Dental insurance helps cover the cost of dental care, from routine check-ups and cleanings to major procedures like crowns, root canals, and orthodontics. It can be purchased as a standalone policy, as an add-on to health insurance, or included in some comprehensive health plans.
What it covers
- Routine examinations and scale-and-clean appointments
- X-rays and diagnostic procedures
- Fillings and simple extractions
- Root canal treatment
- Crowns, bridges, and dentures
- Orthodontic treatment (with waiting periods and sub-limits)
- Periodontal (gum) treatment
What it doesn’t cover
- Cosmetic procedures (whitening, veneers)
- Pre-existing conditions (varies by policy)
- Treatment exceeding annual limits
- Specialist orthodontic work without a waiting period served
- Implants (covered by some premium policies only)
How to choose
Compare annual maximum benefits, waiting periods for major dental work (typically 6–12 months), and the percentage the insurer pays for different categories of treatment. Check if your preferred dentist is in-network if the plan has a provider network. Consider whether you expect to need major work in the next 1–2 years.