Spirit Dental Resources

Although we’ve talked about the importance of oral health for overall health, many people still neglect caring for their teeth due to fear or anxiety about how much it will cost.Dental insurance mitigates the costs of different treatments and procedures. While there are costs associated with enrolling in an insurance plan (see below), it’s worth it — these are often far less than you would pay for certain services fully out-of-pocket. Learn more about costs associated with dental care and insurance policies. Do I need dental insurance?Like medical insurance, dental insurance covers a variety of oral health care services. From full coverage for preventative care to partial care for more major procedures, dental insurance helps you maintain a healthy mouth without breaking the bank. Dental insurance out of pocket costs to considerThe cost of dental insurance includes more than your monthly premium. Consider the other cost factors:Deductible: The amount you have to pay before insurance kicks in to cover dental services, typically between $50 and $150.Coinsurance: The percentage of costs for dental services you pay after you’ve met your deductible, typically around 20%. Annual maximum: The total amount your policy will pay within a given year, beyond which you are responsible for payment, which on average is between $1,000 and $2,000.How to lower your out-of-pocket costsThere are further ways to reduce the amount you’ll have to pay for dental care. Network savingsNetwork savings plans are different than dental insurance in that they offer discounts on common dental procedures — as long as you go to a dentist within the network. You will still pay a monthly fee to be enrolled, but this amount is less than an insurance premium.Preventative careOf course, the best way to prevent paying thousands in dental care is by not needing the care at all. Accidents and genetics play a part in oral health, but decay and other conditions can be avoided with proper daily oral hygiene. Prevention also includes visiting your dentist twice annually so they can thoroughly clean your mouth and examine teeth and gums.Secondary dental plansIf you are enrolled in an employer-sponsored dental insurance plan, it’s possible to get additional coverage through a secondary, or supplemental, plan. It doesn’t provide double the coverage, but could offer better benefits or lower costs for certain procedures.Cost of dental procedures with and without dental insuranceWondering how much of a difference dental insurance can make? Take a look at the cost comparisons for certain treatments below.Cost of a dental cleaning with and without insuranceA routine dental cleaning ranges from $75 to $200, and deeper cleanings can reach $300. Most dental insurance plans cover one or two routine cleanings per year, in full. Cost of a dental crown with and without insuranceDental crowns are caps placed on the top of broken or decayed teeth to restore their shape and size. According to GoodRx, the price for a dental crown averages between $3,500 and $6,700 per tooth, with a porcelain crown.  Every dental insurance plan differs, but most policies cover up to 50% of the cost for crowns. Check your annual maximum to understand what your out-of-pocket costs will be. Cost of dental implants with and without insuranceDental implants comprise three parts: the body, the crown and the abutment. According to  GoodRx, the price for a dental implant averages between $3,500 and $6,700 per tooth, with a porcelain crownRegarding the cost of a dental implant with dental insurance, you can receive out-of-pocket savings with coinsurance—typically covered under major services, up to 50%—and network savings with an in-network dentist (network dentists offer lower rates with the dentla insurance plan). Cost of orthodontia with and without insuranceOrthodontia refers to treatments and procedures used to fix misaligned teeth and irregularities in the jaw, including braces, braces and mouthguards. Braces can cost anywhere between $3,000 and $10,000 depending on the type of braces you want (metal, ceramic, lingual), where you live, and other factors. Not all dental plans cover orthodontic services, but you may be able to add it as supplemental orthodontic insurance — at a higher monthly premium. How much is covered, again, varies greatly depending on your policy, but it typically falls around 50% of the total. Ask your orthodontist if they accept payment plans or discounts. Compare dental plansEnrolling in dental insurance is well worth the investment. When shopping dental plans, consider who needs to be covered (your family or just yourself), what care you foresee needing, waiting periods with dental insurance and your budget. Check out plans from Spirit Dental & Vision to get the affordable care you need without a waiting period. We offer dental insurance options for individuals, families, small business owners and more; all designed to get you the coverage you need.[Find my plan]

