Full Coverage Dental Insurance

Dental insurance, like other types of insurance, requires you to pay a monthly premium, as well as an annual or lifetime deductible and copayments when you visit a dentist for treatment.

What is dental insurance?

Dental insurance covers a variety of dental operations, including preventive care as well as more complicated procedures such as fillings, crowns, and root canals.

In terms of how much coverage you can have, dental insurance differs from health insurance. While the Affordable Care Act (ACA) made it such that yearly restrictions on healthcare coverage are no longer applicable, dental insurance policies frequently have annual limits as low as $750 or $1,000 per person.

You will have to pay for dental care out of pocket after your yearly maximum benefit amount has been reached. Also, keep in mind that dental insurance often has waiting periods that vary based on the sort of treatment you require.

Make sure to distinguish between dental insurance and dental discount plans. Dental discount plans only apply to treatments provided by dentists who are part of a specified network.

What does a full coverage dental insurance plan cover?

A full-coverage dental insurance plan may provide for the following:

• Preventive dental care – such as regular dental cleanings, routine x-rays, and fluoride treatments.
• Basic restorative care – such as fillings and tooth extractions.
• Major restorative care – such as root canals, bridges, crowns, and dentures.
• Orthodontic treatment – such as braces and other devices designed to align your teeth.

However, having a full-coverage plan does not guarantee that all of the costs involved with your dental health journey will be covered.

But, what likely will not be covered?

• Cosmetic procedures: Coverage for cosmetic dental procedures, like teeth whitening, may not be covered by employer plans. Cosmetic coverage is rarely provided by any type of dental insurance.
• Pre-existing conditions: Some policies will not cover pre-existing conditions, such as missing teeth. If you suffered from a bothersome oral health condition before getting your dental insurance plan, you may be required to pay for treatment costs out-of-pocket.
• Select procedures: Some dental insurance plans may not cover select procedures, such as orthodontia.

What should you consider before purchasing a full coverage dental insurance plan?

When choosing a full coverage dental insurance plan, you should consider individual plan elements as they relate to cost and level of care.

• What is the cost?
• Does this plan meet my needs?

Where can you buy a full coverage dental insurance plan?

You can join a full-coverage dental insurance plan in a few different ways:

• Through your employer (if offered).
• Purchasing one through a dental insurance provider on your own.

Finally, the decision to purchase a full-coverage dental insurance plan will be based on your personal and family needs. Keep in mind that not all insurance plans are created equal, and some may not fully cover the treatments and services you require.

Best dental insurance companies of 2022

Preventive dental care is covered by dental insurance, while more expensive operations such as crowns, bridges, and fillings are less expensive. It’s critical to browse around for a dental insurance provider that offers the coverage you require without low yearly restrictions or exclusions that could prevent you from receiving any benefit.

The best dental insurance plans offer a large network of dentists, fair annual benefit limits, and the possibility of affordable rates. When looking for the finest dental insurance company, compare and study the dental policies you’re considering so you know exactly what’s covered and what isn’t.

Best dental insurance companies

• Cigna
• Renaissance Dental
• Spirit Dental
• Humana Dental Insurance
• UnitedHealthOne Dental Insurance
• Physicians Mutual
• Delta Dental
• Final Verdict
• Compare Providers

Best Overall: Cigna

Runner-Up, Best Overall: Renaissance Dental

Best for No Waiting Periods: Spirit Dental

Best Value: Humana Dental Insurance

Best for Families: UnitedHealthOne Dental Insurance

Best for Seniors: Physicians Mutual

Best for Orthodontics: Delta Dental

Pros and cons of each chosen dental insurance

Cigna

We chose Cigna as the best overall dental insurance due to its broad network of more than 93,000 dentists and diversity of plans that can fit a variety of needs and budgets.

Pros

• Some plans include restorative and orthodontic coverage
• Network of more than 93,000 dentists nationwide

Cons

• Waiting periods of six to 12 months for major services
• Dental implants and cosmetic procedures not covered

Renaissance Dental

Renaissance Dental does not have the same comprehensive coverage that offers orthodontia like Cigna, but it gets the runner-up spot due to the fact it has a bigger network (300,000+ dental offices) and an excellent reputation for customer service.

