1Dental.com Customer Service Blog

Dental Insurance in California

Hannah — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 15:49:31 +0000

Dental insurance in California is often inadequate, and with the current economy, more people could soon lose any coverage they had. Are you a California resident looking for affordable dental care? If so, you may want to look into the alternatives to dental insurance in your area.

Medicare

People with disabilities and seniors in California are usually eligible for Medicare. This federal program helps patients pay for hospitalization, medical equipment, rehabilitation and long-term care.

However, Congress has prohibited Medicare from providing coverage for routine dental care, including cleanings, fillings, dentures, crowns and tooth extractions.

The only exception occurs when a dental procedure such as an extraction must take place before another medical operation can happen. Seniors who only have Medicare should, therefore, look elsewhere for assistance with their dental expenses.

Medicaid

The federal government partners with states like California to offer Medicaid coverage to children under 21, people with disabilities and low-income adults.

By government mandate, Medicaid is required to furnish comprehensive routine and emergency dental care to children as part of its mission to promote health and advocate preventative care.

However, an increasing amount of dentists do not accept Medicaid patients, including children.

California budget cuts in 2009 stripped adults of similar coverage. Now, Denti-Cal only pays for dental care to relieves pain or infection, with pregnant women and nursing home residents eligible for slightly better benefits.

Aetna Dental Access

(For this reduced rate, call 1Dental at 1-800-372-7615)

Monthly Membership = $6.95

Savings = 15-50% off

Sample Discounted Prices:

Checkup = $33
Adult Cleaning = $57
White Filling = $85
Porcelain Crown = $632
Root Canal (molar) = $600

Alliance HealthCard Gold Card

Annual Membership (Individual) = $144.95

Sample Discounted Prices:

Checkup = $27
Adult Cleaning = $62
White Filling = $82
Porcelain Crown = $680
Root Canal (front tooth) = $420
Full Upper Denture = $803

Dental Care Advantage

Annual Membership (Individual) = $124.95

Sample Discounted Prices:

Checkup = $19
Adult Cleaning = $78
White Filling = $108
Porcelain Crown = $852
Root Canal (front tooth) = $576
Full Upper Denture = $1138

UNI-Care 200 Discount Dental Plan

Annual Membership (Individual) = $114.95

Sample Discounted Prices:

Checkup = $16
Adult Cleaning = $39
White Filling = $66
Porcelain Crown = $561
Root Canal (front tooth) = $311
Full Upper Denture = $713

Careington 500 Series (available on 1Dental.com)

Monthly Membership (Individual) = $6.95

Savings = 20-60% off or more

Checkup = $22
Adult Cleaning = $42
White Filling = $66
Porcelain Crown = $567
Root Canal (front tooth) = $323
Full Upper Denture = $730

California cannot balance its mammoth budget overnight, and many residents want to cut the high costs of oral health by seeking viable alternatives to traditional dental insurance. Consider taking advantage of one of the many discount dental options available in your area.

What Dental Plans Does Aspen Dental Accept?

Hannah — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 16:42:16 +0000

Many people are so intimidated by the process of finding a dentist they both like and can afford that they simply avoid going altogether. This is not a good strategy, because oral problems don’t go away on their own. In fact, they typically tend to get worse and more complicated over time. So where is a budget-minded consumer who wants friendly service and premium care to turn?

Why Aspen Dental Stands Out

Some people think of Aspen Dental as one of the finest corporate practices in the United States. According to the company, its dentists work in over 250 offices in 20 states across the country. Their success and growth can be attributed to a number of factors that set Aspen apart from the rest. Most importantly, the customer comes first. That means that no question is stupid or insignificant, and that Aspen will work with you to overcome any issues keeping you from regularly receiving oral care. In many cases, you can receive a consultation on the same day you walk in.

Aspen’s customer service also extends to its informative and user-friendly Web site, where you can quickly access various financing options, frequently asked questions and other information. The “newsroom” feature keeps you up to date on the most innovative developments in oral care, including dentures.

