In today’s world, saving money is crucial. Luckily, you can get affordable dental plan insurance without having to cut a bunch of corners. Here’s how:

1. Get a discount dental plan

It’s not technically considered dental plan insurance, but a discount dental plan will save you money, nonetheless. Under a discount plan, you pay an annual fee, and, in exchange, you’ll get a discount card. The card gives you certain deals – like 50% off your teeth cleanings, 25% off your x-rays, or 30% off your bridge work. Then, when you head to the dentist, you’re only responsible for paying the discounted rate.

Under a discount dental plan, you’re responsible for footing all of the bills yourself. Yes, they’ll be at discounted rates, but if you need a lot of work done, you won’t have an insurance company to help you out.

Luckily, though, a discount dental plan only requires you to pay for services and procedures that you really need – unlike traditional dental plan insurance that has you pay a monthly premium for a bunch of things that you may or may not ever use.

2. Sign up for a dental PPO

If you’re looking for traditional dental plan insurance that comes with affordable rates and minimal stress, a dental PPO is perfect for you. PPOs are often considered low cost dental plans because they can offer low monthly premium rates, low copays, and minimal out-of-pocket expenses. You also won’t have to get any kind of pre-authorization or referrals when you want to make an appointment to see a general dentist or specialist.

Part of what makes a PPO such an affordable dental plan is the provider list. If you get a PPO, you’ll also get a list of approved providers. Part of the reason certain dentists are on there is because they have agreed to give the insurance company a good deal on their procedures and services. Since the insurance company is saving money when you go to these dentists, they can pass the savings onto you!

3. Get high-deductible dental plan insurance

If your idea of low cost dental insurance is a plan that offers the lowest possible monthly premiums, then high-deductible dental plan insurance might be perfect for you. You won’t have to pay very much each month.

However, in return, you’ll have large deductibles to meet. If you don’t need much dental work (and, thus, won’t have to ever meet your deductible), this can be a good solution. However, if an emergency or something else unforeseen ever pops up, you could have to pay thousands of dollars just to meet your deductible and have your insurance coverage kick in.