Pros

• Some plans cover preventive care at 100%
• 300,000 dental offices nationwide
• Free online quote

Cons

• Plans have an annual tax benefit of $1,000/person
• No plans cover orthodontic care
• Coverage for basic and major services is limited

Spirit Dental

We chose Spirit Dental because its plans don’t require any waiting periods and you have to pay a $100 deductible only once instead of every year.

Pros

• 100% coverage for three cleanings and two exams annually
• No waiting periods
• $ 100-lifetime deductible

Cons

• Annual coverage maximums can be as low as $750
• Plans vary widely on annual maximums and costs

Humana

We chose Humana as the best value due to its low starting rates for basic plans, the fact that preventive services are covered at 100%, and the fact that some plans have a one-time deductible.

Pros

• Plans include preventive care at 100% coverage.
• Humana works with more than 270,000 dentists nationwide.

Cons

• Annual maximum benefits can be as low as $1,000.
• Some plans have long waiting periods for basic/major services.

UnitedHealthOne

UnitedHealthOne is our pick as the best for families thanks to its winning combination of preventive care and orthodontic coverage that can save families a lot of money.

Pros

• A broad network of dentists is available.
• Many plans include 100% preventive care.
• Some plans cover orthodontics.

Cons

• Annual maximum benefit amounts can be as low as $1,000/person.
• Waiting periods may apply for basic and major services.

Physicians Mutual

We chose Physicians Mutual for seniors since there are no annual or lifetime limits on the coverage, including benefits to help pay for dentures, and it offers specialized pricing for a senior’s budget.

Pros

• No waiting period for preventive care
• No annual or lifetime limits on benefits
• No deductibles

Cons

• Three-month waiting period for basic procedures
• 12-month waiting period for major work
• Limits on how much they pay per procedure

Delta Dental

Delta Dental has several dental insurance plans that include orthodontic care for both children and adults, whereas most other providers don’t have multiple, affordable orthodontia choices.

Pros

• Some plans include orthodontic care.
• There are no out-of-pocket costs for preventive care on most plans.
• There is a large network of providers.

Cons

• Annual maximum benefit amounts are low.
• Orthodontic care is covered at only 50%.

When it comes to dental insurance companies, you have a lot of options. Some firms, such as Renaissance Dental and Delta Dental, offer plans that cover 100% of preventative care, while others, such as Spirit Dental, have no waiting periods. Cigna, however, is the greatest dental insurance company in our opinion.

Cigna has a worldwide network of nearly 93,000 dentists, and all of its dental insurance plans provide preventive treatment with no deductibles or copays. Customers can also select a degree of care according to their actual needs with Cigna, with certain plans offering orthodontic and restorative care at a higher cost.

What does dental insurance typically include?

Dental insurance plans vary greatly in terms of what they will and will not cover. As a result, you should carefully study the terms and conditions of any plan you’re considering to ensure that basic dental treatment such as fillings and major services such as crowns and bridges are covered.

Although waiting periods may apply, the majority of dental insurance policies cover preventive services like cleanings and X-rays 100 percent of the time. Basic dental services such as fillings, root canals, and tooth extractions are also covered, however, coverage is usually limited to a percentage of the cost (e.g., 50 percent ). You can also purchase coverage that covers significant dental procedures such as crowns, bridges, dental implants, and orthodontics, however, these policies tend to be more expensive and limit payouts to 50% in most circumstances.

What does dental insurance typically exclude?

Cosmetic operations like teeth whitening are typically not covered by dental insurance, and you may have trouble finding coverage for pre-existing conditions like missing teeth. Some plans completely exclude major procedures such as dental implants and orthodontic treatment. Check your dental insurance coverage to see what it covers and what it doesn’t.

What are the expected costs of dental insurance?

Dental insurance costs vary greatly based on where you reside, your age, and the plan you choose. Depending on your state and area, you might be able to locate a plan for less than $20 per month for an individual.

