When your teeth are healthy, you are more confident. But, the truth is that a dentist visit can quickly become very expensive. You have to choose a good dental insurance plan or you will end up in an unwanted situation in which you cannot really afford the price of dental work. 

The good news is there are several great options available on the market, like the Freedom Life dental insurance plan. The bad news is there are also many bad options you should not even consider. To quickly figure out how to choose the right dental insurance policy for you, remember the information presented in the following paragraphs. 

The basics you always have to be aware of are these:

● Monthly Premiums – How much  you pay each month for the insurance. It does not matter if you visit a dentist or not. 

● Annual Maximums – You are covered up to this amount. When the bill exceeds it,  you pay for the rest. 

● Deductibles – The amount you have to pay before the insurance activates. If you opt for smaller deductibles, your costs are lower as you visit the dentist. However, this also means higher premiums. 

● Waiting Periods – For security purposes, most dental insurance plans will have a waiting period that has to pass before you can get major dental work done. This includes things like bridges or crowns and the period is typically between 6 to 12 months. 

There are three large dental insurance plan types:

● What it is – You will choose from the dentists in the covered network and if you visit one outside it, you typically pay more. 

● Best for - Those who want a choice when choosing a dentist and are willing to pay extra.

● Typical costs - Higher premiums but greater selection.

● What it is - You will need to take advantage of network dentists and need to get authorizations to see specialists.

● Best for - People who desire to save money and are not concerned about having limited dentists to pick from.

● Average prices - Lower rates with reduced flexibility.

● What it is - Not actual insurance, but a membership plan that offers discounts on dental care.

● Best for - People who need something done immediately (no waiting periods) or who've surpassed their standard coverage.

● Average costs - Up-front annual fee instead of monthly payments, with reduced rates at network dentists.

Your Dental Needs

Only routine care? If you need only cleanings and check-ups, a bare-bones plan might be enough.

Anticipating major work? If you need crowns, bridges, or other expensive procedures, look for plans with broad coverage of major services.

Braces in the future? Check to see if orthodontic coverage is part of it, especially for family plans.

Ask the following questions about any plan you're contemplating:

● What's the monthly premium?

● What's the annual maximum they'll cover?

● What percentage do they cover for:

● Preventive care (cleanings and x-rays)?

● Basic procedures (fillings)?

● Major procedures (crowns, root canals)?

Most dental plans operate on what's called the "100-80-50" coverage plan:

● 100% coverage for preventive care (check-ups and cleanings)

● 80% coverage for basic procedures (fillings)

● 50% coverage for major work (crowns, bridges, root canals)

Do you want to keep seeing your current dentist? See if they're in the network of any plan you're considering.

Are you up for a switch to save money? Then an HMO may be for you.

Compare yearly costs, not only monthly premiums. Calculate the yearly premium plus what you anticipate paying out-of-pocket.

Check the network. Make sure there are good dentists in your area who can take the insurance.

Look for no waiting period on preventive care. You should be able to get a cleaning right away.

Consider family needs. If someone might possibly need braces or other special care, make sure it's included.

Read reviews. See what other customers say about how easy it is to use the insurance and get claims reimbursed.

Choosing dental insurance shouldn't leave you in agony over the expense! By familiarizing yourself with the basics and keeping your specific needs in perspective, you can acquire a policy that keeps both your wallet and your smile happy. The best dental insurance is what you'll use for regular check-ups—keeping problems at bay is always cheaper than fixing them later on.

It pays to take the time to compare plans today. Your future self will thank you!