Dental Insurance – Individual and Family Dental Services

Dental Insurance Plans and Programs Dental health is extremely important for individuals and families and it’s financially helpful to have some form of dental coverage to minimize the costs of dental care.  Dental insurance plans are also becoming increasingly unpopular with dental practices for a variety of reasons.  Dental insurance plans differ in the level of reimbursement offered for certain procedures and in annual dental spending caps.

Dental insurance plans play a big role in helping people cope with dental health care without the exceedingly high costs.  With dental insurance plans for you and your family, we can help make it easier to keep your smile healthy.  Our individual dental insurance plans provide you with the coverage you need to promote good dental health.

If you are the policy holder of any dental insurance plans for individuals, you likely either have managed care dental insurance.  In PPO dental insurance plans, dentists who are part of a network agree to lower costs for patients covered by a certain insurance provider, in exchange for the referrals from the insurance company that bring them more business.  Compare dental insurance plans and decide which one is right for you and your family.

What type of insurance will cover invisalign treatment?

Question:  I need to have invisaligns, however and the only insurance I have is Medicare. I would like a list of all the kinds of dental insurances that will help cover some of the cost for invisaling treatments. Please advise how I can get dental insurance and I do not care if it has a year waiting period.

Answer: Generally speaking most dental insurance plan do not offer benefits for invisaligns. Dental PPO plans may have limited coverage’s for invisaligns but many do not provide orthodontic services to adults and when they do it is very limited. Therefore in most cases with regards to adult braces and PPO plans they may not be cost effective. Make sure you read the plan terms and conditions carefully. HMO dental insurance plans often provide benefits for adult braces. These plan are very affordable and are cost effective however they generally only provide benefits on basic braces and not invisalings. Another non insurance option would be a dental discount plan. These dental discount plans are not insurance, but they do provide dental saving on all dental care services done by network providers. Average saving for braces 20 percent including invisaligns

Is There A Way To Keep Coffee From Staining Your Teeth?

Question: Besides brushing my teeth right after drinking coffee which is not always possible how can avoid having coffee stain my teeth while I am drinking it?

Answer: I enjoy drinking coffee too, so I know where you are coming from since the last thing I want is coffee stained teeth. Therefore try drinking any sustainable drinks such as coffee and teas though a straw. This will help limit the direct contact the liquid has with your teeth.

Not Sure If I Need A Gum Graft

Question: Each time I go see my dentist, he tells me that I need a gum graft. I have asked few people, that I know and they they said that their dentist has also been bothering them to have this larger dental treatment, however, they do not do it. I feel the same cause my teeth and gums do not hurt me. Yet my dentist told me one year ago that I have to do it before another year goes by. Another problem is that i am a student I do not have money.  And I do not have dental insurance either. So I was wondering if other people were in the same position as me or if you had done a graft before, and is it worth it?

Answer: I always try and take the stand point that a no dentist will suggest you have dental work that is not necessary. If you are really worried about whether or not you need this type of dental care, here is a suggestion:

If possible buy a low cost HMO dental insurance plan. Most HMO dental insurance plan run around 10 – 20 dollars a month and they provide free preventive dental treatments. That means you can see a different dentist for a second opinion and get Free X-rays, Office Visit and Basic Cleaning as well as see if this different dentist advises they same type of dental care as the one you have been currently seeing.

This website offers HMO dental insurance plans in most states so I suggest reviewing our dental insurance options we have available for your review. Then even if a new dentist dose suggest the same treatment, you will then have some insurance in force to hopefully help you with the cost if you decide to have the dental care render.

Another option is to get a second dental opinion at a dental clinic or dental school. In many cases dental clinics and school adjust their cost based on what you can afford to pay. The point is I think that unless the people you asked for their opinions are dentist, I think getting a second opinion by a dentist would only benefit you and your oral health care.

How do I get Supplemental Medical or Dental for Medicare, Medi Cal Insurance?

Question: I have been on Medicare & Medi-Cal, after my last SS increase I received a Notice of Action saying I no longer qualify for Medi-Cal because my net income is $1016.00 & it needs to be $1001.00 or less so I am a whole $15.00 over. They said I need to find a Supplemental Insurance plan that is at least $15 or more a month. They suggested that I try AARP, so I called and told them I am 45, but they still signed me up. However when I tried to sign up for a plan I found out that I do not even qualify for the benefits until I am 50. At this point I do not know what to do.

Answer: You do not need to buy a dental plan that is linked to Medi Cal or Medicare. You only need to buy an insurance plan (vision, dental or health) so that you are decreasing your net income. I would suggest reviewing the dental HMO plans that this website has to offer. We provide many good HMO plans within the dollar amount you need to spend. Then please call our office if you have any further questions at 310-534-3444

Question: Braces and Temporomandibular Joint Problems, Can They Be Related?

