It’s important to understand that your baby’s dental care starts with your healthy pregnancy. Baby teeth form before birth, and your diet and oral health are key factors. Your doctor’s advice on a balanced, nutritious diet and adequate vitamins and minerals is crucial. Don’t avoid your dentist; unfortunately, many pregnant women do. However, it’s safe to see a dentist during pregnancy, and it’s actually essential. Despite the increased risk of gum disease, pregnant women can maintain their oral health by visiting their dentist regularly, without any harm to their baby.

It’s no secret that avoiding flour-based, white, starchy foods can be a challenge. However, the benefits of limiting your intake of refined carbohydrates for the sake of good dental health are worth it. Refined carbohydrates have been linked to heightened inflammation, which can lead to oral health issues such as gingivitis. On the other hand, opting for whole grains and less processed carbohydrates can significantly contribute to maintaining healthy teeth and gums, giving you more reasons to make these healthier choices.

Although one of America’s favorite morning and afternoon beverages may be coffee and tea, they have compounds called tannins, which can cause unsightly stains and discoloring of your teeth. Therefore, to avoid staining your teeth, limit the amount of coffee and tea you drink throughout the day. If you drink coffee and tea, do so with a straw to limit contact with your teeth. Avoid slowly drinking these types of drinks. It can be fun to hang out at the local coffee house and buy one cup of coffee during your hour or more stay, but it could be more fun for your teeth if you don’t baby your drink or at least drink through a straw.

When you get a dental HMO and have to choose a dentist in the network, how do you choose the best one? I can only afford a dental HMO insurance plan. Since I do not have a current dentist, choosing one in a network is not a big deal other than ensuring stuff gets done.

Reply: You want to start with calling the dental office in the plan network of providers and confirming that they are still accepting the plan and new patients. Once you confirm that, the next step would be to ask some basic questions that may be important to you. Such as hours of operations, how long they have been in business if you have any special needs, and whether the office can address your needs. Do they have a website you can review for additional information about the dental office? You should check review sites such as Yahoo, google, and Yelp, to name a few. Remember that people tend to want to leave reviews when they have a terrible experience, but only sometimes when they do not. However, if one office has excessively bad reviews, you may want to rethink picking them as a provider.

Dental health care is critical, and there are many ways to ensure you do all you can for your oral health care. There are many ways to ensure you are doing all you can for oral health care: simple things like brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing daily, using tarter control, and gum care mouthwash. The primary dental care you do for yourself is low-cost and takes very little time each day. The next step is to see a dentist at least twice a year for check-ups and cleanings.

Cost can be a factor, but it does not have to be. One way to control dental costs is through a low-cost dental insurance plan. Many dental insurance plans offer free to low-cost preventive dental care. The money you spend on dental insurance is well worth it. And by seeing your dentist regularly, you will avoid any major dental issues. However, if you need more extensive dental services, having dental insurance will also help control your dental cost. Be thoughtful about your oral health and think ahead. Good dental care now makes for good dental care in the future.

Question: I just got some dental bonding on five teeth. However, I did not ask my dentist if it was okay for me to eat anything or if I needed to wait. If so, how long do I need to wait after having bonding done? I need to know.

Reply: You don’t have to wait to eat or drink after your appointment. However, you may experience slight tooth sensitivity to heat and cold after teeth bonding for a few days afterward. To prevent staining, avoid or keep to a minimum coffee, tea, soy sauce, colas, grape juice, blueberries, fresh cherries, and acidic foods like citrus juices and tomato sauce. You may want to call your dentist, who did the bonding, for any aftercare instructions, which they would typically give you at the time of your appointment.

Question: I need to find a family dental plan where we can all go to the dentist whenever we need to and pay the dental office bills after the dental insurance company pays their part before making us pay our share of the cost.

In the past, we had plans to pay the dentist upfront for the total cost of our dental services and wait for the insurance company to refund us. In this day and age, who can afford to do that? I know we can not. 

Those types of dental insurance plans keep us from going to the dentist, and at that point, I do not see paying $120 a month for a dental insurance plan we do not even use because we can not pay upfront for dental services. What options are left for us that would be more affordable?

