Spirit Dental Resources

Did you know that the health of your mouth is very closely tied to your overall health? There has been a ton of research that has found numerous links between oral health and overall health. That's why taking care of your teeth is so incredibly important. With affordable dental insurance from Spirit Dental, you can make sure you are taking care of both your dental health and overall health. Let's take a look at four of the ways oral hygiene and overall health have been linked.   1. Diabetes One connection between oral hygiene and overall health is type 2 diabetes. Doctors have known for many years that those that suffer from type 2 diabetes have a much-increased incidence of periodontitis and/or gum disease. Researchers at Columbia University found that people who had higher levels of gum disease had two times the risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared with people who suffered from no gum disease. While a lot more research is needed to further explain the connection,  there is no doubt to medical professionals that gum disease can actually lead people to develop diabetes. There are different theories as to why this happens. One of them is that the infections in your mouth can actually spread throughout the rest of your body. Therefore, the inflammation and infections can wreak havoc on your ability to process sugar, which can lead to diabetes. 2. Heart disease Just as with diabetes, there have been a few connections theorized between dental health and heart health, specifically heart disease. However, the results are not yet conclusive as to whether the relation between oral hygiene and heart health is actually direct. There are a few common causes of heart disease and poor oral health. For instance, smoking has been identified to cause gum disease as well as cardiovascular issues. Researchers have yet to figure out what directly causes this connection between dental care and heart health, but they have a couple of theories as to why this happens. One theory is that small amounts of bacteria may enter your bloodstream through infections in your mouth while chewing which can then run through the rest of your bloodstream. Because of this, the bacteria can lodge themselves in different blood vessels which can cause a lot of dangerous blockages and lead to heart disease. If periodontal diseases are treated earlier, it might reduce arterial blockage thereby saving the patient from riskier cardiovascular diseases. 3. Pregnancy complications A lot of pregnant women actually suffer from gum infections throughout their pregnancy as a result of hormone fluctuation. However, researchers have shown that it is a huge mistake to neglect oral care while pregnant because gum disease and/or inflammation in the gums/mouth can actually cause an increase in the production of a chemical compound that is known as prostaglandin. This chemical compound is actually widely known to have the ability to produce early labor. Therefore, there is sufficient evidence of another serious connection between oral health and overall health: poor overall dental care and oral health can lead to very low birth weight and other pregnancy complications. 4. Osteoporosis Sometimes a health issue outside of your mouth can be found hinting at problems in your mouth, showing another link between oral hygiene and overall health. Osteoporosis, commonly seen in postmenopausal women, causes your bones to become weaker. Believe it or not, your mouth can alert a dentist to thinning bones in other parts of your body, even though this condition typically won’t result in changes to your teeth. When osteoporosis takes hold, it causes changes within the bone that gives support to your teeth. So if your dentist notices that you have loose teeth or a receding gum line, he may recommend talking to your doctor to see if osteoporosis is to blame and to receive the appropriate treatment. Frequently asked questions about oral health and overall health We have shown four common health issues showing the connection between oral health and overall health, but you still may have questions. We have answered a few common questions we hear about the link between dental health and overall health below. What are some of the other medical conditions that might be associated with poor oral health? Besides the three we listed above, other medical issues associated with poor oral health may include:   Endocarditis Pneumonia Stomach ulcers Arthritis Alzheimer’s disease Can you sign up for Spirit Dental insurance any time? Yes, you can! You don’t have to wait for an Open Enrollment period to sign up for Spirit Dental, so you can sign up any time of the year. If you are self-employed, between jobs or retired, you can get affordable dental insurance now. And we offer dental insurance with no waiting periods so you can start taking care of your oral hygiene and overall health as soon as you sign up. Trust Spirit Dental to help improve your oral health and overall health Because oral health and overall health are linked so closely, it is important that you take care of your mouth. With Spirit Dental, it's so easy to get dental insurance quotes and have your dental care covered quickly. Compare dental insurance plans and find the one that is right for you. Let us help you care for your mouth and your whole body.

