With the cost-of-living skyrocketing, many people are wondering where they can cut corners to save a little money. Some are eliminating extras like streaming media services or fast-food delivery memberships, while others are starting small businesses, helping neighbors with yard work or babysitting. But one expense some have considered eliminating is a dangerous idea. If you’ve been debating whether you “really need” your dental insurance, here are six important reasons why you should keep it.
It Reduces Surprise Expenses
If one of your concerns is getting a costly bill at the dentist, dental insurance can help put your mind at ease. By covering your routine exams and cleanings, your dental insurance makes visiting the dentist twice a year more affordable. This means that any oral health problems won’t get much of a chance to start, and if they do, they can be caught much earlier. Then, even if you do need a restorative treatment, it will likely cost less than if you had waited to address it.
It Gets You Better Rates
When your dentist is “in-network” with your dental insurance company, you can benefit from pre-negotiated rates on a variety of treatments. This means that instead of paying what out-of-network patients or self-pay patients pay, you’ll spend less on the same convenient, high-quality procedures.
It’s Great for Seniors
If you have Medicare, you may not realize that these plans do not cover dental work unless it is while you’re hospitalized or if it’s necessary for emergency or complicated dental services. This means things like routine cleanings and exams, fillings, and prosthetics like dentures won’t qualify. Thus, to protect your smile (and your wallet!) you should consider getting your own dental insurance coverage.
It Protects Your Savings
While your dental insurance plan may cost a small amount of money each month, consider the long-term savings. Whether you only need it for check-ups and cleanings, or if you end up requiring restorations or emergency care down the road, the nominal monthly fee will pay off in spades by lowering these costs throughout the year.
It’s Perfect for Children
Let’s face it. Kids are expensive. Whether they need general dental care, have a cavity, or need a more advanced procedure due to an accidental injury or developmental issue, their dental care can really add up. By including them in your dental insurance coverage, you can save money when you protect their teeth and gums, too!
It Encourages Healthy Habits
Finally, it is important to remember that your teeth and gums are essential to a healthy life. Studies have shown that protecting your smile can help prevent a variety of dangerous oral and overall health problems later in life, including tooth loss, diabetes, and cardiovascular illness. When you have dental insurance, you’re more likely to visit your dentist regularly, meaning you’ll have healthier teeth longer. Not only that, but it will encourage you to maintain your smile at home, reducing your risk of developing systemic issues that could equate to costly and painful problems later.
So, if you’re considering dropping your dental coverage to save a few bucks, take a moment to consider how much your small monthly investment will save you in the long term. Between reduced cost services and regular checks for dangerous conditions, you’ll save more than just money, but likely your smile, too!
About Dr. Hammond
Dr. Lindsey Hammond earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Oklahoma and her dental degree at the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. Today, she is an active member of the American Dental Association, Oklahoma State Dental Association, and the American Academy of General Dentistry. Passionate about continuing education, she has taken many courses to expand her skills at the prestigious SPEAR Education. To schedule an app ointment with Dr. Hammond at Glisten Dental Care of Tulsa, visit our website or call 918-265-3882.