Making Dental Care Affordable with Dental Insurance

At West University Dental Professionals Leila Ann Suki, DDS, we go the extra step to provide you with top-tier dental care with the most convenient payment options. To accomplish this, we accept insurance from multiple providers. If you have questions or concerns about insurance, talk to our team today. They are well-informed and up-to-date.

Understanding dental insurance

Dental insurance gives you coverage for certain types of dental work. Having coverage reduces out-of-pocket costs, which can be crucial when unexpected issues occur.

Navigating dental insurance can feel overwhelming. Between unfamiliar terms, fine print, and coverage limits, it’s easy to feel confused about what your plan actually covers. We are here to make things easy, and it begins by understanding basic terms about your insurance.

  • Premium: It’s the dollar amount you pay every month or annually to keep your insurance policy active. Think of it as the cost of having your insurance coverage.
  • Deductible: It’s the amount you pay out of pocket before your dental insurance kicks in. Once your deductible is met, your insurance starts covering its portion of costs.
  • Yearly maximum: An annual maximum is the total amount your insurance will pay toward your dental care in a calendar year. Once you reach this limit, any additional treatment costs will be borne by you.
  • Copay vs coinsurance: Copay is a fixed, flat-dollar amount paid at the time of service, such as $20 for an exam. Coinsurance is the percentage of the total cost of treatment (such as 20%), usually paid after the deductible. Copay is paid upfront, while coinsurance is paid after the deductible obligations are met.

What does my dental insurance cover?

Good question! Dental insurance is invaluable in making your dental care affordable, but it’s essential to understand that your plan doesn’t cover every dental procedure. Most dental insurance plans follow the 100–80–50 rule expounded below.

  • 100% coverage: Preventive care services, including cleanings and check-ups, are fully covered. Preventive care helps you stay ahead of costly and painful problems.
  • 80% coverage: Basic restorative work, such as fillings, is typically covered up to 80% of the cost. That means you cover 20% of the cost out of pocket.
  • 50% coverage: Insurance typically covers 50% of the cost of significant restorative work, such as crowns and root canals.

Most insurance plans don’t cover purely cosmetic procedures, such as teeth whitening. That means you’ll have to cover such treatments from your pocket. It’s also important to understand that each coverage is unique. Our team will help you understand your coverage so you can plan accordingly.

What if I don’t have insurance?

We understand not everyone has insurance. And sometimes, you may have insurance, but it doesn’t cover your particular procedure. Don’t let insurance limitations hold you back. Explore affordable dental care with our dental financing options and in-house membership plan.

Everyone deserves a healthy, confident smile, but dental care can feel costly. We are here to break the cost barriers and help you get the dental care you desire.

Are you looking for an insurance-friendly dental office in Houston, TX?

West University Dental Professionals Leila Ann Suki, DDS, is here to help you receive the high-quality dental care you deserve. If you have dental insurance, we’ll work closely with you to help you maximize your benefits. To get started with your dental care, contact our Houston office at (713) 370-4033.