Private Insurance

Dental insurance is designed to help cover the costs of dental care, making it more affordable for you. Here's a general overview of how dental insurance typically works, which can be helpful in knowing what is covered and what isn't:

1. Coverage Types: Dental insurance plans usually cover a range of services, categorized as preventive (like cleanings and checkups), basic (like fillings and extractions), and major (like crowns and bridges). Each category is often covered at different percentages, with preventive care usually receiving the highest level of coverage.
2. Premiums: You pay a monthly or annual premium to maintain your dental insurance coverage.
3. Deductibles: This is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance begins to cover costs. Not all services may require meeting the deductible.
4. Co-pays and Co-insurance: Co-pays are fixed amounts paid for a service (e.g., $20 for a cleaning). Co-insurance is a percentage of the cost that you pay (e.g., 20% for a filling).
5. Annual Maximums: Many dental plans have an annual maximum coverage limit. This is the maximum amount the insurance will pay in a calendar year. Once this limit is reached, you are responsible for all remaining costs.
6. Waiting Periods: Some services may have a waiting period, meaning the insurance won't cover them until a certain amount of time has passed since the beginning of the coverage.
7. Pre-Authorization: For certain procedures, insurance companies may require pre-authorization to determine if the procedure is covered.
8. Exclusions and Limitations: Certain procedures might not be covered, or there may be limitations on how often certain services (like cleanings) can be used.

It's important to understand your specific plan's details, as coverage can vary widely.

At Mi Smile Family Dental, we can help you understand your options and what insurance will cover. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!