Pregnancy is an exciting time for most, but it also comes with added health concerns for both the mother and the child. And while dental health may not be top of mind for a pregnant person, it is still important to pay attention to and practice preventative and proactive care.  Learn more about the relationship between pregnancy and oral health, and other must-know information for expectant mothers in this blog post. How pregnancy affects your dental health Pregnant people experience hormone changes, which can in turn lead to changes in their dental health, such as: Loosening of tissues and bones Increased risk of periodontal (gum) disease  Increased risk of cavities Tooth erosion Different eating habits that affect teeth (e.g., sugary treats) Tender gums and fatigue may lead to being more lax on dental care Signs and symptoms of dental problems during pregnancy With these increased risks in mind, note any of the following symptoms of oral health problems: Gums that are red, swollen, tender, shiny or bleeding Loose teeth Spaces that have formed between teeth Mouth sores Bad breath that doesn’t go away after brushing or rinsing If you experience any of these, contact your dentist right away. Why dental care is important during pregnancy Oral health is an important part of your overall health — and even more so when you’re pregnant. After all, a healthier mom means a healthier baby. Certain conditions, including infected teeth and gum disease, are linked to premature birth. Babies born before 37 weeks are at a higher risk for health issues at birth and later in their life.  How to prevent dental problems during pregnancy Keeping your teeth healthy during pregnancy includes the same preventative care as you normally practice, starting with proper brushing and flossing twice a day. Continue seeing your dentist for regular exams and cleanings, and be sure to let them know you are pregnant and if you’re taking any medication.  FAQs about dental work while pregnant If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you’ve likely got a lot of questions about maintaining your oral health. We’ve got answers to the most common questions below. Do I need to tell my dentist that I’m pregnant? Yes! It’s extremely important to disclose to your dentist that you’re pregnant. They may have certain precautions for you prior or during your appointment. You should also make them aware of any medications, vitamins and supplements you’re taking during pregnancy and any medical advice your doctor has given you. Is dental care safe during pregnancy? Regular dental care should remain part of your normal routine during pregnancy. Cleanings and checkups are fine at any point during pregnancy, but elective procedures should be postponed until after delivery. Some dental work is more extensive and not recommended,  Together, you and your dentist can put together a treatment plan  Short answer: yes, with some exceptions. Explain how some dental work should not be performed during the first trimester, how some medications should not be taken, etc. Can you get dental x-rays while pregnant? Getting dental X-rays is absolutely fine during pregnancy. The amount of radiation used is so low that it won’t cause any harm to a pregnant person or their unborn child. As an added layer of protection, your dentist will also cover you with a special apron and collar when taking the X-rays.  Can I get a root canal while pregnant? Both the American Dental Association (ADA) and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) agree that it’s safe for pregnant people to undergo root canal procedures. It’s recommended to do it in your second trimester if possible, after initial nausea has subsided and before lying in the dentist’s chair for too long becomes uncomfortable. In the event you need an emergency root canal, your dentist will take the necessary steps to keep you as comfortable as possible. Can an infected tooth affect pregnancy? While a single infected tooth may not seem like cause for alarm, the infection can enter the bloodstream and increase your risk for complications. Infection of any kind can cause harm to your unborn baby, so the benefits of treating it far outweigh the risks of leaving it untreated. Protect your dental health—and your baby—with dental insurance from Spirit Don’t neglect your oral health during pregnancy. Keeping up with regular care will help to keep both mother and baby safe and healthy.  If you need assistance in covering the costs of dental care, dental insurance can help you save money. Explore your options from Spirit Dental & Vision.

