General Dental Blog Articles |4 min read

Dental Insurance – Not Just for the Young

by Sharp Smiles

A mature couple is sitting on a sofa, smiling

Have you noticed increased problems with your oral health? This can happen at any time but is especially common with age.

Similarly, have you suffered from any of the following recently?

  • Difficulty managing oral hygiene
  • Gum infections
  • Receding gums
  • Dry mouth due to medications or other health conditions
  • Tooth loss due to periodontal (gum) disease

Many insurance plans offer coverage for mature patients, helping them get the dental care they need to maintain good oral health.

Good oral health is critical for seniors, yet many lack dental insurance to help cover the cost of dental procedures.

This article will examine the importance of dental insurance for mature patients, how it can provide peace of mind, and how you can get the care you need even without an insurance plan.

What Types of Dental Insurance Are There?

There are two types of dental insurance plans: PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) and HMO (Health Maintenance Organization).

PPO offers more flexibility in choosing a dentist but often comes with higher monthly premiums.

HMOs have lower monthly premiums, but you must select a dentist from within the network and may require a referral to see a specialist.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Insurance?

Preventative care

Regular check-ups, cleanings, and X-rays are important for maintaining good dental health and preventing more serious problems down the road.

Dental insurance often covers these preventative procedures at 100% or with low copays.

With regular appointments, you’ll benefit from improved oral health, which can have an array of physical and mental wellness benefits.

Affordability

Dental insurance helps reduce the cost of dental procedures, making necessary treatments more affordable when they arise.

This is particularly relevant for older individuals who may have a history of dental health issues that require treatment.

Access to Care

Dental insurance allows patients to access a wider range of dental services, including orthodontics, periodontics, and endodontics.

Improved Oral Health

Regular dental check-ups and procedures can improve oral health and positively impact overall health.

The Advantages of Membership Plans vs. Insurance Plans

In addition to traditional dental insurance plans, membership plans offer an alternative way to access dental care.

Membership plans, also known as dental savings plans, provide discounted rates on dental procedures in exchange for an annual membership fee.

These plans have become increasingly popular in recent years as a more affordable and flexible option for dental care.

One advantage of membership plans is that they often have no waiting periods, which means you can access dental care immediately after signing up.

Unlike traditional insurance plans, membership plans do not have deductibles, annual maximums, or exclusions for pre-existing conditions, making them a more accessible option for those with existing dental issues.

Another advantage of membership plans is that they allow for greater flexibility in choosing a dentist.

While traditional insurance plans may restrict you to a network of providers, membership plans typically have no such limitations.

Membership plans may also provide discounts on a wider range of dental procedures than traditional insurance plans, including cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening and orthodontics.

When considering membership plans vs. insurance plans, it’s important to carefully evaluate each option’s specific benefits and costs to determine the best fit for your individual needs and budget.

Options for Paying without Dental Insurance

Cash or credit (out-of-pocket)

You can pay for your dental care via cash or a credit card, with no particular assistance. This is generally the most expensive method per treatment, but of course, there are also no fees to consider.

Note that some dentists do offer discounts for cash payments! It helps to ask ahead to see what your provider offers.

Dental savings plans

These membership-based plans offer discounted rates on dental procedures, similar to a discount medical plan. Dental providers can choose to create and provide these freely, so you’ll need to do your research and ask about these plans in advance.

Dental financing

You can apply for a dental loan through a healthcare financing company to cover the cost of your dental care. Some dental offices also offer in-house financing options.

Payment plans

Some dental offices provide flexible payment plans to help spread the cost of dental care out over time.

We want to help you access exceptional dentistry with or without.

To do this, we provide multiple payment and financing options.

Final Thoughts

It’s important to discuss your financial situation and payment options with your dentist before undergoing any dental procedures so that you can understand the costs and make informed decisions about your care.

You may find some useful information with the following insurance providers:

To learn more about how Sharp Smiles can help, contact us today.

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Sharp Smiles is situated in St. Marys, GA, and is proud to serve patients from the surrounding areas.

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