Episode 39
Episode 40
Dental insurance plans vary a lot depending on what you actually need: just cleanings, braces for kids, crowns/implants, or major work soon. The biggest things to compare are waiting periods, annual maximums, network size, and whether preventive care is covered at 100%.
Here are some of the most consistently recommended options for 2026:
- DeltaDental — Huge dentist network; often strong for families and orthodontics.
- Guardian Dental — Frequently rated highly for value and benefit levels.
- Ameritas Dental — Popular for plans with no waiting periods.
- Cigna Dental — Affordable entry-level plans; some start around $1/day.
- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Dental — Strong PPO options and out-of-network flexibility.
- Spirit Dental — Often recommended for preventive care and flexible coverage.
- UnitedHealthcare Dental — Broad plan selection including implant coverage options.
A quick rule of thumb:
| If you need… | Usually look for… |
|---|---|
| Routine cleanings only | Low-premium PPO or dental savings plan |
| Braces/orthodontics | Delta Dental or Cigna orthodontic coverage |
| Major work soon (crowns, implants) | High annual maximum + short/no waiting period |
| Cheapest option | Dental savings plans instead of insurance |
| Seniors on Medicare | Medicare Advantage dental or stand-alone PPO |
Dental savings plans are worth considering too. They’re not insurance, but they can reduce costs immediately with no waiting period.
If you want, I can also help narrow it down based on:
- your state or ZIP code,
- whether it’s for an individual or family,
- whether you expect major dental work,
- and your monthly budget.
