{"id":51,"date":"2026-06-29T13:08:21","date_gmt":"2026-06-29T13:08:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wellsmilesgreenway.com\/blog\/?p=51"},"modified":"2026-07-17T17:04:47","modified_gmt":"2026-07-17T17:04:47","slug":"5-things-you-should-know-before-buying-dental-insurance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wellsmilesgreenway.com\/blog\/5-things-you-should-know-before-buying-dental-insurance\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Things You Should Know Before Buying Dental Insurance"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"A<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Whether you\u2019ve recently started a new job or you\u2019re considering changing your dental insurance<\/a> plan during open enrollment, it\u2019s not uncommon to feel a little overwhelmed. After all, unlike medical or auto plans, when it comes to protecting your smile, dental coverage does things a little differently. Here\u2019s a closer look at what you should know when picking a new policy, so you can make the best choice for you and your family\u2019s smiles!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Prevention is Key<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Although they\u2019re all considered insurance, dental coverage differs from other types of plans because it\u2019s designed to be preventive<\/em>. That means that instead of waiting for a problem to occur, the emphasis is placed on caring for your smile in advance so you\u2019re less likely to have issues later. This is why most policies cover two dental checkups and cleanings each year and may even include X-rays and fluoride treatments. While these packages typically still offer deep discounts on procedures such as fillings, root canals, and extractions, by encouraging prevention now, your dental insurance provider hopes you\u2019ll be less likely to need these costly repairs later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Restorative Coverage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Although your provider would prefer to prevent oral health problems from day one, it\u2019s important to choose coverage that will still protect your smile if something goes wrong. In most cases, dental insurance plans will cover about 80 percent of what is known as \u201crestorative\u201d care, including things like fillings and extractions, leaving you responsible for the 20 percent balance out of pocket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Major Restorative Procedures<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hopefully, you never require a major restorative procedure. However, when choosing a dental insurance plan, look for one that covers a minimum of 50 percent if you do. Treatments that fall into this category include things like dental implants which without insurance can cost between $3,000 and $7,000 for a single tooth, meaning at a 50 percent coverage level, you\u2019d only be responsible for about $1,500 to $3,500 out of pocket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Orthodontics (Not?) Included<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Braces and aligners can be very expensive, and orthodontic coverage isn\u2019t typically offered as part of most basic dental insurance packages. However, it may still be possible to purchase what is known as a rider policy, which will pay for some portion of you or your family members\u2019 orthodontic care. The exact level and which treatments are covered will depend on the individual rider you select, and of course what your dentist or orthodontist deems medically necessary for your smile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Worth the Wait<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Although it\u2019s not true for every<\/em> dental insurance plan, some policies start with an automatic waiting period. This is to prevent patients from buying a plan, using the benefits, and then canceling once they\u2019ve restored their smile.  The good news is that most preventive care is available immediately; however, some treatments have a delay of about 30 days before you can use your coverage. Furthermore, more intensive restorative procedures may have to wait up to 90 days, and coverage for major procedures could be put on hold for up to six months. Regardless of any waiting period, be sure to verify your benefits first, as some plans might limit the number of treatments you\u2019re allowed in a given calendar year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember, with costs high and numerous studies showing how essential excellent oral health is to live a long, healthy life, having dental insurance coverage is more important than ever. Whether you are just choosing your first plan, or you\u2019d like to shop around and see if you can get a better deal when protecting your teeth and gums, keeping the above information in mind can help you save time, money and<\/em> your smile!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

About Dr. Tran<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For over 15 years, Dr. Hoa Tran<\/a> has proudly protected the smiles of Houston patients, offering a wide range of dental treatments from preventive to orthodontic. At WellSmiles DYNTL at Greenway, we are proudly dental insurance friendly and are in network with all major PPO plans. To verify coverage and save money on your oral health care by using your dental insurance to safeguard your smile with us, visit our website<\/a> or call 713-437-3902 today.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Whether you\u2019ve recently started a new job or you\u2019re considering changing your dental insurance plan during open enrollment, it\u2019s not uncommon to feel a little overwhelmed. After all, unlike medical or auto plans, when it comes to protecting your smile, dental coverage does things a little differently. Here\u2019s a closer look at what you should know when picking a new policy, so you can make the best choice for you and your family\u2019s smiles! (Read More)<\/a>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-51","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\n5 Things You Should Know Before Buying Dental Insurance | Dr. Hoa Tran<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Thinking of buying dental insurance but not sure where to start? 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