Reply: Welcome! I hope you are doing well today. I want to discuss dental insurance plans and how claims are processed. I can understand why the claims process can be upsetting, particularly regarding how claims are paid. Let me assure you that you are not alone. Many people have questions about dental insurance plans and how they work.

Based on what you have told me, you have either a dental PPO or an Indemnity dental insurance plan. If you like the plan benefits and coverages overall and it is just about how claims are paid, consider talking to your dentist. With dental PPO and Indemnity plans, the payment process and how the dentist gets paid is really up to the dental office. It does not typically come from your insurance company.

The dentist can choose to submit the claim and get paid by the insurance company before billing out any remaining balances to their patient. In the past, many dental offices processed claims that way. However, sadly, many patients would fail to pay their part, and then the dentist’s office would have to chase them down for payment. This is why many dental offices have started billing their patients in full and making them file claims to the insurance company to get paid back (refunded) the part due them.

Some dental offices charge you what they think your part of the cost would be based on your policy coverages, then bill or credit you depending on the outcome. However, few dentists still do this, as it can still be an issue of fully getting paid for services already rendered.

Based on what we have discussed, it is not an issue with the insurance plan per se but more of knowing how your dentist is willing to file claims and how they expect you to pay for services. Therefore, if you are still facing issues with your dental insurance plan, you may need to change your dental office, not your dental insurance plan. I hope this information was helpful to you. If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

Question: I have a PPO that has a waiting period for almost everything. Since I have the plan for seven months, I only have five more months until I can have significant services. When I bought the plan, I did not think waiting periods would be an issue and that I could wait them out. Now, I need a crown that will cost about $900.00. After the waiting period, the insurance company that I am with will cover 50% of the cost.

I need the crown now; are there better ideas than waiting five more months? My dentist said I should get the crown now since it will help protect my chipped tooth. Can I get the crown and file the claim after the waiting period? That way, I will at least get my $450.00 back in the five months after I file the claim. I hate spending money that my insurance company should pay out for.

Reply: I can understand your frustration with waiting for the insurance company to cover the cost of your crown. It’s good that you have consulted with your dentist and know the importance of getting the crown to protect your chipped tooth. 

Consider asking your dentist if they offer any payment plans or financing options. A payment plan could allow you to get the crown and pay for it over time rather than waiting for your insurance to kick in. 

I would advise against filing the claim after the waiting period. Most insurance companies have policies requiring claims to be filed within a specific time frame, typically within a few months of the service date. 

It’s important to understand that filing a claim for a service received during a waiting period but saying it was after could be considered insurance fraud. If someone files a claim with false information, the insurance company may deny it, revoke the policy, or even pursue legal action.

Suppose an individual receives crown treatment during the waiting period of their insurance policy and submits a claim stating that the treatment was accepted after the waiting period. In such cases, the insurance company considers this act as fraudulent. If the insurance company uncovers this false information, it will reject the claim and inquire into the policyholder’s other claims and medical history. This could result in a considerable hike in insurance premiums or even policy cancellation. Moreover, most dental offices file the claim to the insurance company, and it is doubtful that they would mistakenly mislead the insurance company about the date of service.

In short, honesty is always the best policy for filing insurance claims. It’s essential to follow the insurance company’s rules and regulations and not engage in fraudulent activities. If you have any doubts or questions about your insurance policy, it’s always a good idea to contact your insurance provider for clarification.

Ultimately, the decision is up to you. It may be worth weighing the pros and cons of waiting for insurance coverage versus paying for the crown out of pocket and considering any payment options that may be available to you.

Consider a Temporary Crown for Your Chipped Tooth: Benefits, Insurance Coverage, and Advice from Dentist

You could discuss with your dentist the possibility of getting a temporary crown until your waiting period is over. Temporary crowns are acrylic and designed to protect your chipped tooth, maintain your bite, and prevent further damage until the permanent crown is ready.

Temporary crowns are typically much less expensive than permanent crowns, which could make them a more affordable choice for you. Some dental insurance policies cover the cost of temporary crowns, even during the waiting period before placing a permanent crown. It’s always a good idea to check with your dental insurance company’s member service to verify if they cover temporary crowns. If they do, it can help you make an informed decision about your dental care and save you money. Feel free to ask your dentist about the pros and cons of temporary versus permanent crowns and which option might suit your situation.

