To save money on dentistry in 2026, perhaps you want to get dental insurance. That’s a smart move – you can trust your plan to make treatments much less pricy! Just note that you won’t be able to use your policy right away; you’ll have to get through dental insurance waiting periods first. As for what these timespans are, don’t worry; your Longmont dentist is here to explain. Just keep reading to learn the basics of dental insurance waiting periods and how they work.
What are Dental Insurance Waiting Periods?
You can use most goods and services right after buying them, but that doesn’t apply to dental insurance. The latter’s benefits only become available after a special waiting period.
A dental insurance waiting period is the time that must pass before benefits “kick in.” While it’s active, your policy won’t cover any dental services you receive; you’ll have to pay for everything yourself. A plan’s waiting period can also vary by insurance provider, lasting from a month to even a year. The length of your own will depend on your policy and other related factors.
Why Do These Periods Exist?
Dental insurance waiting periods can seem weird at first, but they exist for good reason. Insurance companies implement them to serve a key role.
The waiting periods ensure plan providers make money. Without them, a policyholder could potentially get dental insurance for immediate care and drop it afterward. This approach would deprive insurance companies of the monthly premiums that constitute their profit. Thanks to waiting periods, though, policyholders are guaranteed to pay premiums even while their smiles are stable.
Another way of putting it is that waiting periods are insurance companies’ insurance. As they work, they make it less costly for plan providers to cover your care.
How Long Do These Periods Last?
Dental insurance waiting periods largely vary by the type of dental care you want. Indeed, their lengths differ based on the following categories:
- Basic Care: Often enough, services like dental sealants and fillings feature a waiting period of 3-6 months.
- Preventive Care: Due to its essential nature, preventive dental care almost never involves waiting periods. Insurance will cover dental checkups, cleanings, and x-rays without delay.
- Major Care: Dental crowns, bridges, and implants represent major care, so their corresponding insurance waiting periods are usually six months to a year.
Dental insurance waiting periods can get tricky, so don’t hesitate to learn more about them. All you need to do is consult your plan provider!
About the Practice
Longmont Complete Dentistry is based in Longmont, CO. Led by a terrific trio of dentists, our practice loves to make local smiles strong and beautiful. We thus offer a comprehensive range of services, including preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments. Our team is also ready and able to handle dental emergencies, providing same-day care as needed. For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (303)-772-7000.