As the New Year kicks off, many of us take a look at our finances and make a plan for the year. This year, make sure to add oral health to your financial plan and allot a budget for dental care.
If you don’t have a dental insurance plan, you need one. We all know it’s important to brush, floss and eat healthy. It’s also important to visit the dentist regularly – beginning at age 1. It’s important not only for your oral health, but also for your budget. Early detected cavities and gum disease are much less expensive to treat, for example, than root canals, tooth extractions and gum surgery – not to mention the pain, suffering and hours lost from work and school to treat these issues.
- If you have a dental plan, understanding your benefits is key. Before your dentist begins any type of treatment, make sure you know what your dental benefits plan covers and what your out-of-pocket costs will be. You can and should ask for a detailed description of your proposed treatment and research how much of the cost will be covered by your insurance. This is often called a predetermination or pre-estimate. By knowing what your plan covers, you will be able to make better-informed decisions about your treatment.
- Next, make and keep regular dental appointments. When you regularly visit the dentist, your dentist can spot problems early before they become more serious and more expensive. Oral health is directly related to overall health. Dental professionals can spot symptoms of more than 120 diseases elsewhere in the body during a simple dental checkup. If you have kids, make sure they see the dentist regularly beginning at age 1. The sooner your children begin learning good oral health habits, the more likely they are to enjoy a lifetime of good oral health.
- Finally, one of the easiest ways to save money is simply to visit an in-network dentist. Network dentists agree to payment based on contracted fees that prevent them from billing you for the difference between the maximum allowed fee and the fee the dentist usually charges for a given procedure. You can find an in-network Delta Dental dentist in your area by using our Provider Search on deltadentalil.com.
Most important, take good care of your teeth! Simple preventive care, such as brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing at least once daily, can help prevent bigger problems and bigger bills.
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