As parents, ensuring the well-being of our children is a top priority. While we pay attention to their overall health, it’s crucial not to overlook the significance of dental care. Proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups are vital for children’s overall development. Further, problems with teeth and gums can cause a loss of confidence and lower self-esteem.Keep reading to learn the impact of oral health on kids, and how to keep their smiles beautiful and healthy.The importance of dental care for kidsBeyond general dental health, there are various reasons your kids should prioritize their dental health.NutritionDental problems like cavities or misaligned teeth can make it difficult for children to chew their food properly, leading to nutritional deficiencies. And if a child experiences pain or discomfort while eating, oral issues can interfere with swallowing. A healthy set of teeth allows kids to break down and digest food effectively, ensuring they receive the necessary nutrients for growth and development.SpeakingIssues with teeth and gums can also impact speech development in children. Problems like tooth decay, missing teeth or a misaligned jaw may affect their ability to articulate sounds correctly, leading to speech impediments. Early detection and treatment of dental issues can help address speech difficulties and ensure proper language development.Emotional impactProblems like tooth discoloration, gaps, or misaligned teeth can make children self-conscious about their appearance. Kids may become hesitant to smile, laugh or engage in social activities due to the fear of being judged or teased. This, along with any discomfort eating or speaking, can take a toll on their overall emotional well-being, leading to feelings of embarrassment, social withdrawal and even anxiety. Prioritizing dental care and addressing any cosmetic dental issues promptly can help children feel more confident in social interactions.Mental healthThe effects of dental issues extend beyond physical discomfort. Ongoing dental problems can cause chronic pain, lead to irritability, difficulty concentrating and poor academic performance. Additionally, children may experience heightened anxiety or stress due to the fear of dental visits or treatments. Regular dental care helps prevent these negative effects and supports children’s mental health.Help your child regain their confidenceHygiene at homeA fundamental aspect of maintaining good dental health is establishing consistent oral hygiene habits. Teach your child the importance of brushing their teeth at least twice a day, using a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Encourage them to brush for a full two minutes each time and guide them to reach all tooth surfaces, including the back molars. Also emphasize the significance of daily flossing to remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth. By instilling these habits early on, you set the foundation for a lifetime of good oral hygiene.Dental visitsRegular dental check-ups are also vital to monitor your child’s oral health and address any concerns before they worsen. Schedule your child’s first appointment by age one, and subsequent appointments every six months or as otherwise recommended by their dentist. During these visits, the dentist will:Perform a comprehensive examinationThoroughly clean teethApply fluoride or dental sealantRestorative and orthodontic careIf your child requires treatment to correct misaligned teeth or bite issues, consult with an orthodontist to explore the available options. Braces or clear aligners can improve alignment, enhancing your child’s smile and overall health. Additionally, if your child has cavities or damaged teeth, restorative treatments like fillings or dental crowns can restore the function and appearance of their teeth.Responding to dental emergenciesEmergencies occur unexpectedly and require immediate attention. Whether your child experiences a severe toothache, knocks out a tooth, or encounters any other dental trauma, it’s crucial to bring them to a dentist as soon as possible. Quick action can often save a tooth or prevent further complications.The impact of dental health on a child’s self-esteem, physical well-being and mental health cannot be understated. As parents, it’s up to us to shape our children’s dental habits and keep their smiles healthy. Enrolling your family in dental insurance coverage will assist you in getting your kids the care they need to show off their smiles for years to come. View available plans from Spirit Dental.[Get a quote] 

While some Americans aren’t covered by a dental insurance plan, others are fortunate to be covered by not just one, but two, policies. Secondary dental insurance isn’t common, but it typically happens when two spouses receive dental benefits from their employers and include each other as dependents.Learn more about what secondary insurance is and how it works below.Can you have two dental plans?Yes, you can have two dental insurance plans. This is what is referred to as secondary dental insurance, also called dual insurance or dual coverage.What is secondary dental insurance?Secondary dental insurance is a separate insurance policy that covers you in addition to your primary dental insurance. Oftentimes, an individual may have secondary dental insurance if they have coverage through their employer as well as a plan where they’re a dependent (e.g., through a spouse’s plan) or if they have two jobs that both provide coverage.How does secondary