Visiting the dentist is rarely something a patient looks forward to. But for some, it can cause genuine fear and stress. This is so common today that there is a term used for it: dental anxiety.Patients who experience dental anxiety may feel discouraged about seeing their dentist and fail to get the care they need. If you find yourself suffering from dental anxiety, we’ve got the background, tips and solutions you need to ensure you keep your mouth healthy with less stress involved.What is dental anxiety or dental phobia?Dental anxiety and dental phobia are sometimes used interchangeably; however, there are important distinctions.Dental anxiety refers to a common unease, fear and/or stress related to dentist visits. Dental phobia refers to a more severe (and less common) condition that causes irrational fear and usually avoidance of visiting the dentist until an emergency occurs.  What causes dental anxiety?Dental anxiety can stem from various causes, including other existing mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), generalized anxiety disorder and depression, as well as the following:Prior trauma to the head and/or neckPrior trauma experienced in a dental healthcare or regular healthcare settingClaustrophobiaAgoraphobiaObsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) Fear of losing controlTrust issuesWhat are the signs and symptoms of dental anxiety?The symptoms of dental anxiety vary greatly from person to person and include a number of mental and physiological symptoms that may reveal themselves before or during a dental visit.In the days leading up to an appointment, you may experience strong feelings of nerves and stress or have trouble sleeping and eating. Those with severe anxiety or phobia may even cancel their dental appointment or fail to show up on the scheduled day and time.Throughout the dental exam and cleaning, you may experience the following symptoms:Trouble breathingQuickened heartbeatSweatingLow blood pressureCryingFeeling like you’re going to faintFeeling panickedHow common is dental anxiety?Dental anxiety is relatively common and affects people of any age, from small children who are new to the experience, all the way to seniors who’ve been to dozens of dental appointments over their lifetime. The fear of the unknown, the scary-looking tools, the prospect of feeling “trapped” in the chair and other aspects of a dental appointment can all contribute to worry and dread.The severity of anxiety differs from one person to the next, but in general, severe dental phobia is far less common.How dental anxiety can affect your oral healthMost oral health problems are related to lifestyle, and are therefore preventable. But in order to prevent them, you must see your dentist regularly. Unfortunately, those who experience dental anxiety or phobia are less likely to do so because of the fear and stress it causes. Professionals can identify potential issues — like cavities or gum disease — and resolve them before they become severe. When left unchecked, these will require more extensive, and possibly more painful, treatment down the road.How to calm dental anxietyThere are many ways to manage dental anxiety. Determine which of the following will work best for you.Communicate with your dentistIf your dentist doesn’t know you have dental anxiety, they can’t take the proper measures to make you feel more safe and comfortable. You should have trust with your dentist and be open about your fears and triggers. They may also be able to refer you to a psychologist that specializes in this type of anxiety.Try deep breathing, meditation, and guided imagerySome patients with dental anxiety swear by relaxation techniques. Try meditation, deep breathing, or guided imagery (visualizing positive scenarios, like sitting on a warm beach) to calm the nervous system while you’re sitting in the dentist’s chair. Have a distractionIf sitting with your own thoughts doesn’t help, bring comfort and distraction items, like a weighted blanket, a book, a game or headphones to listen to your favorite music or a podcast. Not only will they help focus your attention elsewhere, they can make you feel more comfortable and secure while the dentist and assistants do their work. Bring a support personA parent, spouse or close friend can serve the same purpose of distraction and comfort. They can sit next to you, hold your hand or simply keep you busy in conversation (of course, they’ll do more of the talking) during your appointment. Simply knowing another person is there for you can do a lot to keep your mind at ease.Take breaks if you need toIf the dental exam or procedure will take long, you can request to take breaks when it makes sense. Again, speak to your dentist beforehand so they can plan for these breaks in advance — or, if you prefer, agree on a hand signal for you to use when you need to stop for a moment.Give yourself a rewardFor those with dental anxiety