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Low Cost Dental Insurance - Affordable Dental Plans

I feeling really lost as to what to do about my bad teeth. I do not have any dental insurance. I have no credit so I can not get any type of payment plan offer to me by my local dental offices. I need dental help but no one wants to give it to me.

Reply: You do have options that will help you with the cost of your dental care. You can think about buying a dental HMO insurance plan. Dental HMO’s plans are low in money cost and will help to greatly reduce your dental care cost hopefully making it more affordable for you to have done.

You may also want to look into going to a dental school. Cost for dental schools are typically much lower and hopefully more affordable for you.

There are also dental discount saving plans in many states. These plans are not insurance but they also help to reduce the cost of dental care services.

Question: I need two fillings for small cavities but don’t currently have dental insurance. What would be the best dental insurance plan for me to buy.

Reply: You may want to first review any HMO insurance plans in your area. HMO insurance plans typically do not have waiting periods, which is important in order to have your dental cavities covered under the plan in a timely manor.

No one wants to have a cavity by they do happen. In order to treat a cavity, the first step is to remove the decayed part of the tooth. A dentist is able to offer three choices for decay removal. The a “drill”, microbrasion and laser treatment. This post will address the more traditional method the drill. The drill called the hand-piece, remains the technique of choice for removing tooth decay. High speed hand-pieces make dental treatment quicker and more comfortable then in the past, however with the hand-piece you may feel vibrations during the dental treatment.

Question: Right now I am just shopping for a new dental insurance plan as I currently have Blue Cross but not really happy with the benefits I receive from it. I would like to get rates for dental insurance plans that do not have UCR fees. I tired of everyone telling me it more money after the fact. What dental plans do you have to offer that will work the best for me. I do not mind paying more for the plan if I not getting hit on the back side for dental services render.

Reply: Without knowing what state you live in hard to say what plans we would have available to you. However in every state we do offer dental discount plans that offer a fee schedule for many of their dental services letting you know your discounted prices.

Also depending on the state you live in we may offer dental HMO insurance plans. Normally on HMO their dental services are also listed out showing your cost upfront for all dental services covered under the plan by their general dentist you picked.

PPO and Indemity plans much like your Blue Cross Anthem plan normally pay by percentage and do have UCR fees.

Normally one way to try and avoid UCR fees in a PPO plan is to stay with in the plans net work of dental office providers. Inside network dentist normally stay with the plans UCR cost therefore keep you from being hit with additional fees. However when you go outside the plan network that is not always the case.

Another way to at least know your cost ahead of time so you are not hit by any additional fees unaware is to submit your dental claims to the insurance company before work is start as a quote. That way the company can state the amount they will cover and you can then make a decision on what you want to do. At least that way you know your cost ahead of time.

Dental plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. It is normally colorless until there enough build up on your teeth which it then becomes tartar. Plaque is the main cause of tooth decay and gum disease like gingivitis. That is why it is very important to brush twice a day to remove plaque before it causes dental problems.

You should know that everyone develops plaque because bacteria is always forming in our mouths. What is important to understand is to avoid plaque build up. Preventing plaque buildup is easy with proper preventive dental care such as brushing thoroughly twice a day. Flossing daily to remove plaque form in between your teeth and under your gumline. Try to limit the amount of sugary or starchy foods. And make sure you schedule regular dental check ups at your dentist.

Choosing a dentist for your Child

One complaint that is often said about dentist, is that they do not listen or they seem to be in a rush to get to the next person in the waiting room. So when picking a dentist for yourself or for your child an important factor to consider is whether you feel comfortable with the dentist you are seeing.

Are you able to explain symptoms and ask all the questions you may have without getting the feeling the dentist is checking the clock. Do you feel like your dentist hear and understands your worries or concerns. If you have dental fears and or anxiety are you able to address them with your dentist? Would you refer a family member or friend to your dentist without thinking they may not like him or her.

Some people feel locked into staying with their dentist even if they feel they are not the best dentist for them. But that does not have to be the case. You are in control over who you see. Even on a dental HMO plan where you have to choose from the plan dental providers, there is no stopping you from changing dentist if you choose to do so.

Just make sure if you choose a dental HMO insurance plan that it has more then just one local dental office near you. The more options you give yourself the higher likelihood of finding the dentist you like and will see on a regular bases. At the end of the day that what’s important.