dental insurance work?Many people who aren’t familiar with secondary dental insurance believe that it means they get twice the benefits and coverage (e.g., getting double the free annual cleanings and exams instead of the typical two). However, this isn’t the case.Benefits carriers work together when a person has dual coverage in what is called coordination of benefits (COB). One policy — the one where you're the primary account holder — will be labeled your “primary insurance,” which will pay out benefits first. The secondary carrier accepts a claim only after the primary claim has been paid, when they will require a copy of the primary payment information. Both insurers will make sure that the combined amount paid by the two does not exceed the total amount the particular dentist charges for the service.What is Coordination of Benefits?COB is the process for determining which plan pays for dental services first when a person has dual insurance.Some COB provisions involve a detailed process to determine which plan pays for what, while others limit what a plan will cover. State laws and regulations may also dictate how COB works. Review the details of both insurance carriers and policies to make sure you understand how costs for dental services will be divided.Non-duplication of benefits rulesCertain dental insurance policies contain a clause that applies to individuals with dual coverage. In this clause, if the primary plan already paid for the same amount or more than what the secondary plan allows for the same treatment, that secondary plan will not pay out any benefits.The benefits of dual dental insurance coverageWhile you won’t get double coverage, dual dental insurance has some other advantages, including:Potential added savings for care beyond basic preventative proceduresAccess to a wider range of in-network dental care providersAvoid lapses in coverage caused by typical waiting periodsHow do I know which is my primary and which is my secondary dental insurance plan?In most cases, an individual’s primary plan is the one provided by their employer and the secondary is the one where they’re the dependent. If you are the account holder for both policies, the primary plan is the one that’s provided coverage the longest.;Upgrade your dental coverage with Spirit Dental & VisionWhether you have one dental insurance plan, two plans, or no plan, it’s time to evaluate costs and explore options to ensure you’re getting coverage for important oral health care. Different carriers and state laws will dictate how benefits work — do some research to determine whether secondary dental insurance will put you at an advantage.See available, affordable plans in your area with Spirit Dental & Vision.

Many patients ignore toothaches and other oral health problems, assuming they’ll subside on their own. However, a lot of the time these are symptoms of something far more severe.An example of this is a tooth abscess. While it may seem minor at first, if left untreated, an abscess starts to impact other areas of your body.Learn more about what causes a tooth abscess, symptoms to look out for, and how to treat it before it worsens.What is a tooth abscess?A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus that forms around a tooth as a result of a bacterial infection. Not only is it gross as it sounds, it can affect the area surrounding the tooth — including bones, gums and other nearby teeth.SymptomsThe signs of a tooth abscess may vary, but can include the following:Persistent throbbing or sharp pain in the area of the toothLoosened toothSensitivity to hot or cold food and drinkFoul-smelling breath that doesn’t go away with brushing or rinsingBitter taste in the mouthRedness and swelling of gumsIt’s recommended to visit your dentist at the first sign of these symptoms.CausesAbscesses can form in different areas around a tooth for a variety of reasons. Poor dental hygiene, tooth decay or injury, gum disease or broken or cracked teeth can all contribute to infection that leads to an abscess.There are three types of infections that can contribute to an abscess:Gingival: Develops in the gums and typically doesn’t affect the teeth.Periapical: Develops at the tip of the tooth root, and the bacteria travels to the inside of the tooth through a fracture or cavity, spreading to the bone over time.Periodontal: Develops in the bone and tissues supporting the tooth, causing periodontitis or gum disease.TreatmentsAn abscessed tooth, if caught early enough, may be treated with over-the-counter antibiotics. However, more serious cases will require in-office treatments. An x-ray, CT scan and/or thermal test may be required to determine the severity of the condition and treatment required.Upon diagnosis, your dental professional will be able to determine the best course of treatment. To eliminate the underlying infection, a few procedures may be done:Incision and drainage to remove pus from the area.Root canal to eliminate the underlying infection and restore the health of the affected tooth.Tooth extraction to allow pus to drain from the socket when the tooth is damaged beyond repair.When is a dental abscess an emergency?Ideally, you would visit the dentist as soon as you suspect something is wrong. But life can get in the