Oral health is an important part of our overall health and well-being. However, many people find it difficult to access quality dental care or fear having to pay high out-of-pocket costs for dental treatment. This is why dental insurance is the best way to take care of your smile and save money.
What is dental insurance?
Dental insurance is a type of plan that helps us cover expenses related to oral care. Depending on the plan we choose, we can get different benefits and coverage for preventive, basic, major or orthodontic services.
In this article, we will explain some of the benefits of dental insurance in the United States for you and your family.
Discover 7 benefits of having dental insurance
1. Save Money
The number one reason to get dental insurance is to save money by reducing the cost of dental consultations and treatments. In the United States, dental care can be very expensive, especially if we need complex procedures such as root canals, bridges, crowns or implants.
Dental insurance allows you to pay a monthly or annual premium and receive discounts or reimbursements from the insurance company. In addition, some dental plans allow us to choose from a network of affiliated dentists who can provide us with better prices and services.
In this way, we can save money while avoiding surprises or unforeseen events that may affect our budget.
2. Access to quality care
Another good reason to have dental insurance is to have access to quality care to help maintain good oral health. Some dental insurance plans may cover a large portion of preventive and diagnostic services, such as regular cleanings, x-rays and fluoride varnish. These services help us prevent oral diseases such as cavities and gingivitis, detect problems early and prevent complications.
In addition, some dental plans cover some or all of the basic or major services, such as fillings, extractions, root canals, bridges, crowns or dentures. These services help us restore the function and aesthetics of our teeth and gums when they are damaged or lost.
This gives us access to quality care that improves our oral health and quality of life.
3. Prevention of oral diseases
Prevention is the cornerstone of maintaining good oral health. By having dental insurance, we can have access to regular check-ups and preventive services against more serious and costly future problems.
It is important to remember that some oral diseases can negatively affect our overall health if not treated intime. For example:
- Caries can cause infections or abscesses that can spread to the jawbone or bloodstream, leading to sepsis or endocarditis.
- Gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, a chronic inflammation of the gums that can cause tooth loss and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and premature birth.
- Oral cancer can appear as lesions, ulcers, or stains in the mouth that do not heal and may be associated with tobacco, alcohol, or human papillomavirus (HPV).
Dental insurance allows us to prevent these systemic diseases by facilitating access to regular check-ups and appropriate treatments to maintain good oral hygiene.
4. Choice of dentist
An additional benefit of having dental insurance is that we can choose the dentist that suits us best according to our location, preferences or needs. Some dental plans allow us to choose from a network of affiliated dentists where we can get better prices and conditions. Other dental plans allow us to choose a dentist outside of the network, but with a higher cost-sharing.
In this way, we can look for a dentist who gives us confidence, professionalism and quality service. We can also change dentists if we are not satisfied with the one we have or if we move to another area.
5. Guaranteed issue
Another advantage of getting dental insurance is that we can get guaranteed issue. This means that the insurance company cannot deny us or charge us more because we have a pre-existing condition or a problematic dental history.
This means that we can get dental insurance regardless of our age, health, or financial situation. This is especially important for seniors or people with disabilities who may have a harder time finding affordable and adequate dental insurance.
6. Improved self-esteem
Oral health affects not only our physical health, but also our mental and emotional health. Having a beautiful and healthy smile can improve our self-esteem and confidence.
By having dental insurance, we can have access to aesthetic treatments such as teeth whitening, veneers or implants that help us correct imperfections or defects in our teeth and gums. These treatments allow us to improve the appearance of our smile and feel more confident and happy.
7. Family coverage
Another reason to get dental insurance is that we can get family coverage for ourselves and our loved ones. Some dental insurance plans allow us to add our spouse, children or other dependents to our plan.
This way, we can protect the oral health of our entire family and save money by paying a single premium for everyone in the household.
In addition, with family coverage, we can encourage healthy habits in our children at an early age and teach them the importance of taking care of their smiles.
Conclusion
Purchasing dental insurance in the United States can be a wise and beneficial decision for us and our family. Dental insurance can help us save money, access quality care, prevent oral disease, choose a dentist, get guaranteed coverage, improve our self-esteem, receive personalized attention, get family coverage, use the insurance easily, and contribute to society.
If you are interested in purchasing dental insurance in the United States, we recommend that you compare the different options and plans available on the market and choose the one that best meets your needs and expectations. We also recommend that you consult with your trusted dentist about the services and treatments that are best for you based on your oral situation.
Remember, taking care of your smile is taking care of your health. Enroll in a dental plan today and enjoy the benefits of a healthy and beautiful mouth.
References: Delta Dental - Dentaly.org - ConsumerAffairs - Forbes
