Family dental plan insurance is the first thing that most people think of when they're wanting to get some type of dental coverage for their family. This makes complete sense, considering the many other types of insurance that we have to have in our daily lives. Health insurance, long term care, homeowners, automobile, just to name a few, along with many others, make the word "insurance" the very first thing that comes to mind along with the words "coverage" and "protection". However, is dental insurance really your best option for care? Let's take a look at your options.

Dental insurance provides for most preventive dental care, such as cleanings, x-rays, exams, etc., however, if you have anything wrong with you within a short time frame after you've paid for your policy then there's a good chance that the insurance company will not pay for your condition. The reason for this is because insurance does not cover anything considered to be "pre-existing". In other words, if you have visible cavities and want to buy a policy right now in order to get your teeth fixed, dental insurance won't cover you. If your child is in pain from a bad tooth and you buy an insurance policy today to get it fixed, it won't do any good. You'll have to pay 100% of the costs yourself. Dental insurance policies require that everyone go through a mandatory waiting period of one full year before they'll cover any portion of an existing condition. Even then, it's usually a very small portion that they'll cover.

Discount dental plans are your best bet, if you're in need of immediate dental care. The reason for this is because discount plans are not insurance, therefore there are no restrictions or waiting periods to worry about. You can see any participating dentist within one to three days and save between 10-60% off the usual fee.

So if you've been considering buying family dental plan insurance, there may be a better way, especially if you're in need of immediate dental care. Your best bet is to take a good look at a discount dental plan before you buy insurance for your family and end up disappointed with the restrictions.