or phobia, getting through a dental appointment is a huge accomplishment. A great method for motivating yourself is to have a special treat ready for you after you leave the dentist’s office. It could be as simple as a coffee from your favorite shop or as extravagant as a new pair of shoes — whatever your budget allows for and will incentivize you to show up for the appointment.What do dentists give for anxiety?In instances of severe dental anxiety, or certain procedures, your dentist may prescribe or provide certain sedative medications that put you to sleep or keep you relaxed.AnalgesiaMore familiarly known as nitrous oxide or “laughing gas,” analgesia is administered through a mask fitted to your face. Throughout the procedure, you will breathe a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide, keeping you awake but relaxed. You’ll be able to talk to the dentist but may not remember all of what was said, and the effects wear off quickly once the mask is removed. Anxiety-relieving medicationAnxiolytic medications are oral medications for relieving anxiety and may be prescribed by a dentist or doctor to help you relax during an appointment. Typically, a small single dose is suggested to be taken an hour before the appointment. While the medication is short-acting, you’ll need someone to drive you home afterward, as some of the sedative will still be in your body, affecting your reaction time and ability to operate a vehicle.You should not take an anxiolytic medication until you’ve spoken to your dentist or doctor. Conscious sedationWhile anxiolytic medications are given in pill form, conscious sedation is intravenous, administered through a drip placed into a vein in the arm or hand. Under this type of sedation, you are relaxed and may even fall asleep. It’s possible to feel drowsy or nauseous afterward, so you should plan for someone to drive you home. Keep in mind that not all dental practices offer this kind of sedation, and certain pre-existing conditions may prevent your ability to have IV sedation.General anesthesiaFinally, some patients may be recommended to go through treatment under general anesthesia, which must be carried out in a hospital setting by both a dentist — who must have specialized training — and an anesthetist. This is taken very seriously, so you’ll need both a pre-op and post-op visit to the dentist, as well as an anesthetist assessment. Side effects tend to last longer, so once again, you’ll need to find a friend or family member to drive you home. Patients are typically urged to use other methods for basic appointments and procedures, and reserve anesthesia for lengthier, more extensive treatments. Be sure to check your dental insurance plan before planning general anesthesia, as not all plans cover this benefit. Find a caring dentist with Spirit Dental & VisionIt’s always important to find a dentist you feel comfortable with, but especially for patients who suffer from dental anxiety or phobia. Make sure your preferred dentist is in network with your dental insurance plan. Explore your options for affordable dental insurance with Spirit and get the care you need from someone you trust.

As a veteran, you deserve the best dental plan that works hard to give you the benefits you need to keep your oral health strong and your costs low. With the various dental plans offered to veterans, you may be wondering which plan is best for you. When shopping dental insurance, you may be looking for: Eligibility for VA based plans Affordable monthly premiums Dental plans with no waiting period for immediate coverage on dental work A large network that spreads across the country Comprehensive coverage for family dental needs There are two main ways veterans can get dental coverage through the VA: VA Outpatient Dental Program and VADIP (VA Dental Insurance Program). And if you don’t qualify for VA dental benefits, no worries! Dental plans on the individual market can be purchased any time of year and can even provide you with better dental plan options. You can also look for discounts from dentist offices and community dental health programs offering reduced rates or even free dental care for veterans. VA Outpatient Dental Program If you qualify to receive VA outpatient dental care, your benefits are determined by a variety of factors including military service history, current health and living situation. You may be eligible to get all your dental care needs taken care of, or only some dental services covered. Depending on the benefits class you fall under will determine how much coverage you’ll receive. A few of these benefit classes are: A former prisoner of war You have one or more service-connected disabilities rated 100% disabling You have a service-connected dental disability or condition Depending on the coverage, you may not receive everything you want from your outpatient benefits. One option is to purchase a VADIP dental plan at a