Protect your smile
Affordable dental coverage for cleanings, fillings, and more.
Dental insurance helps pay for preventive care, basic procedures, and major work. Most plans cover 100% of preventive care like cleanings and exams.
Compare dental plans from top carriers and find coverage that fits your needs and budget.
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Dental Insurance Explained
What is dental insurance?
Dental insurance is coverage specifically for dental care—from routine cleanings and exams to fillings, crowns, root canals, and sometimes orthodontics. Most health insurance plans don't include comprehensive dental coverage, so a separate dental policy is often necessary to keep your teeth healthy without surprise bills.
Dental plans typically organize coverage into three categories: preventive (cleanings, exams, x-rays—usually covered at 100%), basic (fillings, extractions, root canals—usually 70-80% covered), and major (crowns, bridges, dentures—usually 50% covered). Most plans have an annual maximum benefit, typically $1,000-$2,000, which is the most the plan will pay in a year.
The value of dental insurance is primarily in preventive care. Two cleanings and exams per year can cost $300-$400 out of pocket. A dental plan covering these at 100% often costs less than that in premiums—and you're protected if you need fillings or other work. For those with ongoing dental needs, insurance provides significant savings on procedures that can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars.
How it works
Getting health coverage is easier than you think
Whether you're shopping during open enrollment or have a qualifying life event, we make it simple to find the right plan.
Step 1
Tell us about your dental needs
Share whether you need just preventive care, have specific dental work coming up, or want orthodontic coverage for braces.
3 minutes
Step 2
Compare dental plans
See coverage levels, networks, annual maximums, and waiting periods for available plans in your area.
Instant quotes
Step 3
Enroll and start saving
Choose your plan and get covered. Many plans have no waiting period for preventive care.
Coverage starts fast
Key decisions
What you need to know
Understand the important factors when choosing dental insurance.
100% preventive coverage
Most dental plans cover cleanings, exams, and x-rays at 100% with no deductible—the core value of dental insurance.
Protection from big bills
A crown can cost $1,000+. With 50% major coverage and a $1,500 annual max, you save hundreds on necessary work.
Wide dentist networks
Most dental plans have extensive networks. Many accept both PPO and DHMO plans, giving you flexibility.
Orthodontic options available
Some plans include orthodontic coverage for braces or Invisalign—important for families with kids or adults considering treatment.
Guided help
Professional help navigating health insurance
Health insurance can be confusing with deductibles, copays, networks, and more. Our licensed agents take the time to explain your options in plain English.
- Help understanding coverage levels and limitations
- Guidance on waiting periods for major services
- Comparison of PPO vs. DHMO plan types
- Assistance finding plans that include your dentist
Ready to explore your options? We're here to help.
Understanding your costs
Dental insurance cost-sharing is straightforward: Preventive care (cleanings, exams) is typically covered at 100% with no deductible. Basic services (fillings, extractions) are usually covered at 70-80% after a small deductible ($50-$100). Major services (crowns, bridges, dentures) are covered at 50%. Most plans have an annual maximum of $1,000-$2,000—once you hit that limit, you pay 100% for the rest of the year.
Questions?
Common questions about dental insurance
Is dental insurance worth it?
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For most people, yes. Two cleanings and exams per year cost $300-$400 without insurance. Many dental plans cost less than that annually and cover preventive care at 100%. Plus, you're protected if you need fillings, crowns, or other work that can cost hundreds or thousands.
What are waiting periods in dental insurance?
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Many dental plans require you to wait before coverage kicks in for certain services. Preventive care often has no waiting period. Basic services might have a 3-6 month wait. Major services often have a 12-month waiting period. Some plans have no waiting periods at all but may cost more.
What's the difference between PPO and DHMO dental plans?
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PPO plans let you see any dentist, with higher coverage for in-network providers. DHMO plans require you to choose a primary dentist and get referrals, but usually have lower premiums and no annual maximum. PPOs offer more flexibility; DHMOs offer more predictable costs.
Does dental insurance cover braces?
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Some plans include orthodontic coverage, but not all. Orthodontic benefits typically have a separate lifetime maximum ($1,000-$2,000) and may only cover children or have age limits. If braces are important to you, look for plans specifically offering orthodontic coverage.
Dental Insurance guides and resources
Dive deeper into dental insurance topics with our expert guides and comparisons.
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