Reply: The relationship between TMJ/TMD (Temporomandibular Joint/Temporomandibular Disorder ) problems and braces has been a topic of debate. There is a considerable body of evidence on this topic, since it is vitally important for dentists, orthodontists, and the public to be aware of any connection between braces and TMJ problems. The cause of TMD can not be isolated to any one particular cause. It is therefore regarded as multifactorial, since behavior, emotions, bite, and other physical factors may contribute to the disorder. The role that the bite plays in the disorder is controversial. This needs to be emphasized because some patients choose to pursue braces to help with their TMJ problems. The changes that occur with braces in the alignment of the teeth and bite may not in fact “cure” TMD. However, the role of braces causing TMJ problems has also been studied extensively and there is overwhelming evidence that braces generally do not increase the risk of developing TMJ problems later on. The study cited here was a comprehensive review of many studies done previously. Results of approximately 1300 patients from around the world were represented, and were treated with different plans. The complexity of the TMJ and the circumstances surrounding the potential causes of TMJ problems may not be entirely clear. That said, numerous studies support the fact that TMJ problems have many causative factors, and the changes occurring during braces are gradual, which generally allows the TMJ to adapt without difficulty.

Toothbrush damage also know as toothbrush abrasion is the damage to your teeth and gums as a result from the use of excessive force in brushing. As important as it is to brush your teeth regularly you do not want to become over-zealous and brush with too much force. Toothbrush abrasion affects your teeth as well as your gums.

An earliest sign of the problem is what people describe as a ‘little ledge’ in the tooth at the very margin of the gum. Sensitivity to cold is a quite common feature with toothbrush abrasions. As the damage progresses it becomes more and more noticeable, with the gum tissue receding back causing the tooth to look longer as more of its root surface is exposed. The damage to the tooth eventually manifests as a v-shaped notch at the gum margin which increases over time both in width and depth.

Dental Insurance – Cosmetics

Cosmetic dentistry may help you to get your best smile at any age.  One of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures to a perfect smile is bonding.  Cosmetic dental bonding is a fairly painless procedure usually performed in one dental visit by applying an enamel like material to your teeth which is then shaped, hardened with a special light and polished.

For a more dramatic smile, porcelain veneers can make a drastic difference. With veneers, you can control the color, position, shape, and size of your new teeth which can correct crooked, worn, or chipped teeth. This procedure can cost between $1,200 – $3,500 per tooth.

Cosmetic dentistry insurance coverage is not afforded by most dental insurance companies. If you are with a group dental insurance company through your employer, you may want to inquire if cosmetic dentistry insurance coverage is provided under your dental plan.

Cosmetic dental coverage is normally provided by discount dental plans. Discount dental plans usually cover 15 to 20 percent of the cosmetic dental care cost.

How to Prevent Dental Acid Damage.

Acid damage or acid erosion is the damage that occures to teeth as a result of acid being on them. In order to prevent acid erosion it is important to understand where acid comes from. Acid can come from either of two sources.

Stomach: Your stomach contains acid in order to brake down and help digest your food. However people who have acid reflux can bring up these acids and have them come in contact with their teeth. There are other way this can happen such a anyone with eating disorders. People with acid reflux knows that certain foods or drinks and cause you to have reflux more then others. Therefore trying to avoid foods and drinks that causes you to have acid reflux would be a good idea. If you find that you have chronic acid reflux it is important to speak to your doctor to see what can be done. Acid reflux can cause damage to your health as well as your teeth.

Food and Drink: The second way to get acid on your teeth is by what you eat or drink. Drinks such as frizzy soda, fruit juices and energy drinks can be very corrosive to your teeth. Even food such as apples, oranges, tomatoes etc can also cause dental erosion and should be limited. This is not to say you can not have these types of food but try limiting the amount. If you do want a soda drink it do not sip it for hours causing long contact with your teeth.

Did You Know:  By Brushing Your Teeth Regularly You Could Lower Dementia Risk.

According to a study from the University of California, women who brush their teeth regularly could keep their memory sharp later in life. The researchers found that elderly women who brushed their teeth less than once a day were up to 65% more likely to develop dementia than those who brushed three times a day. The study done which was published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, tracked the health of almost 5,500 residents at a Californian retirement community from 1992 to 2010.

Question: Is it obvious when someone has dentures or partials?

Reply: The answer to that question is sometimes you get what you pay for. When you choose to get cheap a cookie cutter denture product you are not only going to get poor aesthetic look but they may also be a poor fitting product. Talk to your dentist about the options available. If you are wanting a more aesthetic looking denture think about spending a more if possible for the better choice. In most cases the dentist will be about to show you photos of each denture option.

What is Dry Socket?

Dry socket can happen after a tooth extraction. Dry socket occurs when the blood clot that covers the extraction for healing becomes dislodged or does not form. When that occurs the bone and fine nerve ending are not protected and left exposed to air food and liquids. Dry socket will delay the healing process and many times can be very painful.

