Compare the best dental plans on the market, side-by-side

Dental insurance covers a wide range of services and procedures that can help you keep your teeth and gums in tip-top shape throughout your life. There are different categories of care, each consisting of various treatments, but what’s covered in each category may vary from one provider to another.

Preventive care might include exams, cleanings, X-rays, sealants, and fluoride treatments. Basic procedures might include fillings, extractions, root canals, and gum treatments. Major procedures might include bridges, dentures, inlays, crowns and implants. Some plans will also provide coverage for orthodontics.

Sure, you can go without dental insurance and just pay for all of your dental care out of pocket, but why put yourself through that if you don’t have to? There are a variety of dental plans you can choose from, and you’re sure to find one that suits your budget, as premiums can be surprisingly low for the myriad benefits you get.

If you receive a lot of professional dental care, or if you have a spouse and/or children who need expensive treatments, this type of insurance can provide you with savings and peace of mind. Even if you only go in for an annual checkup and cleaning, it’s still worth considering a dental plan that will help cover those costs and be there if you ever need emergency dental care or a pricey restorative procedure. Hey, you never know what will happen in the future!

With dental insurance, there is no “one-size-fits-all.” The “best” plan depends on your needs and your situation. Here are some examples for when you’re shopping dental insurance:

- You may be planning on major service needs (implants, root canals, dentures)—look for high annual max plans with increasing coinsurance.
- For a family with children, braces and child orthodontia might be in your future.
- How about a strong overall plan that keeps your teeth healthy—plans with multiple preventive cleanings and exams covered 100% would be beneficial.
- If you need a dental procedure ASAP, plans with no waiting periods are for you.
- Tight budget—dental discount plans act as coupons that lower your out-of-pocket cost for dental procedures.
- You can also choose which dentist you want to work with by choosing dental PPO plans.

Which brand is best for you and your family depends on your dental needs, budget and preferred dentist. You could start by refining your search based on procedures needed or based on potential savings. We recommend picking your plan based on needs rather than by brand name!

Dental insurance can be purchased any time. There are a few plans that offer dental coverage provided as part of health insurance policies, however, you must purchase these dental plans only during Open Enrollment or Special Enrollment, and only if you’re also purchasing health insurance.

Alternatively, you can shop off-exchange in the individual market. With these stand-alone dental plans, you don’t have to buy them through the Health Insurance Marketplace, and you aren’t restricted to the same enrollment period. Instead, you can apply for coverage directly from an insurance carrier at any time of the year.