Dentures

In fact, dentures are one of Aspen’s specialties. Did you know that, according to the Centers for Disease Control, 25% of Americans over 60 do not have any of their natural teeth? Aspen is taking a lead role in providing state-of-the-art care for the many seniors who need dentures. The company rose in the denture industry because it has its own labs where technicians use cutting-edge heat injection technology to manufacture premium quality dentures. For all elders over 65 who need dentures, Aspen goes the extra mile by providing a 10% discount.

Cost of Treatment

It seems like a corporation this comprehensive and innovative must also command top dollar, but that is far from the truth. In fact, Aspen says it is committed to promoting the oral health of all patients. To achieve this goal, they offer an interest-free payment plan option which enables people with tight budgets to stretch the cost of their procedures over several months, even up to two years. If your procedure costs more than $1,000, you might also be eligible for an extended payment option.

Insurance Options

Another stand-out feature of these practices is that they work with all forms of insurance. It should be noted, however, that this does not include Medicaid, which is considered a state entitlement program and not insurance per se. If you have no insurance coverage, your first visit is free, and you will have the opportunity to speak with an office manager about various third-party financing and payment options.

Discount Plans

Aspen also works with discount dental plans such as the Careington 500 Series plan, an alternative to traditional insurance that helps individuals and families save significantly on dental visits and procedures. Discount dental plans have the added advantage of carrying no deductibles and no yearly maximums as conventional insurance does, and they are typically available for immediate use.

Whether you are young and focused on preserving your teeth or older and in need of dentures, Aspen Dental could be the answer.

Combine the many advantages of Aspen with the cost savings of discount dental plans such as the Careington 500 Series plan, and you definitely have a winning combination. With these strong allies on your side, you may never again need to worry about oral care or how you will be able to afford it.

Does My Dental Plan Cover the Cost of a Cleaning?

Hannah — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 13:47:50 +0000

Perhaps you have never visited a dentist and want to know what happens during a cleaning. Or maybe it has been longer than you care to admit since your last appointment and you’re not sure if the procedure has changed or if the price has gone up. Here’s what you need to know about cleanings and how much they cost with your dental plan.

What’s the Process?

When you brush and floss at home, you are working to remove soft plaque. This prevents the vast majority of tooth decay. No matter how well you care for your teeth at home, however, you still need to get a professional cleaning twice a year. That is because only a hygienist at your dentist’s office can adequately remove the tartar or hardened plaque that forms below and just above your gum line.

Tartar and Plaque Removal: Some hygienists and patients prefer ultrasonic instruments to initially remove big chunks of tartar, only using manual ones for the smaller bits. Others prefer to exclusively use manual tools.

Polishing: After the cleaning, your hygienist will polish the visible parts of your teeth to remove any remaining plaque and surface stains. Usually he or she applies a flavored, gritty toothpaste to your teeth with a rotating cup or brush. You will be given opportunities to rinse during the polishing. The final step in the process is verbal. Your hygienist will discuss ways to take care of your teeth and give you a chance to ask questions. In all likelihood, you will leave your dentist’s office with a mouth that feels fresh and clean.

How Much Does it Cost?

If you have traditional dental insurance, an HMO or a PPO, your dental plan might cover most to all of the cost of the cleaning. Don’t expect this amount of coverage on other procedures, however. Most companies view cleanings as preventive care and are more inclined to pay for them than for more complex work like fillings or root canals.

If you don’t have insurance, however, you may be wondering if there is any other way to make the cost of cleanings affordable. With a discount dental plan, you can save dramatically on procedures from routine cleanings to crowns and dentures with no annual limit. Don’t postpone another dentist visit because you don’t have insurance. A discount dental plan can provide you the savings you need to keep your teeth healthy.

To learn more about a discount dental plan, visit 1Dental.com.

Will My Dental Plan Cover a Bridge?

Hannah — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 14:19:27 +0000

You don’t have to wait until all your teeth are gone to fill in missing teeth. You can get a bridge to fill the place where a missing tooth or teeth once were. There are several cost-effective options for this procedure, especially if you have a dental plan.