Why seeing a dentist only twice a year may not be enough

There are many reason why you may need to see a dentist more often then the twice a year suggested average. People with high risk of dental disease may need to visit the dentist three to four times year or more as suggested by their dentist. This high risk group of people could include

1)Smokers
2)Diabetics
3)People that currently have gum disease or gingivitis
4)People that have a weak immune response to bacterial infection
5)Seniors may need to see dentist more often due to illness and or medications they are taking
6)People who tend to easily get cavities and plaque build up.
7)People that had very poor dental care in the past may also need to see the dentist more often in the future.

By taking good care of your teeth at home you may still be in the group of people that only has to see the dentist twice a year. However, talk to your dentist, and see what is best for you and your dental care. Everyone is different and have different dental needs the rule of seeing a dentist twice a year is still just a good guild line to go by but it is not written in stone.

Indemnity dental insurance is an insurance package where the policyholder can choose his or her own dentist and the insurance provider will be the one to pay that designated dentist your fees or, usually, around half of them. Indemnity Dental insurance plans pays the dental office (dentist) on a traditional fee-for-service basis.

There are several features of indemnity dental insurance plans for individuals that make these plans different from many other types of dental coverage: Insurance providers will pay up to 100% of preventative dental care.

Unlike a dental PPO plan where if you go outside the plan network of providers your coverage limits may change on an Indemnity Dental plan there is no plan network provider and your coverages are the same regardless of what dentist you may wish to see.

When reviewing an Indemnity Dental Insurance plan make sure you read the plan term and conditions because like a dental PPO these plans normally have waiting periods and annul dollar maximum limitations.

According to the National Association of Dental Plans, approximately half of the U.S. population does not have an affordable dental plan. The cost for affordable dental insurance can vary. Therefore, it is important to understand all your options in obtaining the most affordable dental plan coverage.

The company where you work may provide the most affordable dental insurance plan options. Dental insurance plans for individual and families are usually an HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) or a PPO (Preferred Provided Organization) and operate much like traditional health insurance organizations.

Affordable dental insurance plans from an HMO have a limited pool of dentist to select, but it is a more affordable insurance plan. If you are self employed and looking for a more affordable dental plan, a discount dental plan may be an alternative.

In our challenging economy you want to make sure you are getting the most out of your dental insurance plan. One way to do that is to use it. Many people have dental benefits either though their employment or they buy it on their own. However often times it goes unused until there is a larger dental issue that needs to be address.

Larger dental issues means larger dental cost even with dental insurance. However by using your dental insurance plan and having the preventive care done (check up and cleaning) you can help to avoid having larger dental care needs. Also many dental insurance plans provide preventive care services for free to very low cost. Taking advantage and using your dental insurance plan will help you safe money and provide you with good oral health.

Washington—Consumers should forgo sugary drinks and make water their beverage of choice, according to the dietary guidelines released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The guidelines and icon for healthy eating—a colorful plate that gives consumers an easy visual example of how to dish up proper portions for breakfast, lunch and dinner

Dentists routinely caution patients about the over-consumption of soda pop, juice and sports drinks that pack little if any nutritional value and take a toll on teeth.

Now the American Academy of Pediatrics is taking aim at energy and sports drinks, saying that in most cases, kids don’t need them and some products contain substances that can be harmful to children.

I heard that it is bad to brush your teeth right after you eat is that true?

Answer: According to Dr Peter Alldritt, chairman of the Australian Dental Association’s oral health committee, sometimes brushing too soon can damage your teeth. Fruits, particularly orange or lemon juice, vinegar, sport drinks and soft drinks, have a very high level of acidity in them and they soften your tooth enamel. If you eat or drink these types of foods and then go and brush your teeth straight away you are going to damage the softened tooth enamel. Therefore it is better to wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth. By waiting it gives your mouth time to produce enough saliva to neutralize the acidity, according to Dr Alldritt. Saliva helps your teeth to harden and absorb more calcium, which then acts like a coat of armor. Saliva also contains enzymes and buffers which neutralize acid and return the pH of your mouth to neutral over time.

I just broke a corner off my back molar. I can not get into see a dentist until a week from now. What can I do until I see the dentist?