Dental insurance policies that are less expensive usually only cover a small number of services and have low yearly benefit limits. Individually, more comprehensive plans can easily cost $40 to $60 per month, but you’ll get more coverage, bigger yearly benefit levels, and more included services in return.

Dental insurance for implants

Because many standard dental insurance policies do not cover costly procedures or surgery to replace newly missing teeth, dental insurance for implants is essential. Because dental implants are costly, having that additional coverage for a fraction of the cost might make them much more reasonable.

Dental implants are divided into two categories. Endosteal implants are inserted in the jawbone, while subperiosteal implants are implanted under the gum but above the jawbone, according to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry.

Endosteal implants are often favored, but sub periosteal implants are a better option for patients who don’t have enough healthy jawbone and don’t want to go through a second treatment to strengthen their jawbone for endosteal implants.

What does dental implant insurance typically exclude?

Cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening and costly oral surgery that require hospitalization are often not covered by dental insurance.

While the insurance plans we mentioned do cover dental implants, it’s crucial to think about how much support this coverage will provide. When you’re contemplating a pricey dental implant operation, many dental insurance policies have annual maximum restrictions of a few thousand dollars, which will only cover so much. Deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments, which force you to spend more out-of-pocket than your monthly insurance premiums, may also apply.

Many dental implant insurance policies do not cover implants for teeth that are already lost at the time of enrollment. You can’t buy homeowners insurance if your house is already on fire, and you can’t buy dental implant insurance if you already have lost teeth.

What are the expected costs of dental implant insurance?

The cost of dental insurance is determined by the amount of coverage you want, your age, and other considerations. In addition to your monthly insurance premiums, you may be required to pay coinsurance or copayments while visiting a dentist, and you’ll almost certainly be subject to an annual out-of-pocket maximum.

Each plan covers a percentage of preventative, basic, and major procedures, after which you’ll be responsible for the remaining costs. For example, Denali Ridge, the most affordable plan, covers 100% of preventive care but just 80% of diagnostic treatment and 50% of major dental work.

Deductibles apply to these plans as well, and they can range from $100 to $200 or more, depending on the plan you choose.

Best dental insurance for implants

Dental implants are screw-like posts that replace the root of your tooth with artificial teeth that can look perfectly like natural teeth. Dental implants look, feel, and function just like natural teeth, and they’re built to last a lifetime. Dentures, on the other hand, may need to be changed within five years. Some or all of the costs involved with dental implants may be covered by dental insurance.

Affordable alternatives from organizations with solid reputations, industry knowledge, and coverage suited to your individual dental needs are available with the best dental insurance for implants.

Best dental insurance that cover implants

Best dental insurance For implants

• Delta Dental Insurance
• Denali Dental
• Spirit Dental & Vision
• Ameritas
• Cigna Dental
• Final Verdict
• Compare Providers

Best Overall: Delta Dental Insurance

Runner Up, Best Overall: Denali Dental

Best for No Waiting Period: Spirit Dental & Vision

Best Value: Ameritas

Best Group Benefits: Cigna Dental

Reasons we chose these dental insurances

Delta

Delta offers multiple dental policies, is available nationwide, and provides quotes online.

Pros

• Apply online for a free quote
• Dental implants are covered by many plans
• Coverage tailored to your needs

Cons

• Annual maximums and deductibles
• Pre-existing conditions not always covered
• 50% coverage for major procedures like dental implants

Denali Dental plans

Denali Dental plans can be tailored to cover your needs, are available in many states, and the coverage amounts increase each year.

Pros

• Secure a higher level of coverage the longer you wait
• Major services like implants are covered in many plans
• Tailor your dental insurance coverage

Cons

• $6,000 maximum for individual and family plans
• Prices varied around the country
• Not available in 15 states

Spirit Dental & Vision

We chose Spirit Dental & Vision because coverage starts immediately, and there is no waiting period.

Pros

• No waiting periods on plans; coverage starts immediately
• Get a free quote online
• Major services like dental implants covered

Cons

• Pre-existing conditions, including missing teeth, not covered
• Graduated annual maximums; low annual coverage limits applied until the third year of coverage

Ameritas

Ameritas offers plans for major procedures that provide coverage up to the limits, and you can get a free quote online.

