. Dental insurance can also be worth purchasing if you want to avoid paying high out-of-pocket costs for unexpected dental emergencies or procedures.
However, dental insurance may not be worth purchasing if you have good oral hygiene, rarely visit the dentist, or have access to low-cost or free dental care options
The cost of dental insurance varies depending on the type of plan, the level of coverage, the provider network, and the location. The average monthly premium for individual dental insurance was $36, and the average annual deductible was $43. However, these costs may be higher or lower depending on your specific plan and circumstances.
Yes, you can bundle dental, vision, and health insurance with some providers. Bundling can be a convenient and cost-effective way to get comprehensive coverage for your health care needs. However, bundling may not always be the best option for everyone. You should compare the benefits, costs, and limitations of bundling versus buying separate plans before making a decision.
Dental insurance typically includes coverage for preventive and diagnostic services, such as exams, X-rays, and basic cleanings. These services are usually covered at 100% or with a low copay.
Dental insurance may also include coverage for basic and major services, such as fillings, extractions, root canals, crowns, bridges, implants, and dentures. These services are usually covered at a lower percentage or with a higher copay or coinsurance. The amount of coverage for these services depends on the type of plan and the provider network.
Yes, you can buy stand-alone dental insurance without having to buy health insurance. Stand-alone dental insurance is a type of dental plan that is sold separately from health insurance.
Stand-alone dental insurance can offer more flexibility and choice in terms of providers, benefits, and costs. However, stand-alone dental insurance may not be available in all states or through all marketplaces.
The most accepted dental insurance company is 1Dental because it has the largest network of dentists that accept its plans. It offers more than 262,000 dental access points nationwide.
Spirit Dental is the best dental insurance company for people who want to have comprehensive coverage for major dental services. Unlike most dental insurance companies, Spirit Dental does not have any waiting periods for these services, which means you can get the treatment you need as soon as possible.
It also offers high annual maximums of up to $5,000 per person, which can help you pay for expensive procedures. Additionally, Spirit Dental provides 100% coverage for preventive care, such as cleanings and exams, and allows you to choose any dentist you prefer.
The best dental insurance with no waiting period is Spirit Dental. It covers the services you need without making you wait for a certain amount of time before you can use them.
Spirit Dental has no waiting periods for complex services as well, such as fillings, root canals, crowns, implants, or braces. Waiting periods can range from a few months to a year or more depending on the plan and the service.
HMO and PPO are two types of dental insurance plans that have different features and benefits. HMO stands for health maintenance organization, and PPO stands for preferred provider organization.
The main difference between them is the provider network and the cost-sharing structure. HMO plans have a smaller network of dentists that you must visit to get coverage. HMO plans usually have lower premiums, deductibles, and copays, but they may have more restrictions and limitations on the services they cover.
PPO plans have a larger network of dentists that you can visit to get coverage, and you can also go out of network for a higher cost. PPO plans usually have higher premiums, deductibles, and copays, but they may have more flexibility and choice in the services they cover.
The answer to which one is better for dental care depends on your personal situation and preferences. You should compare the benefits, costs, and limitations of each type of plan before choosing one.
>>Find the best deals with Spirit Dental
Choosing the best dental insurance plan for your needs can be a daunting task, considering the variety of options and factors to consider. However, by comparing the features, benefits, and costs of different plans, you can narrow down your choices and find the one that suits your budget and dental health goals.
Our top choice for the best dental insurance companies in the United States is Spirit Dental.
It offers plans that provide high levels of reimbursement, a wide range of covered services, and short or no waiting periods.
Whether you need preventive care, major procedures, or orthodontic treatment, there is a dental insurance plan that can meet your expectations and help you maintain a healthy smile.
>>Check best prices for Spirit Dental