way, delaying the appointment and causing the abscess to get worse. If pain isn’t managed by medication or becomes intolerable, it’s time to visit an emergency dentist. These practitioners accept walk-ins and specialize in treating certain oral issues quickly.In the case of facial swelling, fever or trouble breathing, skip the dentist and go straight to the emergency room. The infection may have begun to spread to other areas of your body.How to pay for dental abscess emergencyWhen you have a dental emergency, you may be concerned about how much it will set you back. Whether you have insurance — and the specifics of your plan — can significantly impact how much emergency treatment will cost.What insurance will coverWhen it comes to emergency dental care, one size does not fit all — different dental insurance carriers have varying definitions of what an “emergency” is. Before you enroll in a plan, make sure you understand what kind of emergency situations are covered, and by how much.Many severe dental conditions, including abscesses, occur when minor issues are ignored. The biggest benefit of dental insurance is that it typically covers preventative care in full. Visiting the dentist regularly for exams and cleanings ensures any existing problems are addressed and treated before they worsen.You can also find plans that partially cover fillings and some restorative care, which will be far less expensive and invasive than an extraction or root canal.Options outside of insuranceThe monthly premium you’ll pay for a dental insurance plan is less expensive than paying out of pocket for an emergency. But if insurance is not an option, there are some other routes you can take to lower costs.For an annual fee (typically far cheaper than insurance), dental discount plans provide discounts for certain services. Financing is similar to a credit card; use the card to pay for services and pay it back over time. Be sure to check that the service and dental professional qualify for financing under your plan. Finally, public dental clinics are community-based offices that charge for care based on what a patient can afford.No-wait full coverage dental plansDon’t let cost get in the way of caring for your health and protecting yourself from serious illness. Find a full coverage plan that gives you peace of mind in case of an emergency like an abscess. Spirit Dental offers low-cost dental plans with no waiting period so you can resolve your symptoms and get back to your life.[ Find my plan]

Dental emergencies never happen at a convenient time. Panic and stress set in quickly, and it’s important to think on your feet and take appropriate action. Not only do you want to make sure any existing problems don’t get worse, but you’re also likely concerned about how much treatment will cost.In this blog, we’ll help you determine when something is considered an emergency, what to do and what you can expect to pay based on whether you have insurance. What is a dental emergency?The American Dental Association defines a dental emergency as anything “potentially life-threatening and requiring immediate treatment to stop ongoing tissue bleeding or to alleviate severe pain or infection.”This can include situations like:An injury to the face or mouth that causes one or more teeth to fall out or loosen significantly, trauma to facial bones or a swollen jawExcessive bleeding from teeth or gumsSevere painExposed nervesTrouble breathingWhat is non-emergency dental care?Most oral health care is considered non-emergency. This includes:Regular cleanings and preventative careNon-urgent tooth extractionsRestorative treatments for asymptomatic issuesOrthodontic procedures like braces and other tooth alignersCosmetic and other elective treatment Other conditions—like a dull toothache, a lost filling, food deeply lodged between teeth or a small crack or chip—should lead you to call your dentist and seek treatment as soon as possible but aren’t considered an emergency. When to go to the hospital vs. when to go to the dentistWhen a dental emergency occurs, it’s important to understand when to go to a dental office and when to go straight to the emergency room (ER). In most cases, we recommend going to your dentist or an emergency dental office right away.If you’re unable to find an emergency dentist or are experiencing severe symptoms, don’t take any chances and go to the ER. But, keep in mind that ER nurses and doctors are typically only equipped to treat certain dental issues, like bacterial infections, bleeding gums and dental fractures. They can also help to manage pain with certain antibiotics. Tips for common dental emergenciesKnocked-out toothSave the toothIf possible, put the tooth back in the socket If the tooth won’t stay in the socket, keep it moist in a cup of milkGo to the dentist right awayCracked toothRinse your mouth with warm water to clean the areaUse a cold compress to reduce facial swellingCall your dentist to set up an appointment ASAPFood stuck in teethFloss gently to try and remove the morselGo to the dentist if brushing and flossing aren’t effectiveDO NOT use sharp instruments to remove food lodged between teeth — you could cause more harmDental emergencies in childrenMost of the time, dental emergencies can be treated