How dental insurance works here
Most working-age Americans get dental cover one of two ways: as an add-on benefit through an employer, or bought directly as an individual PPO or DHMO plan. PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans let you see any dentist but pay less in-network; DHMO (Dental Health Maintenance Organization) plans require a network dentist but usually cost less per month. Medicare does not include routine dental care, which is why a separate market of senior-focused plans exists.
Nearly every plan applies a waiting period — commonly 6 to 12 months — before it pays out for "major" work like crowns, bridges or implants, and caps how much it will pay per person per year (the annual maximum). Preventive care such as cleanings and check-ups is almost always covered from day one.
Typical treatment costs without insurance
| Treatment | Typical cost, no insurance |
|---|---|
| Routine cleaning & check-up | $90 – $250 |
| Filling (composite) | $150 – $450 |
| Root canal | $700 – $1,800 |
| Crown | $900 – $2,000 |
| Single implant | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| Invisalign-style orthodontics | $3,500 – $8,000 |
Ranges are general US estimates and vary widely by state, city and individual clinic.
Providers compared
| Provider | Plan type | Monthly | Annual max | Waiting period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delta Dental | PPO network | $20 – $55 | $1,000 – $2,500 | None on preventive · 6–12 mo on major work |
| Cigna Dental | DHMO / PPO | $15 – $45 | $1,000 – $2,000 | None–6 mo depending on plan |
| MetLife | Group & individual PPO | $25 – $60 | $1,000 – $3,000 | 0–12 mo, often waived through employers |
| Guardian Direct | Gold / Silver / Bronze | $20 – $65 | $750 – $5,000 | 0–12 mo, waived on some tiers |
| Spirit Dental | No-waiting-period plans | $30 – $70 | $1,250 – $5,000 | None available on select plans |
Estimated ranges, last reviewed August 2026. Always confirm the exact premium, network and waiting periods directly with the provider.
Compare nowWhat to check before you sign up
- Whether your current dentist is in the plan's network — out-of-network visits can cost far more.
- Whether orthodontics is covered at all, and if so, whether it has its own separate lifetime maximum.
- Whether the annual maximum resets on a calendar year or your enrollment anniversary.
- Whether an FSA or HSA through your employer could stretch your dental budget further — see our financing comparison.