Pros

• No waiting period on multiple plans
• Implants included up to coverage limits
• Free quote online

Cons

• Annual maximums
• Limited first-year coverage amounts
• Low coverage the first year

Cigna

Cigna is a highly rated company with two group plans for employers to offer that cover implants.

Pros

• Strong financial ratings
• Well-known company
• Premier group benefits plan

Cons

• Limited plan details available on the website
• Implant limits
• Implants not covered by all plans

Each of our top dental insurance companies for implants has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Some have huge networks of nationwide providers, while others provide insurance that is tailored to the individual. Others have minimal deductibles and are backed by larger insurance firms with high financial ratings.

Overall, we suggest that you look into Delta Dental Insurance. The company offers four different implant plans, is available nationally, and you can get a free price by filling out an online form.

Comparing the best dental insurance for implants

 

Company	Plans (#)	Coverage Limit	Deductible	Providers In-Network	Waiting Period
Delta Dental Insurance Best Overall	4	Varies	Varies	Hundreds	Usually 12 months
Denali Dental Runner Up	2	$6,000	$100-$200	Contact for details	None
Spirit Dental & Vision Best for No Waiting Period	Multiple	Up to $5,000	$100	Contact for details	None
Ameritas Best Value	Multiple	$2,000	Varies	Enter zip code to find providers	None on some plans
Cigna Dental Best Group Benefits	2	Varies	Varies	Contact for details	Contact for details

Choosing dental insurance for implants

When it comes to dental insurance for implants, there are numerous key considerations to bear in mind. Consider how simple it is to apply, obtain a quote online, maintain your account, and see if the firm provides any additional benefits or discounts.

When choosing dental insurance for implants, keep the following in mind:

• Coverage options: You want to research what type of coverage options are available, how many plans there are, what each plan offers, and their respective costs.
• Sign-up process: How easy it is to sign up is important. Can you sign up online or do you need to sign up with an agent over the phone?
• Geographic availability: Find out where the company offers coverage and then check out the providers in your area that accept this type of insurance.
• Customization: Find out if plans can be customized and how you would do that. You want to pay for the coverage that you need and not things you won’t use.

Is paying for dental implant insurance worth it?

Paying for dental insurance in the hopes of receiving coverage for dental implants may be worthwhile, but it all relies on your specific situation and the extent of your dental procedure. With yearly maximums on dental insurance policies as low as $1,000 in certain situations, it’s critical to choose a plan that provides enough coverage to aid with the expense of dental implants. Many insurance coverages only cover a portion of important treatments, so you’ll have to foot the bill for the rest of your implant operation.

It is usually preferable to have some coverage to having none. Furthermore, dental insurance may cover preventive care such as cleanings and X-rays, as well as any fillings that are required throughout the year.

Before you pay for a dental insurance plan, shop around to see which one offers the best value. Look for a plan that offers a high annual maximum coverage amount, reasonable copayments and out-of-pocket expenditures, and a monthly premium that you can afford.

Is there any insurance that covers everything?

If you’re seeking exceptional dental insurance that covers everything, chances are the conventional dental insurance plan won’t fit your demands. However, as previously mentioned in this essay, indemnity dental insurance premiums can be expensive. An individual’s average monthly premium for a plan with a $2,500 annual coverage cap is $65 – $780 per year. A preferred provider/in-network individual dental insurance policy costs roughly $350 per year on average.

Furthermore, you may not be eligible for the discounted prices that insurance companies negotiate with dentists in their approved provider network. This can result in costs that are 30-60% higher than the negotiated amount.

You may find that combining dental insurance with a dental savings plan, rather than opting for insurance that covers everything, can save you more money. You can use your dental savings plan to save on additional treatment once you’ve reached your yearly cap, which is the maximum amount your insurer will cover in a single year.

As you research dental insurance and other options for paying for dental treatment, you may discover that dental savings plans, which are an alternative to dental insurance, provide the cost and flexibility you require. Dental savings programs provide reductions ranging from 10% to 60% on average dental care costs, have no yearly caps, no waiting period for care, and no restrictions on receiving care for prior diseases.