However, it’s essential to remember that temporary crowns are less durable and long-lasting than permanent crowns and will eventually need to be replaced. Your dentist can advise you on whether a temporary crown is the best option for your situation and help you make an informed decision.  

Getting a Dental HMO Insurance Plan

An alternative solution to consider when needing a crown during a waiting period is to purchase a dental HMO insurance plan that does not have waiting periods. This option can help reduce the crown cost if you have yet to start any work on the tooth that needs the crown. 

However, it’s important to note that this may require you to change to a different dental office that accepts the HMO plan. Fortunately, many dental offices accept HMO plans, so finding a new provider that meets your needs should not be difficult. Be sure to consult with your dentist and insurance provider to discuss this option and determine whether it is the right choice.

Dental Discount Plan May Help You Save Money During a Waiting Period

Dental discount plans are an alternative option that can help you save money on dental services, including crowns, during a waiting period. These plans are not insurance policies but membership-based programs offering discounted rates for dental services. 

Dental discount plans typically have no waiting periods and can be used immediately. You can enroll in a dental discount plan and access discounted dental services, including crowns, immediately, even if your current dental insurance plan has a waiting period.

One of the benefits of dental discount plans is that they often offer significant discounts on dental services. The discounts can vary depending on the plan and the provider, but they can range from 10% to 60% off the regular cost of dental services. 

Another advantage of dental discount plans is that they are generally easy to use. Once you sign up for the plan, you can present your membership card at the dental office to receive the discounted rate. No claim forms or waiting periods; you can use the plan as often as needed.

It’s important to note that dental discount plans are not insurance policies, so they do not cover the entire cost of dental services. Instead, they offer discounted rates to help you save money on dental care. Dental discount plans may be a good option for people who do not have dental insurance or who have a waiting period on their current dental insurance plan.

Cash Discount May be an Option 

If you choose to get the dental crown during the waiting period, it’s worth discussing with your dentist whether they offer a cash discount for services not filed with insurance. Some dental offices may provide a discount for patients who pay in cash, saving them the time and cost of filing an insurance claim. It’s always a good idea to ask your dentist about any discounts or payment options.

Additionally, a cash discount could help you save money in the long run, especially if you don’t plan on using your insurance for any other dental procedures during the waiting period. However, it’s essential to remember that not all dental offices offer a cash discount, and the discount amount can vary. 

Therefore, it’s essential to discuss the cost of the crown with your dentist and any payment options available. Being transparent with your dentist about your financial situation can help them better understand your needs and find ways to work with you to provide the best possible care.

Finding Affordable Dental Insurance Plans with Dental4Less.com

In conclusion, waiting for insurance coverage for necessary dental procedures can be frustrating, but it’s essential to avoid committing insurance fraud. Filing a claim with false information can lead to severe consequences, including policy cancellation, legal action, and a considerable hike in insurance premiums. Therefore, it’s crucial to consider alternative options when needing immediate dental care, such as payment plans, temporary crowns, or purchasing a dental HMO plan without waiting periods.

Dental4Less.com offers a wide range of dental plan types that can assist you in finding an affordable and reliable dental insurance plan that meets your specific needs. Our team of experts is available during business hours of M-F 8-4, and we’re always happy to help. We understand that dental care can be expensive, and we aim to provide options that make it more affordable while ensuring you receive the care you need.

We believe honesty is always the best policy when filing insurance claims. Therefore, we encourage you to avoid fraudulent activities and follow your insurance company’s rules and regulations. If you have any questions or doubts about your policy, please don’t hesitate to contact your insurance provider for clarification.

In summary, exploring alternative options and finding a dental insurance plan that meets your needs is a better and more honest approach than filing a claim with false information. Dental4Less.com can help you find affordable and reliable dental insurance plans that fit your budget and dental care needs. Contact us today at 310-534-3444 during our business hours of M-F 8-4, and let us assist you in finding the right plan for you.

You should think ahead when getting dental insurance.

It may seem surprising that many people do not have dental insurance. However, dental insurance benefits are only sometimes offered through work, so people do without until a significant dental need arises. The problem with waiting until you need dental insurance is that it can be too late to get the type of dental insurance you want. You may need a dental PPO plan to stay with your dentist.

