The Truth About Dental Insurance — And Why Trusting Your Dentist Matters More

When it comes to dental care, dental insurance can be helpful — but it’s far from perfect. At Smiles by Stylos, we believe in transparency, education, and putting your health first. That means giving you the full picture of how dental insurance works, what it really covers, and why your care decisions should be based on your health needs, not just what your insurance allows.

What You Need to Know About Dental Insurance

Dental insurance is meant to help offset the cost of dental care — but it often falls short. Most plans still offer the same annual maximums ($1,000–$1,500) that they did decades ago. In fact, if insurance had kept up with inflation, the average benefit would be closer to $8,000 per year. But it hasn’t — and that limits what’s covered and how much support you actually get.
Most plans cover:

• 100% of preventive care (usually two cleanings a year),
• 80% of basic procedures like fillings,
• 50% of major procedures like crowns or bridges.

But insurance companies also restrict what types of procedures they will cover, and they often deny or limit treatments based on outdated standards, not what’s actually best for your long-term health.

In-Network vs. Out-of-Network: Know the Difference

While we do work with many insurance plans, being in-network means the insurance company has a pre-set fee schedule — and this can limit what types of care are covered and at what rates. Out-of-network doesn’t mean unaffordable — in fact, many patients find the care more tailored and complete. At Smiles by Stylos, we’ll always be honest about what your plan will cover and what it won’t — and then help you decide what’s truly best for your health.

You Deserve More Than What Insurance Covers

Here’s what makes us different at Smiles by Stylos:

We believe in doing things right the first time — not the cheapest way, not the insurance-approved shortcut, but the right way for you.

Before any treatment is performed:

• We provide a clear, personalized treatment estimate — regardless of what insurance may or may not pay.
• We walk you through your options and help you understand your investment in your oral and systemic health.
• We offer flexible financing and can phase treatment when needed to make it manageable.

Prevention Is Still the Best Investment

Most insurance plans only cover two dental visits a year — but that’s not always enough. For patients with higher risk of decay, gum disease, or chronic inflammation, coming in three or four times a year may be essential to stay healthy.

We also offer advanced diagnostic tools like saliva testing that help us uncover hidden infections and tailor treatment based on your unique biology. These proactive options are not covered by insurance, but they reveal powerful insights that can help you avoid costly dental procedures down the road — and promote a healthier body overall.

Build a Trusting Relationship — Not Just a Policy Number

The most important part of your dental care isn’t your insurance plan — it’s your relationship with your dentist. Dr. Stylos and our entire team are here to partner with you, help you understand all your options, and guide you toward the kind of care that supports your overall health — not just what a policy allows.

Insurance may help pay for some care — but it’s not the expert. You and your dentist are.

Have questions about your insurance or your treatment plan? Contact us today — we’re here to help you make informed, confident decisions about your health.