There’s a strong connection between your child’s oral health and overall wellness. Various dental issues can affect their health and development. Brushing and flossing aren’t enough to keep your little one’s mouth healthy. Children should see a dentist before their first birthday. Your child’s dental insurance makes pediatric dentistry easy and affordable. Dental insurance can be confusing, but here’s what you need to know to maximize your child’s annual coverage.
Prevent Common Dental Issues
Dental insurance focuses on prevention to stop common oral health issues from occurring in the first place, like cavities and gum disease. Researchers have found that $1 of preventive dentistry can save up to $50 on restorative and emergency fees. The American Dental Association recommends a cleaning and checkup every 6 months to protect your little one’s smile. Your child can visit their dentist twice a year for a co-payment. They can benefit from a variety of preventive services to safeguard their smile from cavities, like fluoride treatment and dental sealants.
Treat Dental Problems Early
If your child’s dentist finds anything concerning, you don’t have to worry about a large bill. After meeting your annual deductible, your child’s benefits can cover up to 80% of the expenses of medically necessary treatments, including fillings, tooth extractions, and crowns. You can use your child’s annual allowance to lower the amount you will pay out-of-pocket. You won’t have to delay dental care if you’re on a budget.
Benefit from Orthodontics
Many dental plans for children also include orthodontics. Your child should have their first orthodontic consultation around the age of six or seven years old. Early orthodontics reduces your child’s risk of needing extensive dental work later. It also supports their oral health and development. Upon reaching your child’s deductible, their dental insurance may pay a portion of the cost of braces and other orthodontic solutions.
Dental Benefits Expire
Unfortunately, your child’s dental coverage doesn’t last forever. Their benefits will expire at the end of the year, and they will lose anything not used. Nothing will carry over, and you won’t be reimbursed for your premiums or deductibles.
You’ve paid for your child’s dental insurance, so why not use it? You can help your child achieve optimal oral health for minimal expenses. You can give them a strong foundation for a healthy smile that can last for a lifetime.
About Dr. Shruti Sharma
Dr. Sharma earned her dental degree at the University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine and has continued her training in various specialties, including children’s dentistry, orthodontics, and general dentistry. She accepts many dental insurance plans to treat patients of all ages. Request an appointment through her website or call her office at (254) 271-2882.