However, most dental PPO plans have long-term waiting periods, so you may not get the coverage you seek when not bought early. If you have a dentist you do not wish to change, find out what dental plans you would need to stay with their dental office. If you are with a dental office that only accepts PPO dental plans, you should consider getting a PPO plan now to have a plan in place for your future dental needs, whether for preventive dental care or major dental care.

Are You Getting the Facts Before You Buy Dental Insurance?

When shopping for dental insurance online or through an agent, know all the facts about each type of dental plan before buying one. Mistakes happen when you need clarification on how a dental plan works. Purchasing dental insurance online is easy and convenient, but people need to read and understand what they buy. Before hitting the submit button, ensure you understand the plan’s terms.

Does the dental plan have waiting periods or yearly max dollar amount limitations? Is the dental insurance plan an in-network dental provider only, or can you go outside the network of dental providers? When is the insurance plan effective? Did you call the dentist to confirm they still accept the dental insurance plan? Is what you are reviewing a dental insurance plan or a dental discount plan? What are your dental needs, and are you getting a dental insurance plan that best fits them?

Taking the extra time to fully understand the dental plan you are buying will save you from headaches and being upset later on.

What Dental PPO and Indemnity plans have to offer. Dental PPOs and Indemnity plans allow you to choose your dentist, and for many people, that can be a deciding factor in buying those types of dental insurance plans. For people who want to stay with their current dentist or to be able to choose their dental provider, these types of insurance plans are for that. Dental PPO and Indemnity plans are usually more costly than HMO’s dental insurance plans. Are dental PPOs and Indemnity insurance plans worth the cost? The answer is yes. If you know your dental needs and understand the terms and conditions of the insurance plan, many people are happy with their PPO plans. Trouble comes when you fully understand dental insurance plan’s limitations.

I need to understand how dental insurance works. I have a dental insurance PPO plan through my job, but it could be better. I am considering removing it and getting just the medical. Why have insurance if you have to pay the dentist?

Reply: Medical insurance has a cost paid out by the insured, too. Dental insurance is designed to make dental care more affordable, not necessarily free. You may not think dental care without insurance is so bad, but to give you an example of how even in preventive care, dental insurance is worth the cost. Say all you need is preventative care.

Without insurance, preventive care costs (Office visits, Bite-wing X-rays, Oral Exam, and Basic Cleaning) can range around $200 – $400, keeping in mind most low-cost HMOs plan range from $8.00 to $20.00 a month with preventive care typical being free. More extensive dental care services become expensive when you don’t have dental insurance.

Are Individual PPO Dental Insurance Plans worth buying?

Some people may feel that getting dental insurance is not worth the plan’s cost. That may be true for some dental insurance plans if the person wanting it only wants the dental insurance for short-term use. Many people put off their dental care until they are in pain or have significant dental issues. Then get upset when they find out that many PPOs or Indemnity insurance plans have limitations that will not be able to help them with their major dental care needs immediately. A dental PPO plan is not for those who only want to buy a dental insurance plan to fix a current dental issue and then turn around and cancel the plan once they have their dental work done. The reason is that dental PPOs are designed to be long-term plans and not short-term ones. When considering buying a dental PPO or Indemnity plan, the thing to keep in mind is your long-term dental needs. When getting these types of insurance plans, it is a dental plan you want to keep for at least a few years.

PPO Full Coverage Dental insurance for a dental crown

Question:I require two dental crowns. I seek a dental insurance plan covering at least 50 percent or more on a crown and one without waiting periods. Is there a dental insurance plan like that?

Reply: We have two options for you; any of our HMO dental insurance would work. On the HMOs we provide, there are no waiting periods. The crown’s cost typically ranges from $100.00 – $250.00+. Another option would be our Delta Dental PPO plan. That does not have waiting periods; however, the first-year benefits on majors services such as crown run around 10 to 15 percent, and you only have 50 percent benefits on majors services once you have the plan for three years.

Question: For a low cost dental which is better dental insurance or a dental plan?

Answer: That can depend on what types of dental services you may need. Dental HMO insurance is the lower cost insurance option but dose not provide coverages for all types of dental care. Where as a dental discount is a low cost dental alternative to dental insurance. Dental discount plans provides discounted savings for all dental services you have at participating providers of the plan.