Types of Bridges

When a bridge is constructed, it contains several parts.

The dentist will place a false tooth called a pontic, usually made of gold, porcelain or an alloy, in the gap where the missing tooth once was.

The pontic is supported on each side by two anchoring or abutment teeth, which are topped with crowns.

A properly installed bridge can maintain the normal shape of your face, help you to chew and bite normally and prevent your other teeth from becoming misaligned.

There are three types of bridges:

In the traditional style, a crown is fashioned for the teeth on either side of the pontic. These are the most common and are made of porcelain fused to metal or ceramic.

If the gap only has a supporting tooth on one side, a cantilever bridge is the best option.

The third type is called a Maryland or resin-bonded bridge and is made of plastic teeth and gums bolstered by a metal framework. Wings on either side of the bridge bond it to your adjoining teeth.

The Procedure

Getting a bridge usually requires several visits.

During the first, your abutment teeth are re-shaped to allow the installation of a crown. The dentist takes impressions of your teeth that will form the model for the pontic, bridge and crowns. These are sent to a dental laboratory.

While you’re waiting for the permanent bridge to be made, your dentist will craft a temporary bridge.

During your second visit, the permanent bridge will be fitted. Subsequent visits may be required to make any necessary adjustments.

Cost

Bridges can be very expensive if you do not have dental coverage. The typical prices without coverage are listed below.

The simplest, the Maryland bridge, involves several costs: $250-$500 for each attaching wing, $600-$1,200 for each pontic and $1,700-$2,900 for two false teeth.
Traditional or cantilever bridges cost $500-$1,500 per tooth unit, $1,500-$4,500 for one pontic and two crowns.
A three-unit bridge can cost as much as $9,000.
A four-unit bridge can run you as much as a whopping $12,000.
In general, traditional insurance policies cover 50% or less of the total cost of a bridge.

When traditional dental coverage fails, discount dental plans, an alternative to dental insurance, can provide you a vital safety net without breaking the bank.

To learn more about how a discount dental plan can help you, visit 1Dental.com.

Coast Dental – What Dental Plans Do They Accept?

Hannah — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 14:02:32 +0000

If you are unhappy with your current dentist, need to use your dental plan or have recently moved to Florida or Georgia, consider Coast Dental for your family’s oral care needs. This well-respected chain of practices has made a commitment to providing compassionate, high-quality and affordable service to every patient who walks through the door. In today’s corporate, by-the-numbers world, it’s a refreshing change, to say the least.

What’s the “Coast Dental Difference?”

There are a number of factors that distinguish this franchise of offices from your standard, institutional dental practices. You’re not just a number at Coast Dental. In fact, each office provides customized comprehensive care to prevent, manage and treat tooth decay, gum disease and other dental issues. Services include an advanced oral cancer screening and digital radiography that eliminates the need for traditional X-rays. What’s more, these cutting edge programs are brought to you at significant savings, bolstered by the discount dental and flexible payment plans they accept.

What Dental Plans Do They Accept?

Another compelling feature that sets Coast Dental above many other practices is that they accept numerous dental insurance plans. The list below shows most of the participating plans, but be sure to check with your local Coast Dental if your plan is not included, as each office is constantly enhancing its services. The following carriers offer plans that are currently accepted:

ADI
Delta MetLife
Aetna Dental Directory Services Safeguard
Ameriplan Dental Access Signature
Amacore Dental Benefit Providers Smile Plus
Ameritas Dentemax Solstice
Argus DHA Unicare
Assurant GEHA United Concordia
Blue Cross/Blue Shield Guardian United Healthcare
Careington (the Careington 500 Series Dental Plan)
Cigna Maverest
Comp Benefits MCNA

Other Options

In addition, this chain of offices provides the unique Smile Plus program for patients who have no dental coverage. This offers 30-60% savings on most preventative, restorative and cosmetic procedures.

