How many white males can you count?
The insurance plans I've looked at all have high co-pays and yearly limitations. But the dental discount plans aren't like that. Participating dentists just knock 15 or 20% off their standard fees (or so it seems).
So I'm guessing that the discount method is the way to go. But there are many discount plans out there, offered by many different companies.
Which plans are best? Which should be avoided? Any FReeper advice would be much appreciated.
Don’t bother. Just keep putting your spare change in a jar labeled, “dentures”.
I did a Humana plan that even covered Caps right away but only certain dentists take that particular plan.
Did two free cleanings a year, free Xrays etc.
When I worked for civil service, Blue Cross and Blue Shield had a fairly good dental coverage. That has been a long time ago and they also required a one year wait for coverage to start.
I just got a letter stating my coverage under medicare and noticed that it does include fairly limited dental coverage.
Just negotiate to pay exactly what ______ (your choice) dental insurance plan pays.
I used to have Delta so I used that one. If accepted, it will equate to a 25-35% “discount”.
“Participating dentists” is usually a key to a firm referring to these dentists and get paid—usually no deal at all.
I saw a TV ad over the weekend, shown in black and white, where the dentist was a white male. Then, the voice suggested to join whatever plan and the image immediately changed to color and the dentist was a white female. How did we survive so long with those evil white males in places such as dentistry? Sorry, I can’t otherwise provide an answer to your question.
My plan is very cheap.
Eat only 3 times during the day.
Brush immediately after every meal.
Much more important....Floss thoroughly after brushing.
Do not snack between meals. If you do, brush & floss again.
If you did above, your teeth will outlast you.
I am 73 and have all my original teeth.
Most of my dental bills are for cleaning twice a year
and I think it is excessive but the insurance pays 100%.
Do you have a dentist that you know personally? If you approach him or her they may be able to help you with that decision. I’m sure an honest dentist who cares about patients would want to help out.
You’re teeth fall out on there own,long of tooth;)
Our dentist said to not get dental insurance, just pay as you go.
only SOUNDS crazy:
Go over to Ebay and for $7 or so you can buy a “veterinary dental prophy scaler”.
Now for an emergency or something this WILL NOT help you. But for good cleanings every month or so? Yeah this suckah is GREAT!!!
Just by doing that really regularly you might never need to see a dentist again, assuming you have no infections currently.
I’ve been doing this for 7 years. My teeth are gorgeous and I have never had to see a dentist.
It’s only weird the first 3 or so times you do it —I do sub-gingival and everything now.
Yeah.... Get’em all pulled, and get implants - if you can afford it. They look better, and you no longer have to suffer going to a Dentist.
A friend of mine goes to Mexico for dental, pays cash and she is quite pleased. No for everyone.
How many white males can you count?
Brush with hydrogen peroxide it will prevent most problems. Google it and learn what’s what.
Read their fine print. Many dental plans pay very little toward services and max out rapidly.
You might be further ahead applying the premium amounts to the dental bill.
I have found no dental insurance or discount plan that is worth the money. I have found that your best tools to get the best prices on dental procedures are cash and your telephone. This works best if you are in a well populated area with plenty of dentists. I have found that most dental plans only have the highest priced dentists as members and that crowns, fillings, cleanings and any other dental procedure can be found for less in a few phone calls especially if you are willing to travel a little. If you have a dentist that you really like and want to go to him exclusively why not approach him/her to take you on as a patient that pays a monthly fee to get preventive care and all other care at the rate they would charge the lowest reimbursement insurance they deal with. Most dentists rate right up there with used car or insurance salesmen.
Some dentists give a discount for paying on the day of the treatment. You might find that what you pay not having insurance is no more expensive than the cost of dental payments plus copay.
In Oklahoma ... for people at the poverty level, dentists have organized together to provide top-notch dental work for free.
It’s also being done that way in other states, too.