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If you’ve recently signed up for dental insurance or are exploring your options, you may have come across the term “waiting period” and could find yourself puzzled. After all, if you’ve already paid for the insurance, what is there left to wait for? It might initially sound confusing, but it’s an important part of how dental coverage works. Here’s a brief overview of this component of dental insurance and how using your plan wisely can help you save money on your smile in the long run.
A Closer Look at Dental Insurance Waiting Periods
In the context of dental insurance, a waiting period is the amount of time you must wait after your insurance coverage begins before your plan will pay for certain dental treatments. These waiting periods typically apply to more involved procedures like fillings, root canals, crowns, etc.—and preventive services, like cleanings, exams, and X-rays, often end up being covered right away with no waiting period.
Waiting periods are designed to prevent people from signing up for insurance only when they know they need expensive dental work. Without waiting periods, people could purchase a plan, have major treatments covered, and then cancel their policy; by requiring these plans, insurance providers can provide sustainable, long-term coverage for everyone!
Also, keep in mind that not every plan has a waiting period, and the average waiting period may be anywhere from a month to a full year from the time you first sign up for coverage. This is why it’s so important to familiarize yourself with the specifics of your policy; knowing this will prevent you from ever feeling caught off guard by the cost of dental care.
How Dental Insurance Can Save You Money
Even if you have excellent oral hygiene at home, it’s still in your best interest to have dental insurance coverage and visit your provider semi-annually for routine checkups and cleanings.
Despite coming with waiting periods, dental insurance is a great way to reduce the long-term cost of caring for your smile. Preventive services are usually covered by 100%, meaning that your dentist will be able to catch small issues before they become big (and expensive) problems. And once your waiting period is over, you’ll pay significantly less out of pocket for more expensive treatments. More complex care normally receives partial coverage anywhere from 50% to 80%, depending on what services are involved.
By understanding how waiting periods work and using your benefits strategically, you can make the most of your coverage and keep your smile’s future looking bright and promising!
About the Practice
Our team here at Brush Dental has served the needs of patients and families in Royse City and the nearby areas for several years, offering a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatment options. We’re also insurance-friendly, so feel free to let our team know if you have any questions about how to make the most of your plan’s benefits. If you’d like to get in touch with us to schedule an appointment, please reach out online or call today for more information or assistance. Telephone: (469) 723-4000.