discounted rate. VADIP Some veterans enrolled in VA health care might be eligible for free dental care, but many do not qualify. If you don’t qualify, VADIP offers discounted private dental insurance plans for veterans. You’ll have eligibility for VADIP if one of the following is true: You’re enrolled in VA health care Be a current or surviving spouse or dependent child of a veteran that’s enrolled in the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the VA (CHAMPVA) With VADIP dental plans, you’ll pay the full insurance premium for each individual on your plan and any required copays. The plans will cover many common dental procedures including: Diagnostic Preventive Restorative (like root canals and crowns) Dental surgery Emergency dental care If you’re unhappy with your VADIP plan and looking for more coverage, you can shop for an additional dental plan on the individual market to boost your benefits. Private dental insurance for veterans Unlike health insurance, dental is fairly simple to purchase. You can buy any time of year, your zip code determines your monthly premium cost, and some dental insurance plans—like Spirit Dental—allow you to begin your dental benefits as early as the next-day. What should you look for in a dental plan? Dental insurance with no waiting period Waiting periods in dental insurance are the amount of time you must wait until your benefits can begin. For example, if you purchase a plan today, you may see a waiting period of 6 months for basic services (simple procedures) and a 12 month wait for major service (complex procedures). With dental insurance through Spirit Dental, all plans offer no waiting periods on all dental services. This gives you the best opportunity to get what you need taken care of worry free with savings. Dental networks provide savings & convenience for veterans When you’re shopping for a dental plan, you’ll want to check to see if your dentist participates in the insurance plan’s network. A network is a group of dentists that have agreed to lower costs with the insurance plan. If you find your dentist is not in-network, PPO dental plans like Spirit will still cover some of your costs. If your dentist is in-network or you’re open to seeing a new dentist in-network, you’ll save an average of 32% on dental procedures and services. As a military family, moving can be frequent. Setting yourself up with a dental plan that has a large network might be beneficial to ensure your coverage isn’t interrupted. Spirit gives its members access to the Ameritas Classic network that is one of the largest in the nation offering more than 130,000 providers. Dental coverage that matters It’s essential to understand what your dental needs are and what coverage you’ll likely need to know which dental plan is best for you and your family. You might be someone that only needs a preventive care plan that offers a lower premium and provides coverage for regular checkups and cleanings and maybe a filling. Or, you might be someone that needs lots of dental work. If you’re a veteran shopping for full-coverage dental insurance, here’s what to consider from Spirit Dental: All plans offer 100% preventive cleanings and checkups No waiting periods for all plans and all dental services means you get immediate dental coverage ASAP All Spirit plans are PPO meaning you can choose the dentist of your choice—stay in-network and get 25-50% instant savings Coinsurance splits the cost with you and averages to around 10-50% coverage with major services and 25-90% coverage with basic services Annual maximums are the cap of your dental benefits per benefit year—Spirit plans go up to $5,000 in year three and $3,500 in year one depending on the plan $100-lifetime deductible saves you money yearly as you only have to pay it once when your plan begins Spirit Dental salutes all our veterans If you’re a veteran that doesn’t qualify for VA dental benefits and are unsure of which plan fits your specific needs, give us a call: (844) 833-8440. We’ll help you compare plans, talk about your options and guide you to the best decision for you. And if you’re ready to purchase a dental plan that begins with full-coverage benefits starting tomorrow, shop Spirit Dental plans today.     Sources: https://www.va.gov/health-care/about-va-health-benefits/dental-care/ https://www.va.gov/health-care/about-va-health-benefits/dental-care/dental-insurance/ https://www.military.com/benefits/veterans-health-care/va-dental-insurance-program.html https://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/VADIP/

