Dental Discount Plans vs. Dental Insurance — Which Is Better?

Many people are concerned about the cost of dental care. If that is true of you, it can be encouraging to note that there are provisions that may make it easier to afford a healthy smile. For example, you might choose to purchase dental insurance or a dental discount plan. This blog post explains the pros and cons of each option so you can make a well-informed decision about which one is better for you.

What Are They?

Dental insurance is a policy that you may purchase on your own, or it might be a benefit from your employer. Insurance plans can vary greatly in their details and stipulations, but usually, you get to enjoy reduced out-of-pocket expenses for a range of preventive and restorative services in exchange for keeping up with your monthly premium.

A dental discount plan is a bit different. It may be offered by a single practice or a private third-party company. You may pay for the plan annually or monthly. In addition to covering preventive care, these plans also provide reduced fees on virtually all dental services. At Sunrise Dental, we are proud to partner with KLEER to provide a convenient and robust discount plan to our patients.

How Do They Compare?

There are some significant differences between dental insurance and dental discount plans:

• Cost: Often, dental insurance costs more than a dental discount plan.
• Services covered: Usually, both dental insurance and discount plans provide preventive care for no additional fees. However, discount plans often cover services that insurance will not. For example, you can enjoy reduced prices for cosmetic services.
• Out-of-pocket expenses: For restorative services, dental insurance usually provides greater coverage than discount plans.
• Limits on benefits: It is normal for dental insurance to come with an annual maximum, so your insurance company may only pay out around $1,000 for approved services each year. Discount plans do not have any maximums.
• Waiting periods: With dental insurance, there is usually a waiting period before you can receive coverage for restorative services. Dental discount plans do not have waiting periods.
• Availability: PPO dental insurance plans can be used at any practice, whereas discount plans may be more limited in their scope.

Which Is Right for You?

There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing between dental insurance and a dental discount plan. The best choice for you depends on your circumstances and preferences. Dental insurance might be better if you travel frequently or know you need significant restorative care for your smile. A discount plan is likely the better option if you simply want to maintain your oral health or are interested in cosmetic treatments.

Dental insurance and dental discount plans are both wonderful provisions! Our team would be pleased to help you determine which option is best for you.

Meet the Practice

Sunrise Dental in Houston is proud to offer a broad range of high-quality services in a welcoming environment. We accept many dental insurance plans, and we are proud to offer KLEER dental discount plans. If you have any questions about how we can help you save money on a healthy and beautiful smile, contact our friendly staff at 713-869-9973.