Best Dental Insurance Companies – Top 10 Providers for 2021

Americans spent an estimated $135 billion on dental care in 2020, according to the National Association of Dental Plans. With the high cost of dental procedures, it’s no wonder that many people are turning to dental insurance as a way to save money. However, with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the best dental insurance for your needs.

What is dental insurance?

Dental insurance is a type of health insurance that covers some or all of the cost of dental care. There are many different types of dental insurance plans available, ranging from basic coverage for preventive care to more comprehensive coverage that includes major procedures like root canals and crowns. Most dental insurance plans require a monthly premium and may have a deductible or co-pay for certain procedures.

Types of dental insurance plans

There are several types of dental insurance plans to choose from:

Some plans may also have waiting periods for certain procedures, so it’s important to read the fine print before enrolling.

The top 10 dental insurance companies

After researching and comparing dozens of dental insurance providers, we’ve narrowed down the top 10 companies for 2021:

1. Delta Dental

Delta Dental is the largest dental insurance provider in the United States, offering coverage to over 80 million people. They offer a variety of plans to suit different needs and budgets, including plans for individuals, families, and retirees. Delta Dental also has a large network of dentists, making it easy to find a provider in your area.

2. Guardian

Guardian offers a range of dental insurance plans with varying levels of coverage. Their plans include coverage for preventive care, basic services, and major services, as well as orthodontic coverage. Guardian also has a large network of dentists, so it’s easy to find a provider near you.

3. Humana

Humana offers dental insurance plans for individuals, families, and retirees. Their plans include coverage for preventive care, basic services, and major services, as well as orthodontic coverage. Humana also offers a vision plan that can be bundled with their dental plan for additional savings.

4. Ameritas

Ameritas offers a range of dental insurance plans, including plans for individuals, families, and employers. Their plans include coverage for preventive care, basic services, and major services, as well as orthodontic coverage. Ameritas also has a large network of dentists, making it easy to find a provider in your area.

5. MetLife

MetLife offers dental insurance plans for individuals and families, as well as plans for employers. Their plans include coverage for preventive care, basic services, and major services, as well as orthodontic coverage. MetLife also offers a vision plan that can be bundled with their dental plan for additional savings.

6. Cigna

Cigna offers dental insurance plans for individuals and families, as well as plans for employers. Their plans include coverage for preventive care, basic services, and major services, as well as orthodontic coverage. Cigna also has a large network of dentists, making it easy to find a provider in your area.

7. United Healthcare

United Healthcare offers dental insurance plans for individuals, families, and employers. Their plans include coverage for preventive care, basic services, and major services, as well as orthodontic coverage. United Healthcare also offers a vision plan that can be bundled with their dental plan for additional savings.

8. Aetna

Aetna offers dental insurance plans for individuals, families, and employers. Their plans include coverage for preventive care, basic services, and major services, as well as orthodontic coverage. Aetna also has a large network of dentists, making it easy to find a provider in your area.

9. Blue Cross Blue Shield

Blue Cross Blue Shield offers dental insurance plans for individuals, families, and employers. Their plans include coverage for preventive care, basic services, and major services, as well as orthodontic coverage. Blue Cross Blue Shield also has a large network of dentists, making it easy to find a provider in your area.

10. DentalPlans.com

DentalPlans.com is a dental savings plan rather than traditional insurance. Members pay an annual fee and receive discounts on dental services from participating providers. DentalPlans.com offers plans for individuals, families, and groups, and there are no waiting periods or annual limits on the discounts.

FAQ

How do I choose the best dental insurance?

When choosing dental insurance, consider factors such as the level of coverage you need, the size of the provider network, and the cost of the monthly premium and deductible. It’s also important to read the fine print to understand any waiting periods or exclusions for certain procedures.

Do I need dental insurance if I have good oral health?

Even if you have good oral health, dental insurance can still be beneficial for unexpected expenses like emergency procedures or unexpected cavities. Preventive care is also covered under most dental insurance plans, which can help you maintain good oral health.

Is dental insurance worth the cost?

Dental insurance can be worth the cost if you anticipate needing expensive dental procedures or if you want to ensure that preventive care is covered. However, if you have good oral health and don’t anticipate needing major procedures, a dental savings plan may be a more cost-effective option.

Can I use dental insurance for cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening?

Most dental insurance plans do not cover cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening or veneers. However, some plans may cover orthodontic treatment like braces for cosmetic purposes if there is a medical need for the treatment.

What is a waiting period?

A waiting period is the amount of time you must wait before your dental insurance coverage begins for certain procedures. Waiting periods are common for major procedures like root canals or crowns, and can range from 6 months to a year.

Conclusion

Choosing the best dental insurance can be a daunting task, but by considering factors like the level of coverage, provider network, and cost, you can find a plan that meets your needs and budget. The top 10 dental insurance providers we’ve listed here offer a variety of plans to choose from, so you can find the one that works best for you.