As is commonly known, dental insurance is available to provide coverage for costs associated with dental services and maintenance. There are different areas or categories of coverage, such as Preventive (cleanings, check-ups, x-rays), Basic (fillings, simple extractions, repairs to dental appliances, some oral surgeries), Major (crowns, bridges, dentures, impacted tooth extractions), and on some plans, Orthodontia (braces).

Like medical insurance there are two basic types of dental plans, HMO’s and PPO’s. The PPO variety allows more flexibility to see dentists of choice and covers a percentage of the costs up to an annual maximum. HMO’s, although less flexible (You must use providers in the HMO network for the plan.), more commonly provide benefits through a schedule of predetermined co-pays at a lower monthly premium. Additionally, there are no annual maximums for services rendered.