Dental insurance provides for most preventive dental care, such as cleanings, x-rays, exams, etc., however, if you have anything wrong with you within a short time frame after you’ve paid for your policy then there’s a good chance that the insurance company will not pay for your condition.

The reason for this is because insurance does not cover anything considered to be “pre-existing”. In other words, if you have visible cavities and want to buy a policy right now in order to get your teeth fixed, dental insurance won’t cover you. If your child is in pain from a bad tooth and you buy an insurance policy today to get it fixed, it won’t do any good. You’ll have to pay 100% of the costs yourself. Dental insurance policies require that everyone go through a mandatory waiting period of one full year before they’ll cover any portion of an existing condition. Even then, it’s usually a very small portion that they’ll cover.

Discount dental insurance plans are your best bet, if you’re in need of immediate dental care. The reason for this is because discount plans are not insurance, therefore there are no restrictions or waiting periods to worry about. You can see any participating dentist within one to three days and save between 10-60% off the usual fee.

Do not settle for a discount dental insurance plan or a cheap regular dental insurance plan just because the premiums look attractive – the restrictions and the fine print on such cheap dental insurance plans will make you flash your wallet – rather than your teeth – every time you visit the dentist. Go for a plan that is best suited for your needs, and you can find one by probing your favorite dental insurance agent with the questions above. And, hey, before we forget – if you are employed then go ahead and cover yourself with an employer backed dental insurance plan because you’ll find it cheaper and at the same time, the quality of service great.