How to Maximize Your Dental Insurance

Dental insurance is a privilege not everyone receives. Whether your company offers dental care, or you have enough money to pay for your own dental insurance, don't take it for granted. Your dental health is just as important as the health of your mind, and the rest of your body. This article will show you how to get the most bang for your buck with your dental insurance plan.

Things You'll Need

• Phone
• Dental insurance card
• Calendar

Instructions

1. Call your dental insurance company and ask a few key questions. How often are X-rays allowed? Will they pay for 2 cleanings a year or 1 cleaning every 6 months. There is a difference! Is there a yearly maximum?

2. Find a participating dentist in your dental insurance plan. Some insurance companies only pay for certain dentists, or give better benefits for certain dentists. Check your insurance card for the insurance company phone number and give them a call. They can give you some names of participating dentists.

3. Schedule appointment every 6 months for a dental exam and cleaning. When you are done with your appointment, immediately schedule your next. Try to never miss an appointment. Preventative care like cleanings and exams are typically covered at 100%.

4. Authorize your children to get sealants put on their teeth. Sealants fill the large crevices in molars. These crevices can get cavities, and sealants prevent that from happening. The cost of sealants is much less than the cost of having a cavity filled.

5. Find out if there is an age limit for orthodontia treatment. If there is one, start your kids on braces as soon as they have all of their molars. You don't want your child to get braces right before she is ineligible for benefits. They probably won't cover more than 50 or 60%, but every little bit helps.

Tips & Warnings

• Dental insurance plans differ from one to another. Make sure you know your plan inside and out before you decide on any course of treatment.