Top 10 Best Dental Insurance Companies of 2026

Dental insurance helps make routine cleanings, fillings, crowns, and major procedures affordable by covering 50-100% of costs depending on the service type. With most traditional plans following a 100-80-50 structure and annual maximums ranging from $750-$2,000, choosing the right plan can save thousands in out-of-pocket dental expenses.

Our team researched coverage options, network sizes, pricing, and customer satisfaction from leading dental insurance companies. Here are the best dental insurance providers for 2026.

Quick Comparison

Our Top Picks in Detail

How We Evaluate Dental Insurance Companies

Our evaluation methodology examines the key factors that determine the best dental insurance:

Coverage Structure and Percentages

We analyze the reimbursement levels:

• Preventive care (100%): Cleanings, exams, X-rays, fluoride
• Basic procedures (80%): Fillings, simple extractions, periodontics
• Major procedures (50%): Crowns, bridges, dentures, root canals
• Orthodontics: Separate coverage (typically 50%) when included

Most traditional plans follow a 100-80-50 structure, but some premium plans offer higher reimbursements.

Annual Maximums

We compare coverage limits:

• Typical range: $750-$2,000 per person per year
• Premium plans: Up to $5,000 annual maximum
• Increasing maximums: Some plans raise limits over time
• Separate orthodontic maximums: Lifetime limits for braces (typically $1,000-$2,000)

The average annual maximum is $1,000-$1,500 for most plans.

Network Size and Access

We evaluate dentist availability:

• Network size: Number of participating dentists
• Geographic coverage: Availability in your area
• Dentist quality: Reputation and ratings of network providers
• Out-of-network options: Flexibility to see non-network dentists

Waiting Periods

We assess time-to-coverage:

• Preventive care: Usually immediate or no waiting period
• Basic procedures: Typically 0-6 months
• Major procedures: Often 6-12 months
• Orthodontics: May require 12-24 months

Plans with shorter or no waiting periods provide better value if you need immediate dental work.

Understanding Dental Insurance Coverage

Types of Dental Services

Dental insurance categorizes services into four tiers:

Preventive (Diagnostic) - Usually covered at 100%:

• Routine cleanings (twice yearly)
• Oral examinations
• X-rays (bitewing and panoramic)
• Fluoride treatments

Basic (Restorative) - Typically covered at 80%:

• Fillings (amalgam and composite)
• Simple extractions
• Periodontal scaling and root planing
• Emergency dental care

Major - Usually covered at 50%:

• Crowns and bridges
• Dentures (partial and full)
• Root canals (endodontics)
• Surgical extractions
• Implants (if covered)

Orthodontics - Typically covered at 50% when included:

• Braces for children and adults
• Retainers
• Orthodontic appliances
• Separate lifetime maximum (usually $1,000-$2,000)

What’s Typically NOT Covered

Standard dental plans usually exclude:

• Cosmetic procedures (whitening, veneers for appearance only)
• Experimental treatments
• Services already in progress when coverage begins
• Replacement of lost or stolen appliances
• Implants (many plans still exclude these)

Key Policy Features

• Annual deductible: Amount you pay before insurance kicks in (typically $50-$100)
• Annual maximum: Most insurance will pay per year ($750-$2,000 typical)
• Waiting periods: Time before certain services are covered
• Pre-authorization: Requirement to get approval for major procedures
• Missing tooth clause: May not cover replacement of teeth lost before coverage began

Employer Plans vs. Individual Plans

Employer-Sponsored Dental Insurance

Advantages:

• Typically 30-50% cheaper than individual plans
• Often no waiting periods
• May include orthodontic coverage
• Group rates based on large risk pool

Average cost: $20-40 monthly for individual coverage, $50-100 for family coverage

Individual Dental Insurance

Advantages:

• Not tied to employment
• Portable between jobs
• Choose your own coverage level
• Direct relationship with insurer

Average cost: $25-60 monthly for individual coverage, $80-150 for family coverage

Dental Discount Plans (Alternative)

Not insurance, but membership programs that offer:

• Discounted rates (10-60% off) from participating dentists
• No waiting periods or annual maximums
• No claim forms required
• Lower monthly fees ($5-20 typical)

Best for: People who need immediate major work or don’t qualify for traditional insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does dental insurance cost?

Individual dental insurance typically costs $25-60 monthly, while family coverage runs $80-150 monthly. Employer-sponsored plans are usually 30-50% cheaper. Your actual cost depends on coverage level, network type, and your location.

Is dental insurance worth it?

If you visit the dentist twice yearly for cleanings and exams, you’ll likely break even or save money. Dental insurance becomes especially valuable if you need major work like crowns or root canals, which can cost $800-2,000 out-of-pocket versus $400-1,000 with insurance.

What is the difference between PPO and HMO dental plans?

PPO plans let you visit any dentist (paying less in-network) without referrals. HMO plans require you to choose a primary dentist from the network and get referrals for specialists, but typically have lower premiums and no deductibles.

Why do dental plans have waiting periods?

Waiting periods prevent people from buying insurance only when they need expensive work, then canceling afterward. This keeps premiums affordable for everyone. Preventive care usually has no waiting period, while major work may require 6-12 months.

How do annual maximums work?

The annual maximum is the most your insurance will pay per year (typically $1,000-$2,000). Once you hit this limit, you pay 100% of additional costs until the next calendar year. Preventive care often doesn’t count toward this maximum.

Can I use dental insurance immediately?

Preventive care (cleanings, exams) is usually available immediately. Basic procedures may have 0-6 month waiting periods, while major work often requires 6-12 months. Some plans like Spirit Dental offer immediate coverage for all services.

What’s better: dental insurance or a discount plan?

Traditional insurance is better if you need routine preventive care and potential major work over time. Discount plans work better if you need immediate expensive procedures or don’t qualify for regular insurance, as they have no waiting periods but also no coverage—just discounted rates.