Take some time to explore how the “Coast Dental Difference” can positively affect the oral care you and your family receive. And as long as you’re looking into cutting costs, why not see how the Careington 500 Series plan can boost your savings even more? Combine the quality and innovation of Coast Dental with the economical prices you’ll get with Careington, and you’ll certainly have a reason to smile.

What Are Dental Labs?

Hannah — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 16:05:17 +0000

You might think of your dental providers’ practice as completely independent. Your dentist isn’t connected to a hospital and performs common procedures right in the office. It is only when you require more complicated work that it will become apparent that your dentist is the most visible member of a larger team, a group made up of other professionals like oral surgeons as well as outside lab facilities.

If you have ever had to wait for a retainer, braces, a crown, bridge or dentures, you have benefited from the specialized skills found in a dental lab. These are stand-alone facilities whose only business is to partner with dental professionals to provide the specific, customized appliances that patients need.

Crowns

Although it is your dentist who carefully takes the impressions of your tooth, it is the lab which uses state-of-the-art visualization techniques to fashion the casing which will fit snugly and precisely over your tooth, restoring its strength and usability. The technicians who make your crown have been specially trained in using the latest precision equipment to ensure that it is well-made, strong and long-lasting.

Dentures

Each set of dentures or partials must be unique to the patient, and it is vital that they fit perfectly. Otherwise, chewing will be painful, discomfort will result, and the dentures may even cause infection or gum damage. Skilled technicians in dental labs systematically review each detail of the patient’s jaw, mouth and gum structure to ensure that the dentures will be comfortable for many years to come.

What are “Lab Fees?”

As vital as a dental lab’s role in your dentist’s practice may be, one of the reasons few patients think much about them is that they usually do not receive a separate bill for laboratory services. Instead, the vast majority of dentists include the lab fees in the bill for procedures, even so-called cheap dentists. What these labs charge varies greatly depending on the procedure, the intricacy of the work, the time it requires and the materials used.

Sample Prices

Factors such as the fluctuating price of certain metals also make it difficult to determine ahead of time how much a lab may charge for a specific procedure. Yet, there are certain approximate figures that patients often find helpful. Here is a small sample of common procedures and their approximate full cost, including lab fees:

Porcelain Crown: $1,006
Complete Upper or Lower Denture: $1,654

Even if you see a so-called cheap dentist, if you do not have affordable dental coverage, these costs will rarely be much lower than the above figures, since they include what the outside laboratories charge.

Can Insurance Cut the Cost of Lab-Made Crowns and Dentures?

Given the high prices for crowns, dentures and other oral treatments, many patients look to insurance and other outside sources for help instead of trying in vain to find a cheap dentist. In these troubled times, few of us can afford these staggering expenses strictly out of pocket. If you have traditional insurance, it may cover a certain portion of the expenses as long as you have paid your deductible and have not exceeded your yearly maximum. You might also be subject to a lengthy waiting period before you can get the dental work done.

A Cheaper Option

Another option that can help you with your overall treatment costs is a discount plan like the Careington 500 Series plan. With no deductibles or annual maximums, this plan can offer the dental restorative procedures like crowns and dentures at a mere fraction of the full price. To show you just how dramatic these savings can be, look back at the example of the $1,006 porcelain crown. That same crown, when purchased through the Careington 500 Series plan, could only cost in the $500-700 range in many areas.

In today’s fast-moving, high-tech world, things are rarely as simple as they first appear. Whether you have a cheap dentist or not, he or she is not operating in a vacuum. Dental laboratories furnish a vital link in the provision of excellent care to patients like you, and they do so at a cost that is sometimes hefty. As you look at the options at your disposal to help you pay for your dentistry, be sure to consider a discount dental plan to cut down the cost of crowns and dentures made at a lab.

Will My Dental Plan Cover Prophylaxis Treatment?

Hannah — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 17:04:27 +0000

Sometimes dental procedures have scary-sounding names, though they may be routine and painless. The intimidating phrase “prophylaxis” simply means a standard tooth cleaning. A cleaning can help prevent gum disease and tooth decay from settling into your mouth, and it is often made up of several steps.

