The Problem: The $1,500 Cap
Your dental insurance has an annual maximum of $1,500. That sounds reasonable until you need a crown ($1,200) and a filling ($300). Congratulations, you've maxed out your benefits for the year, and it's only March. Any additional work comes entirely out of your pocket.
Why This Feels Absurd
The average annual maximum for dental insurance hasn't changed significantly since the 1960s. But the cost of dental care has skyrocketed. A cap that might have covered a year's worth of treatment decades ago now barely covers a single major procedure. It feels like the industry is stuck in a time warp.
The Simple Truth: The Cap Is a Relic
Dental insurance annual maximums were set decades ago and have barely been adjusted for inflation. If they had kept pace, the average cap would be closer to $8,000-$10,000 today. The low cap is a legacy of an outdated system that hasn't evolved with the cost of care.
What Should Happen Instead
You should be able to plan your dental care strategically around your benefits. If you know you'll need multiple procedures, you should be able to time them across benefit years to maximize your coverage.
How DentaSmart Helps
DentaSmart helps you prioritize your dental needs. By giving you a clear picture of all the issues in your mouth, we help you work with your dentist to create a treatment plan that strategically uses your annual benefits. We help you decide what to treat this year and what can safely wait until your benefits reset.