Each plan type will help you save money on your dental care needs in California we have both dental discount plan options as well as HMO insurance options just enter your zip to review all our dental insurance and plan options to compare each plan. If you have any questions about our dental insurance/plan please call our member service line at 310-534-3444 as they be happy to help.

Question: I live in California, I really do not care what dentist I go to but it seems that the dental insurance plans that are network plans do not have dentist with in a 50 miles from me.

Answer: There are some area in California that for some plans do not have local providers. Normally those areas would be more rural areas that may have fewer dental offices. If this is your cast and you do not wish to driver 50+ miles out, then you may want to review our Dental PPO’s insurance plan options as they will still provide benefits to out side network dentist.

Question: I am 28 and although I have dental insurance though work I really still do not like going to the dentist. I have yet to go in for my free twice a year cleaning because even that makes me a nervous wreak.

Answer: One good way of avoiding having to have larger dental care needs is by seeing your dentist regularly. Avoiding the dentist is never a good idea. By seeing your dentist for your check ups and cleaning the dentist is able to spot any minor dental issues and treat them before they become larger more costly dental care needs. I understand having dental fear issues but talk to your dentist go over your fears the more you address your concerns and fears the better you will be able to handle them. Do not let your fear stop you from having and maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Question: I am reviewing the different dental insurance plans options you have and with regards to the California dental network plans the 460, 411, 595 how do they differ?

Answer: In short they are all HNO plans so they work the same way. However the more you pay for the cost of the plan the less you pay for the higher cost dental care services. Therefore if all you have is the twice a year check up and cleaning you may not have a need to get the more expensive California dental plan 595. Yet if you do have larger services you may not want to get the least costly plan either since by spending a little more will save you money on your larger dental care needs.

Did you know that the position of your teeth and your smile serve an important role in the aging of your face? As we age we show less of our upper teeth when we smile, tooth wear alters the youthful proportions of our teeth, teeth yellow, and the soft tissues of the face begin to sag as they become less supported. An esthetic orthodontist is able to enhance the facial appearance and reverse signs of aging through orthodontic treatment alone or through coordination with other dental and medical professionals.

One of the first things many people will notice about you is your smile. Therefore your smile is like your calling card. Having a great smile will help in in the increasingly competitive market. More adults looking for an edge in the jobs market and they are investing in themselves. They want to look the part and make an impression. A great smile is a big part of this and studies have even shown that a better smile can lead to better earning potential.

Will your any of your dental plans you have list cover for new dentures?  I really need help.  My old dentures are old and ill fitting.  I found a few dental insurance plans that will cover for new ones but I am told I have to wait a year.

I do not want to have to continue to deal with my bad fitting dentures.  Your plans say they start the next business day with no waiting periods but I do not see dentures listed.  Maybe I am just not seeing it but can you advise please

I do not have dental insurance and I can not get it though my job.  I seriously  need to see a dentist since it as been over four years since I last seen one.    I had dental insurance with my parents at that time.

I can not afford much on my own right now but I would like a dental insurance plan that will offer free preventive treatment and is not too costly on filling in case I may need one.  I live in VA and would like to see a dentist soon.  Can you please help.

I’ve had yellow teeth now fro many years and I really dislike how they look.  I brush and floss my teeth regularly.  I go to the dentist twice a year and have no cavities.   My teeth are just yellow.  I do not have the money to waste on whitening treatment done by the dentist since my dental insurance will not cover for it.   Any low cost ideas or home remedies that I can try to get a whiter smile?

I am in need of a root canal and I am told by my dentist I will also more then likely need to have it crowned.  I do not have dental insurance and been paying for my own dental care.  However when the cost is going to be more then my credit care limit I start to really realize that I need some help.

I am looking for dental insurance where I can stay with my dentist and not have to long of a waiting period.  My tooth does not hurt right now and the dentist said I could try and baby it for a while but says it should be done as soon a possible.  He told me the plans they take normally have waiting periods so I am aware of them just looking for the best possible plan.  Thanks.

My teeth are yellowish and my eye teeth are very pointy and slightly crooked.   Also about a year ago I lost a tooth which I did not really mind since it had a black spot on it.  The thing is now I have a gap that is in the back of my mouth.

My gums are red and do bleed a little when I brush so I am not sure if getting braces now would be a good idea.  I am also not sure if I need to have braces.  Would getting braces help?