Do you really need dental insurance?
Westminster dentists, including myself, think dental coverage is a crucial investment in a person’s health. Some, though, would argue against that point. They feel that dental insurance is just a way to throw money away.
Those who live paycheck to paycheck do all they can to avoid unnecessary expenses.
But we can guarantee you – dental insurance in Westminster is not unnecessary. In fact, it is one of the best investments you can make in your health.
Is dental insurance in Westminster really that important?
It can be difficult for some to take the word of a dentist. We are, after all, conditioned to advise the importance of oral health.
But let me assure you, our intentions are in our patients’ best interests. We are always concerned about your dental and general health. If there is any way that we can help you prevent disease –we are going to tell you about it!
Dental insurance serves a two-fold purpose.
First, it helps you take preventative action. Keeping the teeth and gums healthy prevents dental decay, infections, and gum disease. These conditions are not only detrimental to your teeth, but to the health of your entire body.
Many insurance plans will pay between 80%-100% of preventative care. That means you can come to our dental hygiene clinic in Westminster twice a year for free or, at the most, a 20% co-pay. During those two visits, you will receive a thorough dental cleaning, and a comprehensive oral evaluation, complete with oral cancer screening, soft tissue examination, and x-rays.
Another perk of dental insurance is the coverage you’ll receive for basic and major dental services.
Most plans will pay 75%-80% for basic services, like fillings. So, if you end up with a cavity, you’ll only have to pay 20%-25% of the total cost.
Between the preventative and basic coverage, you can save hundreds of dollars per year on dental care!
If you need a major service, like a crown, bridge, denture, or implants – the coverage is around 50%. While you’ll have a larger co-pay, you will most likely end up saving hundreds if not thousands of dollars on these procedures.
To keep your teeth healthy, invest in insurance or dental savings plans
Your dental health is closely related to your general health. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy with preventative care can help you prevent some of the following conditions.
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Stroke
- Alzheimer’s and dementia
Besides preventing these serious and even life-threatening conditions, regular dental visits can help you keep your teeth healthy and strong. Not only will this reduce the likelihood of dental pain, it can help you keep your smile intact and can save you money in the long run.
After all, dentistry isn’t what’s truly expensive – neglect is.
But what if you don’t have or don’t think you can afford insurance? Or, what if you’re tired of with dental insurance red tape? Some of my patients choose not to have dental insurance because they don’t like dealing with claim forms, pre-authorizations, and the frustration of denied claims.
Instead of accepting the frustration, these patients appreciate having an option like a dentist payment plan in Westminster.
Introducing the All Smiles Care Dental Protection Plan
One such plan is provided at my family and dental hygiene clinic in Westminster. It’s called the All Smiles Care Dental Protection Plan.
If you don’t have insurance, this can be very helpful.
With a dentist payment plan in Westminster, you can choose a monthly payment plan that fits your dental needs.
Are your teeth in pretty good shape? Do you practice good homecare?
Then Plan A will probably be best for you. With this plan, you pay a low monthly payment and will, in turn, receive the following each year:
- Two cleanings
- Two examinations
- Bitewing x-rays (to check for decay in between the teeth)
- A soft tissue exam and oral cancer screening.
For patients who have gum disease, they can choose Plan B.
This will cost a bit more each month. However, you also get more. Each year you will receive:
- Four periodontal maintenance cleanings
- Two examinations
- Bitewing x-rays
- A soft tissue exam and oral cancer screening.
Set up a dental savings account
In addition to this protection plan, whether my patients have dental insurance or not, I recommend setting up a dental savings account. This is just a general savings account at your bank (or a piggy bank in your house). Each month, set aside just a little bit of money to put into this account.
I recommend this because at some point just about everyone ends up needing a filling or some other form of dental treatment. When this happens, you won’t have to stress out about coming up with the money. This works for patients who have to pay in full for dental treatment, as well as those who have insurance but still need to make a co-payment.
When you have the money, you won’t feel stressed out about spending it. And you won’t have to feel the need to put treatment off. As we all know – putting treatment off can actually result in bigger problems down the road, and a bigger expense.
Talk to us about All Smiles Care Dental Protection Plan – it’s worth the investment
Caring for your teeth isn’t just about retaining a dazzling smile. It’s about alleviating pain and keeping all your teeth for as long as possible. It even goes beyond that. Taking proper care of your teeth can prevent you from ending up with a serious disease, like heart disease or Alzheimer’s. In turn, avoiding more costs down the road.
Proper dental care starts at home, but it also includes regular visits to a dental hygiene clinic in your area of here with us in Westminster. Whether you decide to pay for these procedures with dental insurance or a dentist’s payment plan, utilizing them will help you stay healthy and prevent disease.
Are you interested in learning more about the All Smiles Care Dental Protection Plan? Please contact our office to find out how we can help you find an affordable dental care plan.