What not to do after having a tooth remove is just as important as the dos. Make sure that you are taking care of your dental health by not doing these things after having a tooth pulled. Avoid hot food and drink for at least twenty-four hours. You do not want to burn or irritate the extraction site. Do not rinse your mouth for twenty-four hours after the tooth removal. Keep your fingers and tongue away from the extraction area. NO smoking for as long as possible afterward but at the very least twenty-four hours after having the extraction. Smoking can interfere with the healing process and also dislodge the blood clot. Avoid sucking though straws and stuff, no spitting and unless you have to avoid blowing your nose. These actions can dislodge the blood clot.  No alcohol for twenty-four hours as it also can delay the healing process.

After having a wisdom tooth or other tooth remove proper aftercare is important in order to have a quick recovery. You dentist will normal provide aftercare instructions but here are some helpful tips to keep in mind. Be mindful of the blood clot.  The blood clot covers the extraction site and helps the healing process. You do not want to dislodge the blood when brushing near the extraction site.

Also avoid drinking though straws of smoking the sucking action can loosen the blood clot before the extraction has time to heal. For the first day or two stick to a liquid and soft food diet, such as soups yogurts, mash potatoes anything that dose not require much chewing. Avoid hot food or drinks as well since you do not want to irritate or burn the extraction area. Your dentist may prescribed antibiotics in order to avoid any infections.

Make sure to follow the instructions and finish the prescribed amount. After having a tooth removed you may experience swelling. This is normal. The worst of the swelling, pain and jaw stiffness will normally be within the first two to three days after surgery. You may want to apply ice packs for 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off until bed time for the first day.

After having one or more teeth extractions, you will want to take proper care in order to heal quickly and smoothly. Once a tooth is removed a blood clot is formed. The blood clot covers the extraction site which allows the area to heal. It will be normal for the extraction area to be tender for the first few days after the extraction.

In many cases a simple over the counter pain relief will be enough to relive any discomfort. After having the extraction take it easy for the rest of the day. When you sleep for the first night do your best to keep your head up with pillows. In the first day after the extraction you may have some bleeding.

Your dentist will usually provide a few gauze pads for this. Just place the pad in the area and you should try and keep firm pressure on it. Slight bleeding for the first day or so is normal, but if you still bleed more heavily after an hour or two, contact your dentist. Do not rinse your mouth during the first twenty-four hours, after this period you can gently rinse your mouth using warm salt water. You will want to rinse after every meal and snack in order to remove any bits of food around the extraction area.

When you go to a dentist to have a filling done to fix a cavity, the gold of the treatment involves two basic principals. One, removing the decayed portion of the tooth. In most cases, a high-speed dental drill is needed to remove the decay and prepare the tooth for the filling. Depending on which material is used, the dentist will vary the tooth preparation accordingly.

Two, rebuilding the missing tooth structure with a filling material. Common bases used under dental fillings are glass ionomer cement, and zinc phosphate cement. The main purpose of the base is to insulate the tooth from temperature changes in the mouth. Then depending on what you want and want the dentist may advise you can choose between a number of different materials to fill the tooth. The most common are silver (amalgam), white (resin), porcelain, or gold. These materials are layered on top of the liner or base to finish the process of rebuilding the tooth.

Medicaid is a government program that help senior citizens, disabled people and or anyone suffering financially that needs dental work. Although medicare will help pay your dental bills if your qualify, it can be difficult to find a dentist that accepts Medicare. Generally, Medicare will pay for dental services as part of a larger medical procedure, for example, dental work when someone breaks their jaw. They will rarely pay for simple examinations and does not cover cosmetic dental work. If you are current seeing a dental provider check with them to confirm if they accept Medicare so there is no unexpected billing due from you. If you do not have a dentist in order to find a Medicare provider, you can contact your Medicare office and they can advise you or you can visit medicare.gov/find-a-doctor/provider-search.aspx to look up a Medicare dental provider

It is important to understand when getting or having a tongue piercing that anything inside your mouth that can trap food bits and bacteria can also cause you to have bad breath. That’s why having additional dental care habits are important to maintain when dealing with tongue piercing. Keep the oral piercing site clean and free of food particles. Keep the jewelry clean by using a mouth rinse after every meal. If you are going to get a tongue piercing it does require constant attention and upkeep. Make sure to see a dentist regularly

Question: How do you know if you have a dental cavity.

Reply: Some people think that if they get a cavity their tooth would hurt, however that is not always the case. In fact a large majority of cavities are completely painless. The reason for this is that the outer tooth enamel has no nerves. It is only when the cavity gets larger enough that it starts to enter the underlying dentin that the cavity may begin to feel sensitive. Therefore waiting to see a dentist only when you have dental pain is not good advise. By the time you feel pain from a cavity you may also have larger dental issues to address. This is because the cavity may have spread to infect the dental pulp, necessitating a root canal procedure or an extraction to eliminate the infection. With regular dental check ups a dentist will be able to spot small cavities. It is far better to treat a small cavity than to wait until you have symptoms like pain.