Understand Your Dental Insurance Policy Before You Buy
Before you pick a plan, learn to read the fine print that decides what a dental policy pays. Annual maximums, waiting periods, and coverage tiers are the terms that matter most - and most people never see them until a claim gets denied. A single root canal without insurance can cost $1,200-$1,800, and braces for a child can run $5,000-$7,500. Meet Policies helps you understand exactly what your dental policy covers, what it excludes, and what your annual maximum really means - so you know what you're buying before you buy it.
What Does Dental Insurance Cover?
Dental insurance is typically structured in three tiers — Preventive, Basic, and Major — each covered at different percentages:
Preventive Care (Usually 100% covered)
Routine cleanings (2x per year), annual dental exams and X-rays, fluoride treatments, sealants for children, and oral cancer screenings.
Basic Restorative (Usually 70–80% covered after deductible)
Fillings (composite and amalgam), simple tooth extractions, periodontal treatment for gum disease, and emergency dental exams.
Major Procedures (Usually 50% covered after deductible)
Crowns, bridges, and inlays. Dentures (full and partial). Root canals and endodontics. Oral surgery and complex extractions. Dental implants available on select plans.
Orthodontics (Varies by plan)
Braces for children and adults, Invisalign and clear-aligner discounts, retainers and post-treatment care. Typically covered up to a lifetime maximum of $1,000–$2,500.
Dental Insurance vs. Dental Discount Plans — What's the Difference?
Dental insurance operates like traditional health insurance: you pay monthly premiums and the plan pays a percentage of your dental bills after your deductible is met, up to an annual maximum (typically $1,000–$2,500/year). Dental discount plans are membership-based programs where you pay a flat monthly fee and receive pre-negotiated discounts (typically 20–50%) when you visit in-network dentists. There's no deductible, no annual maximum, and no claims process — just a discount card. Meet Policies helps you determine which option — or which combination — makes the most financial sense for your dental care usage.
How Much Does Dental Insurance Cost?
The right dental plan for you depends on how much dental work you typically need each year, whether you have children (orthodontic coverage matters), and whether your preferred dentist is in-network.
Finding In-Network Dentists
Meet Policies works with dental plans that include some of the largest dentist networks in the country — including Delta Dental, Cigna Dental, Humana Dental, Aetna, MetLife, and Guardian. Most plans give you access to thousands of dentists nationwide, making it easy to find a top-rated dentist near your home, office, or your children's school.
Ready to see your options?
Answer a few quick questions and a licensed advisor will email your personalized plan options within one business hour. 100% free, no obligation.