Answer: Until your dentist appointment you want to avoid chewing on that side of your mouth. If the tooth is giving you discomfort take some ibuprofen or try and use some orajel to numb the area. I would also see if the dentist can take you in sooner. You may want to call the dental office and let them know if they have any cancellations sooner you would like to come in.

I have this bad habit of grinding/clenching my teeth but only while I am sleep. I do not grind my teeth while I am wake so I am not sure what can be done about it.  I do not want to cause damage to my teeth.

Answer: Think about getting a night guard.  Many times night guards can be bough at drug stores, however your dentist can also custom make a night guard that will better fit your mouth. A night guard will help to redistribute the forces from grinding and protect your teeth from damage. Your dentist may also advise having regular dental visits so that he or she can check for any tooth movement of cavities that may result from wearing such an appliance.  It is also important to remember that in order for the night guard to work you must remember to put it in at night while you sleep

Question: When I was young I use to pull out my baby teeth when they start becoming loose. My son now has a loose baby tooth and I do not see why I can not just pull it out but my friends say I should take him to the dentist.

Answer: Many times when a baby tooth is ready it will come out on it own. However pulling it out is not a good idea unless it pulled by a dentist. The reason is that you do not want to pull baby teeth out too soon. Other wise you run the a higher risk of having the adult teeth come in crooked. I agree with your friends, have your son see a dentist to make sure his adult teeth are coming in correctly and if necessary have the baby tooth pulled.

Question: I have this habit of clenching my teeth. I do not grind but I catch myself clenching them all the time. What can I do to stop?

Answer: Stress is believed to be the major cause of Bruxism. If you clench your teeth while you sleep make sure to wear a night guard for your teeth. These can normally be bought at a drug store of made by your dentist to custom fit your mouth

Another tips: You can exercise your body with will help to relive tension and stress that may be causing your teeth clenching.

Daytime clenchers: Thing of ways to remind yourself not to clench. Such as you can you can put a rubber-band on your wrist, string on your finger whatever will help to remind you to keep your jaw relaxed.

Massage: Massage is great in reliving tension in your body so try to gently massage your jaw muscles. Some do not’s: Do not chew on gum, popcorn, candy and other chewy foods that give your jaw a workout.

It goes without saying that doing illegal drugs is never a good thing and they can and normally will have long lasting side effects that will forever change your life. However this is a dental site so we will be address the high risk that illegal drugs can do to your teeth and gums.

* Marijuana: Can cause dry mouth and increases the risk of gum problems. Like smoking marijuana can also increase the risk of oral cancer.

* Cocaine: Sometimes users of cocaine will rub the drug over their gums, causing ulceration of gums and the underlying bone. Cocaine mixed with saliva creates an extremely acidic solution which can erode the tooth enamel and expose underlying dentine to decay-causing bacteria. Cocaine and crack cocaine cause dry mouth, which further increases the risk of tooth decay. Cocaine can also cause tooth wear by teeth grinding.

* Ecstasy: Side effects of this drug include tooth grinding, jaw clenching and dry mouth.

* Heroin: People who uses heroin tend to crave sweet foods, which can increase the risk of tooth decay if dental hygiene is neglected. Heroin can also cause dry mouth and tooth grinding.

* Methamphetamine: This drug can cause severe tooth decay in a very short time. Dental professionals have coined the term ‘meth mouth’ to describe the extensive damage typically caused by this drug. Methamphetamine is highly acidic and attacks tooth enamel. Other side effects include dry mouth, bruxism and jaw clenching.

When buying dental insurance plans such as PPO’s or Indemnity plans, it is important to understand that most of these plan types will have an annual dollar limit on their benefits.  That means the dollar amount the insurance company is going to pay per person per year. You will typical see these maximum limitations at around $1000 – $2000 but it can vary depending on the

Young children can get a type of tooth decay called baby bottle tooth decay or early childhood caries. Caries destroys enamel quickly. This type of decay is common in children who are put to sleep with a bottle of milk or juice. The bottle exposes the teeth constantly to carbohydrates through the night. Bacteria can grow rapidly and produce acid that decays teeth. Decay can become worse if the parent does not clean the child’s teeth. It can eat through enamel and leave a large cavity in a matter of months.