Use Your Child’s Dental Insurance: A Basic Guide to Maximizing Their Coverage

Is your child covered on your dental insurance plan? If so, you might be wondering how you can get the most out of their benefits. Your efforts can support your child’s overall wellness and allow you to save money. Really, using their coverage is a win-win situation! Here are some tips that can help you to maximize to your child’s insurance benefits:

Focus on Preventive Care

Similar to dental insurance coverage for adults, pediatric dental insurance usually covers at least two preventive appointments each year, including exams, cleanings, and routine X-rays. Since experts recommend that all patients, including kids, attend two of these appointments each year, you should book your child’s first visit very soon if they have not already had it. By doing so, you will make sure there is still time before the end of the year for their second checkup.

Find Out if Sealants and Fluoride Are Covered

Most pediatric dental plans cover both sealants and fluoride treatments. These services are important for young smiles because many kids have not yet mastered their oral hygiene routine. The fluoride can fortify their teeth against decay and promote proper development, while seals serve as a barrier that protects permanent teeth against cavities. Most dentists recommend sealant placement on all permanent teeth shortly after they erupt (that usually starts happening around age 6).

Book Restorative Care Right Away

An estimate from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research states that around 42% of children ages 2 – 11 develop cavities in their baby teeth. If that ever happens to your little one, you should be able to use your insurance to help pay for treatment. Many policies cover up to 80% of the cost of basic restorative care, including fillings.

It is in your best interests to schedule restorative procedures right away; waiting could allow the decay to worsen and lead to the need for more expensive treatment.

Consider Requesting an Orthodontic Checkup

Some children’s policies cover orthodontic care for minors but not for adults. If that is true of your family’s plan, you may want to consider getting your little one checked for orthodontic issues. In fact, it is recommended that all children see an orthodontist by the time they turn 7. You can ask your child’s general dentist for a referral.

Are you using your child’s dental coverage to the full? Learn the details of your policy so you can maximize their coverage.

Meet the Practice

Dr. Durga Devarakonda is proud to provide top-quality dental care for the Carrollton community. Patients of all ages are welcomed into our practice, and we are able to work with many different insurance plans. We are even in-network with some popular companies, including BlueCross BlueShield and Delta Dental. To learn how we can help your family get the most out of your benefits, contact DD Family Dentistry of Carrollton at 972-236-7906.