Did you know that oral health is directly linked to overall health? Certain conditions, including periodontal (gum) disease and cavities have been linked to heart disease, diabetes and stroke, among other conditions.Although prioritizing mouth health is proven to mitigate the risk for something more serious, many still avoid visiting their dentist for fear of lofty costs. Fortunately, there are cheap dental insurance plans that can help individuals get the care they need affordably. Brush and floss at homeThe first step in preventing steep dental costs is to practice proper oral hygiene every day at home. Brushing and flossing at least twice a day prevents plaque from staying and hardening on and in between teeth. Ridding your mouth of this plaque keeps bacteria under control and helps to avoid tooth decay and gum disease. And ultimately, you minimize the likelihood of having to undergo costly procedures, like gum treatment, oral surgery, and crown placement.  Keep up with cleaningsIn addition to home preventative care, you should see your dentist every six months for a cleaning and check-up. Brushing and flossing is a great start, but your dentist has the expertise and tools to more thoroughly clean teeth and remove bacteria that can contribute to other health issues.And not only do regular dental visits ensure your teeth are thoroughly cleaned, but they also allow your practitioner to identify any potential issues and treat them before they develop into a more serious—and expensive to treat—condition.  Consider dental insurance to help cover your dental care costsSometimes, either through lack of regular oral care or simple bad luck, patients reach a point where certain procedures are unavoidable. In this instance, saving money is a priority—and that’s where dental insurance is useful. Many dental plans cover 100% of cleanings and exams (three per year) and partial coverage for other services and procedures for a monthly premium. You can choose to add a dental plan to your regular health insurance, which may have a waiting period and require you to use only in-network providers. Alternatively, you can purchase a dental plan separately. How to get cheap dental insuranceNavigating the dental insurance market is overwhelming for the average patient. Spirit Dental makes it easy to find the right plan depending on your specific needs. All you have to do is enter who you need coverage for (individual, spouse or family) and your zip code, and Spirit presents plans in order of quoted price.With a low-cost dental plan from Spirit, you can choose your own dentist with no waiting periods for preventative, basic or major dental services. Cheap dental insurance FAQDoes dental insurance really save money?Over time, dental insurance can save patients hundreds or even thousands of dollars. With routine cleanings and exams 100% covered, you don’t need to fear going to see your dentist, and will therefore keep teeth and gums healthier—not to mention reduce the risk for more serious issues and costly treatments down the road.In the event you do need a more invasive procedure, dental insurance can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Depending on your needs, you can find a plan that covers a percentage of basic services, like fillings and x-rays, and a plan that offers major services dental insurance to cover services like extractions and surgery.      Can you negotiate prices with your dentist?Prices for dental services are often non negotiable, but it’s always worth asking. And even if your dental office has no wiggle room on price, they may be flexible with how and when you pay what’s owed. For instance, your provider may offer a discount if you pay in cash, or payment plan options where you can pay in installments over time. Or, there could be a temporary fix to hold you over until you feel more comfortable paying for the more extensive treatment.If you plan to negotiate or discuss alternative payment plans, be sure to do so well ahead of your visit so you’re prepared. You don’t want to go into an appointment expecting a discount but ending up paying significantly more. And remember, the best way to save money on oral health care is to enroll in a dental insurance plan. Do dentists prefer cash?Paying cash for your dental treatment limits the hassle for both yourself and the dental practice, since there won’t be any paperwork to submit to third-party insurance providers. Further, they may offer a discount on out-of-pocket costs for those paying cash. Ultimately, dentists don’t have much of a preference—they get paid either way. Have an open and honest discussion with your provider to determine what makes most sense for you financially. In most cases, investing in an insurance plan will be the long-term money-saver. Find cheap dental insurance and start saving on dental workTaking care of your teeth and gums shouldn’t take a toll on your financial stability. Doing your due diligence and finding a cheap dental insurance plan gets you the care you need without breaking the bank.Spirit Dental offers patients affordable coverage for preventive cleanings, implants and other procedures with no waiting periods. Get a quote today to view available plans or call our Spirit Care Connect team at (844) 833-8440 to talk through your options.