the same way for children as they are for adults, like in the case of an adult tooth being severely cracked or knocked out.If your child is experiencing a toothache, rinse out their mouth to keep it clean and floss between all teeth. Avoid applying aspirin to the area. If the pain continues, contact your dentist. Preventing dental emergenciesAccidents happen and at times are unavoidable, but there are steps to take to reduce the likelihood of a dental emergency:Take good care of your teeth at homeAttend regular dental appointmentsWear a mouthguard while playing sports  Don’t chew ice, hard candy and other things that can crack teethDon’t use teeth as a device for opening or cutting thingsDon’t run around with objects in your mouthBlock staircases and dangerous areas from childrenDoes health insurance cover dental emergencies?General medical insurance only covers dental emergencies if you’ve sustained other injuries or have a medical condition that affects your oral health. Your visit has to be deemed medically necessary to qualify for coverage. Dental insurance helps to cover some of the costs of emergency dentistry.Dental emergencies with no insuranceIf you don’t have insurance, you can anticipate a bill up to hundreds or thousands of dollars. The cost will depend on how severe the condition is, the treatment required and where you live. But don’t let cost lead you to avoid getting the care you need. Dental emergencies don’t go away on their own; the longer you wait to see your dentist, the worse it will become and the more expensive it will be to treat.No-wait dental insurance — get immediate coverageSpirit Dental & Vision offers dental insurance with no waiting period. Be prepared in case of an emergency by enrolling in a plan today. [ Find a plan] 

You look at your calendar and see an upcoming dentist appointment, and your stomach drops. It’s not necessarily a top priority, much less a way you’d like to spend an hour of your day. The temptation to call and cancel begins taking over… But before you pick up the phone, take a look at why you shouldn’t put off your dentist visits. 1. Avoid preventable damage and disease Practicing good oral hygiene at home is incredibly helpful for keeping your smile healthy, but nothing can quite compete with the expertise and professional equipment your dentist has. He or she can perform a much more thorough cleaning on and between teeth, as well as along the gums. A professional cleaning removes a build-up of plaque to prevent cavities, decay, gingivitis and other oral health issues.   2. Fix small issues before they get bigger Along with cleaning, your dentist gets an up close look at the inside of your mouth to examine the health of teeth and gums and identify anything that looks abnormal. By spotting existing damage and disease early, chances are they can be treated with less extensive procedures. As the condition becomes more severe, treatments will be more painful and expensive and require a longer recovery time.    3. Eliminate or decrease pain Dental treatments may not be pleasant, but the results are well worth it. These procedures heal or restore issues that can cause pain or discomfort in the gums, mouth and face—allowing you to get back to work and do things you love without irritable distraction. 4. Save thousands in dental bills Preventing serious dental disease means you also avoid costly procedures. Fillings, crowns, root canals and other treatments can add up to thousands of dollars in dental bills. Rather than paying for multiple visits to fix damage and disease over time, the cost of going to the dentist once or twice a year is insignificant in comparison. 5. Set your kids up for a lifetime of healthy smiles If you have children, you want to keep them healthy and do whatever you can to set them up for success. And it starts by them seeing you take care of your oral health. Further, getting them in for their first dental appointment at an early age gets them in the habit of prioritizing their oral health and seeing their dentist regularly.  Make sure you find a good dentist for yourself and your family to promote everyone’s good health. 6. Develop a roadmap to better oral health Despite all your effort, sometimes oral health problems will happen. Going to your dentist allows them to look closely at the existing issue to recommend a game plan for treatment. Share the desired outcome and your budget with your dentist, then work together to put together the best strategy for you.   7. Gain confidence  Misaligned, cracked or discolored teeth can take a toll on someone’s self-esteem. Studies show that the condition of a person’s smile affects not only their self-confidence, but their ability to get a job or promotion.  Other positive effects of a strong, beautiful smile include: Improved mood Improved social connections Lowered stress Ultimately, good oral health can improve your quality of life and wellbeing.  Spirit makes it easy to get dental care access Spirit Dental & Vision offers plans that fit your needs, with no waiting periods, high annual maximums and flexibility in what provider you see.  With a plan from Spirit, you don’t have to fear or dread visiting your dentist, because you know you’re covered. Compare available plans today.