That's why senior dental insurance is vital to health and purse. The majority of seniors incorrectly assume that Medicare covers dental. The realities are, Original Medicare (Parts A & B) does not cover regular dental care. But that leaves you with no mystery.

Let's compare the best senior dental plans available, their coverage, and how to select the best plan for your lifestyle and wallet.

Why Seniors Require Dental Insurance

Oral health is inextricably linked to overall health—especially in older adults. Avoiding dental care has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, and even dementia. And yet, millions of older adults forego needed dental care simply because they cannot afford it.

By joining the proper senior dental plan, you can receive necessary preventative care and prevent huge out-of-pocket expenses for fillings, crowns, bridges, and extractions.

What Does Dental Insurance for Seniors Typically Cover?

The majority of senior dental policies offer three tiers of coverage:

Preventative Care: Covers check-ups, x-rays, and cleanings—usually paid at 100%.
Basic Services: Fillings, extractions, and simple procedures are usually paid at 70–80%.
Main Services: Crowns, root canals, dentures, and bridges may be paid 50% or more, depending on the plan.

Other policies also give discounts on orthodontics, implants, or cosmetic treatments—though these are not as popular.

Types of Senior Dental Coverage Plans to Look at

When you shop around for senior dental insurance, you will notice a few general categories:

1. Medicare Advantage Plans that include dental coverage

Dental care is part of most Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans as an extra benefit. It ranges from cleanings, fillings, and the like—and coverage varies.

2. Independent Dental Insurance Plans

Offered by insurance companies like UnitedHealthcare, Delta Dental, and Cigna, these are standalone dental policies and may be purchased individually.

3. Dental Discount Plans

Although not insurance, these policies assess lower fees with network dentists. They may be a good deal for low-need seniors.

How to Choose the Best Plan for You

This is what to remember when comparing older dental plans:

Monthly Premium vs. Annual Maximum: More premium cash typically translates into larger coverage and larger annual limits.
Provider Networks: Ensure that your primary dentist is in-network.
Waiting Periods: Waiting periods exist on certain policies before significant services are paid for—plan ahead if you need emergency treatment.

Your Smile Deserves Protection

Don't let cost stand between you and having your health attended to. With so many plans out there, there's a dental plan to suit every senior's budget—full coverage or simply cleanings.