X-rays to check for underlying cavities or other problems, especially if you have not visited the dentist recently.
Scaling of your teeth with hand tools and the use of pressurized water, to remove hardened plaque from the surfaces and hard to reach areas between teeth.
Buffing and polishing with an electric polisher that is designed to remove small bits of plaque.
Discussing personal brushing and flossing habits.
Explaining any problem areas that appeared during your oral exam.

If you have traditional dental insurance, it will probably cover some to all of the cost of a standard cleaning. The extent of the amount paid will depend on your particular coverage. If, however, you have not paid your deductible or have already used your annual maximum, your insurance could leave you out in the cold.

Unlike traditional insurance, discount dental plans like the Careington 500 Series plan have no deductibles or maximums, and can provide significant savings on a full spectrum of treatments, from routine cleanings to complicated oral surgeries. Whether you call it a prophylaxis or a “tooth cleaning,” discount dental plans can furnish you with the high quality care and financial savings you deserve.

For more information on affordable dental plan discounts, visit 1Dental.com.

Important Buying Points for Your Discount Dental Plan

Laura — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 16:07:10 +0000

When looking for a dental plan, there are many different factors to include in your decision-making process. You may not even know about some of them until months into owning a policy, and then it comes back to bite you. I aim to inform you about all the different aspects of the dental plan purchasing process, so you do not end up with any bite marks of your own.

The first characteristic of a good policy is that it does not have any waiting periods. Many times you can use a dental plan for cleanings and oral exams. However, if at one of those dental exams you discover that you need a root canal, for example, you may have to wait about 6 months for coverage to kick in! When you are choosing your dental plan, make sure that you ask the consultant if their policy is completely effective immediately. Otherwise you could end up in a tough situation.
Secondly, check for a preexisting condition clause. This seems do defeat the purpose of a dental plan because usually no one thinks to purchase a dental plan until they have a nice toothache reminding them to do so. Either purchase your dental plan when you have no problems in your mouth, or double check and make sure your policy does not have a preexisting condition clause.
The absence of annual maximums is the next point to look for in your policy. Usually plans that include an annual cap max out around $1200 a year. A single root canal with a crown usually runs around $2000. Obviously you don’t want to have to come up with an extra $800 just because your policy ran out on you. If you have four people on a policy, and one person gets a root canal while another needs fillings, you could really be in trouble. Don’t worry though, there are plenty of dental plans that have no annual maximums.
Lastly, find the policies with the cheapest fees! Many times a dentist will recommend a plan to a patient simply because it is the one she works with that doesn’t lose her as much money. Remember, most dental plans actually reduce the amount of profit the office makes per procedure. However, if the office is looking for more business, then lowering their rates for discount plan holders is actually a benefit for them. Do your research, compare the fee schedules and find the policy that is the most beneficial to your wallet. Then, find a good dentist that accepts it. If you may have an attachment to a particular dentist, that is okay, just compare the losses and benefits of switching. It can literally mean saving thousands of dollars!

In conclusion, when choosing your dental plan, find the plan with no waiting periods, no preexisting condition clauses, no annual maximums, and get the one that saves you the most money! There are a lot of numbers to look at, but if you really put in the time to find a good plan, you will thank yourself later.

1Dental.com – Affordable Dental Plan Discounts

Laura — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 16:28:02 +0000

When it is time for you to go to the dentist, 1Dental.com offers an affordable dental plan to help you and your family with great savings and superior customer support! The Careington 500 Series plan we offer saves members an average of over 50% on a myriad of procedures.

From your regularly scheduled check-up to a major dental procedure, this affordable dental plan will help you and your family receive the services you need. Our extensive list of dental providers, online published fee schedule, and easy sign-up process are just a few of the ways you can be sure you are joining a quality program at a significantly discounted rate.