Here’s the scenario: You purchase a dental plan online, go to your dentist for a cleaning, they find a cavity (or two) and say it’ll cost around $200. What about my dental insurance? That’s with your dental insurance. Well, why am I paying for a dental plan if I still have to pay $200 for my fillings? Good question. Let’s answer that. But first… Dental insurance is not like health insurance With health insurance, you pay a deductible and once that’s reached (for most plans), your coverage after is covered 100%. Dental insurance doesn’t work this way. Dental insurance has deductibles too, but once you reach your deductible, you’ll still be required to pay a portion of your dental bill. This is called coinsurance—you pay a portion, and your dental carrier pays a portion too. There are also annual maximums that health insurance doesn’t have. An annual maximum is a cap on the amount your dental plan will pay per benefit year. Most dental plans are around the $1,000-$2,000 range (Spirit Pinnacle plan is $5,000 in year 3, Spirit Senior Preferred has $3,500 year 1).   Extra! Extra! Get your dental insurance savings here Even though dental insurance doesn’t cover your entire bill, there are still savings available for you to use. Dental insurance pulls different levers of savings that you should know about: Network savings The importance of network savings shouldn’t be overlooked when it comes to dental savings. Networks are a large group of dentists that accept lower fees to get clients that carry that particular insurance. For instance, Spirit Dental uses the Ameritas Network which has over 130,000 dentists nationwide. If you choose any Spirit Dental plan (all Spirit plans are PPO), you can see between 25-50% savings by visiting one of these in-network dentists. *How to check if your dentist is in-network: Simply use find a dentist and visit the Ameritas dental portal. If you see your dentist’s name on the list, they’re considered in-network, and you can use your plan benefits tomorrow. If they’re not located, you can still get benefits from a dentist out-of-network, but you’ll pay more without the network savings. Coinsurance The coinsurance (described above) you receive is based on the procedure you need. Dental insurance has 4 main categories of coverage: Preventive, Basic, Major and Orthodontia. Each category will have a specific percentage of coinsurance the plan will cover. It’s important to check what your plan covers with the dental service you need. Annual maximums But wait, you say, annual maximums are just the cap on the benefit per year, there are no savings with annual max. This is true, you won’t get additional savings with annual max. But, if annual max is the cap on your benefit, having a higher annual max will give you more savings to work with ($1,000 annual max vs $5,000 annual max). Supplemental dental plans Having two dental plans offers more savings than one. Let’s say you have a dental plan through your employer, you know you need an expensive dental procedure, and you’d like to pick up some additional coverage. What options are there? With Spirit Dental, these plans do not coordinate benefits. Unlike other dental plans, Spirit pays off the full claims submitted and does not look to see what any other plan is involved with saving you more money.   Save more when you schedule dental care We’ve already discussed how savings work with dental insurance. But how can you take it one step further? If you’re able and if your dentist approves, schedule dental care accordingly to your dental plan. First, figure out your needs. You visited the dentist, and the exam summary looked something like this: 2 fillings (basic category), 2 root canals (major category) & 2 crowns (major category). Next, view your dental plan and see what savings you’ll receive until your annual max runs out. *One of the perks of Spirit Dental is the increasing coinsurance and annual maximums. If you know you need a major category procedure, like implants, it may make sense to break up your procedures to account for more savings. With Spirit Senior Preferred, the major category goes from 10% year 1, to 50% year 2, to 65% year 3. Annual maximums also increase with our Spirit Pinnacle plan up to $5,000 in year 3. For the dental plan’s benefit year (from the beginning of the plan’s effective date), how much can you get done within your budget? Multiple cleanings, both fillings and one of the root canals? Do you wait for all major services until the following year when you’ve increased in coinsurance coverage? Can you do part of the procedure now (some bone grafts for a dental implant need to heal for around 4 months) and part of the procedure when your annual max resets? Your dentist can always provide a statement of benefit for your situation that explains all costs and what your insurance will cover.   Your health depends on it For most people, health and well-being rank right at the top of things they’d like to improve. It shouldn’t be a mystery that your oral health is just as important as your overall health. There are direct links to poor oral health and heart disease among others. Visiting your dentist is like getting an oil change for your car. Your car needs annual maintenance a couple of times per year to keep the car running smoothly. Same thing with your teeth. The dentist is much better equipped to get to the hard-to-reach spots and scrape away the sticky bacteria that your toothbrush can’t wash away. True or false: If you have dental insurance, you’re more likely to visit the dentist. True! And Spirit Dental offers preventive cleanings covered 100%. Get dental insurance, see your dentist, keep your mouth in tip-top shape, stay healthy and avoid costly procedures!   Is dental insurance good? Dental insurance is based on health and prevention which also helps cut costs for dental procedures. If you want to stay healthy, dental insurance helps you get to the dentist. If you want to cut down on costs, dental insurance can help there too. With Spirit Dental, you’ll get no waiting periods, implant coverage, ortho available for families, a top network of dentists and it pairs great with Medicare. Run your quote today and choose the plan that works for you. If you need help choosing a plan, our Spirit Care Connect team is here to make it easy. We love talking dental insurance and guiding you to the plan that fits you best. Give us a call today: (844) 833-8440.