Dollars and Common Sense

Promising great prices is one thing, but with this affordable dental plan, you have access to the actual price list for your area so that you know what savings you can expect when you go to the dentist.

We are one of the few companies that lets everyone see a full schedule of fees per procedure. Cleanings, fillings, root canals, and dozens of other common procedures are listed for your convenience, and you will see the savings in real dollars! Members of the Careington 500 Series plan save between 20% and 60% on dental procedures with no limits, caps or hidden fees.

With this affordable dental plan, the membership fee is only $6.95 per month, and a family of 3 or more pays just $15.95 per month! This price includes a free vision discount plan provided as a courtesy to members. Competitor rates cannot even compare with these low monthly rates and, in addition to these serious savings, Careington International is a company you can trust with your oral health.

Care You Can Count On

Careington Int’l was founded in 1979 by two dentists and has grown to over 7 million members nationwide. Because of this large membership, Careington Int’l is able to negotiate with over 62,000 dentists to greatly decrease what they charge members who have the affordable dental plan. 1Dental.com is the easiest place to connect to this affordable dental plan within minutes! Because of these pre-negotiated rates from Careington, we can provide you the savings you need for a very low membership fee.

How do I Join?

There are two safe and easy ways to join an affordable dental plan from 1Dental.com.

The fastest and best way to get your questions answered and start a plan is to call our office. The courteous 1Dental.com staff is committed to helping you get the plan that is right for your needs! You can speak to one of our friendly representatives by calling 1.800.372.7615.

You can also sign up for an affordable dental plan online! Just go to http://www.1dental.com/dental-plan and click the “Join Now” button. You can follow the online instructions to get your Temporary ID so you can see a dentist as early as today.

Peace of Mind

With an affordable dental plan from 1Dental.com, you can receive more than just the lowest Careington 500 Series prices — you also get quality service from a trustworthy company. Through our commitment to excellence, we are able to help you get the attention you need at a low price! Call us to learn more and start saving today.

How Do I Choose a Dentist with My Discount Dental Plan?

Laura — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 15:25:14 +0000

You’ve just applied for your discount dental plan, and you can’t wait to use it on your next visit. There’s only one problem: you need to find a dentist! Finding one who is right for you can be a challenging process if you don’t know what you’re looking for. You may want to consider the following criteria as you choose your cheap dentist.

Where to Start

First, start your search with a family or general dentist who accepts your discount plan. They are licensed to diagnose oral conditions, as well as perform basic treatments. If needed, they can refer you to a specialist.

Experience

You will also want to learn a little bit about your provider’s experience. If you are concerned about the quality of the practice, here are some key questions to ask him or her:

How long has your practice been established?
What procedures do you typically perform?
Are you experienced in performing treatments I need?
What’s the referral process for procedures you don’t do?
What dental societies are you a member of?
Are you pursuing continuing education? (Some societies require dentists to take continuous classes, in order to stay up-to-date on procedures and technological advances.)

Special Care

Here’s some questions to ask the provider about special care.

Do you allow emergency visits? Are you available on weekends or after hours?
What amenities do you offer? Pre-medications? Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)?
Do you offer laser treatment in place of drills or scalpels?

If you need cosmetic work, ask to see before-and-after photos of previous patients who underwent cosmetic procedures.

Costs

Determine your actual costs before you go in for treatment. Your estimated dentist bill should include the fees for the procedure(s), anesthesia, and facilities. Your discount plan can help ensure affordable dental coverage for many procedures – the best plan offers you a fee schedule of treatments and their specific dollar amounts online.

Other Concerns

Make sure the location of the office is convenient, in case your procedures should require multiple visits.
How friendly and courteous is the dentist’s team? If you don’t feel comfortable with the hygienists and other staff members, then you may not want to visit that dentist’s office.

Now that you’ve read through these tips, you’re ready to begin your search for a provider. Before committing to your first visit, remember to double check that the office accepts your discount dental plan. Once you’ve found a great discount dental provider, make an appointment as soon as possible to enjoy healthy teeth and a happy wallet!