ReadOns.com | Discover New Blogs Daily

7 things dental insurance does not cover

A health insurance plan helps people save on treatment expenses and avoid financial hardships. However, many health insurance providers exclude dental care from their coverage, making it necessary to buy a separate policy to meet these expenses. But, again, even dental insurance packages do not cover everything, so one must read the terms and conditions before signing up. Here are a few things dental insurance plans usually do not cover.

Cosmetic treatments
Most dental insurance policies do not cover dental treatments that are administered only to enhance a person’s appearance. Examples of such treatments include teeth whitening procedures, veneers, gum contouring operations, and tooth shaping operations. These procedures aim to improve the overall look of the teeth and are not necessary for maintaining one’s health. Dental insurance providers cover the cost of only those treatments that help control symptoms like oral pain or other serious health conditions. Any expenses linked to cosmetic treatments will likely not be covered, so individuals should speak to their provider before signing up for the procedure.

Cost of braces
Orthodontic devices like braces are used to straighten one’s teeth and thus improve appearance or facial expression. Like cosmetic treatments, they are not considered necessary. As a result, most dental insurance plans do not cover the cost of purchasing or fitting orthodontic devices. Only a few policies in the market cover the costs associated with braces. This means policy buyers will have to go out of their way and pay for a special orthodontic rider in order to get coverage when opting for braces to correct their teeth alignment.

Pre-existing dental conditions
Most health insurance providers do not cover individuals with terminal diseases or pre-existing health conditions. This is because such individuals are almost certain to become eligible for insurance payments in the future. Providing coverage to them can reduce the insurance company’s profitability in the long haul. The same applies to dental insurance. Providers are reluctant to provide coverage to individuals already suffering from dental issues like cavities or broken teeth. They may also hesitate to cover the expenses if someone is already undergoing a root canal, tooth extraction procedure, installation of teeth implants, or bridging procedure. Such individuals will have to look for other alternatives to finance their treatment costs.

High-cost dental procedures
Dental insurance usually covers regular dental checkups, minor dental treatments, and small operations involving one’s oral health. Complex procedures like dental implants and surgery to extract tumors are out of the scope of dental insurance policies. To have these expenses covered, one can agree to pay a higher premium (sometimes, even that may not cover all the costs one incurs during the procedure). Another option is to purchase an additional policy that will, in part or whole, cover the cost of complex dental and oral procedures.

Experimental treatments
Certain individuals have dental problems that are rare and somewhat incomprehensible. In such cases, even the most experienced dentists and reputed healthcare experts cannot suggest a path toward recovery. This is because such a path may either not exist or be incredibly complex. Such patients are usually recommended untested or experimental procedures that involve rarely used treatment solutions or equipment. These experimental treatments are not widely accepted in the dental community and so dental insurance policies normally do not cover them. Therefore, if a person is about to undergo an experimental treatment, they need to ask their insurance provider whether it would fall within the scope of their policy.

Out-of-network clinics and hospitals
As expected, dental insurance service providers have an extremely tight group of hospitals and clinics whose oral care services they cover for their policyholders. Any dental procedure that a person undergoes in these clinics and hospitals tends to be covered by the insurance providers (if they also tick all the other boxes mentioned on this list).

Unfortunately, if a local clinic or dentist’s hospital located close to a person’s residence does not fall within the network listed on the website of the insurance provider, the patient will be unable to get any money back for dental treatments undergone in those clinics and hospitals. This is the case even when patients undergo “coverable” procedures like minor dental checkups and operations and routine care services.

Therefore, people should be incredibly careful when purchasing health and dental insurance. One lapse of judgment can lead to losses worth thousands of dollars for individuals who are already aggrieved by their existing dental condition.

Frequent procedures
Many insurance companies cover dental care procedures only if they are performed two to three times a year. Some treatment plans require patients to attend several sittings to sort out their dental health condition. Such procedures may involve taking X-rays every day for weeks or months on end. While many insurance providers may cover a part of or the whole amount of money incurred in such long-lasting treatments, most companies will not do the same. Therefore, one should read the policy details carefully and never decide in haste. If unsure, one can consult the insurance company to find out which procedures are covered and for how many times in a year.

Popular Reads

Top 6 foods that may reduce dementia risk

Many individuals mistakenly believe that dementia is a disease, but it’s a term used to describe symptoms related to memory, social abilities, and thinking. These symptoms can be challenging to manage and can impact daily activities. However, healthcare professionals often recommend implementing a healthy meal plan as a way to improve management. If you’re interested in learning about how your food intake can reduce the risk of developing dementia, read on. What is dementia? As previously mentioned, dementia is not a specific disease. Instead, health conditions like Alzheimer’s disease are among its most frequent causes in older adults. Other known causes of dementia include damage to the blood vessels that supply nutrients to the brain, the formation of balloon-like proteins in the brain, and the breakdown of connections and nerve cells in the brain. While memory loss is one of its most recognizable signs, this symptom alone does not mean one has dementia. Most symptoms of this group of health issues can vary depending on the cause. Hence, here are some of the most common signs to look out for. Memory loss Difficulties while communicating Reasoning and problem-solving issues Poor control of movements and coordination Disorientation Confusion What are the foods that can help reduce the risk of dementia? Typically, dementia and Alzheimer’s are known to be caused by a combination of several factors, such as environmental, lifestyle, and genetic. Furthermore, developing issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease can contribute to cognitive decline in patients. Therefore, healthcare professionals suggest the consumption of nutrient-rich foods to reduce dementia risk as one grows older. Some of the foods that can be added to one’s meal plan are: Avocados Avocados are one of the most commonly known superfoods, which can provide the brain with the needed energy without a spike in blood sugar levels.

Avoid these 15 common shower mistakes

There is nothing a warm shower cannot resolve. Showering after a long day can be a stress reliever and enhance one’s mood instantly. It also has several other health benefits besides cleansing the body, including facilitating cold relief, boosting immunity, and relieving muscle pain. However, not bathing the right way can give rise to skin conditions such as rashes and eczema. Here are some common mistakes one should avoid while bathing and showering: Not moisturizing after a shower Wiping after a bath can reduce the body’s moisture, causing dry skin, which can lead to rashes and itching. Dermatologists recommend applying body lotion and moisturizer immediately after a shower to retain skin texture and prevent dryness. One should look for hypoallergenic moisturizers that do not have any added fragrances. Bathing in scorching hot water Scorching hot water can damage keratin cells in the skin’s outer layer. Consequently, the skin becomes dry and dehydrated. It is important to balance the water temperature before stepping into the shower. Ideally, the temperature of the water should be lukewarm. Using the wrong towel An absorbent towel that does not feel rough is ideal for wiping oneself after a shower. The most effective way to select the right towel is to check its density, measured in grams per square meter (GSM). Towels with GSMs between 400 and 550 are considered ideal for use after bathing. One should avoid towels below a GSM of 400, as these towels can be thin and rough, causing skin dryness. Moreover, towels made of superior-quality Egyptian or Turkish cotton are extremely soft and perfect for the skin. Soaping the arms and legs excessively While it is important to wash and clean one’s arms and legs, these areas typically do not collect much oil and dust. Hence, scrubbing them excessively can dry out these areas and hamper their natural texture.

15 signs of a weak immune system

The immune system is a complex network of organs, cells, and proteins that act as the body’s defense mechanism against diseases and infections. The system —the innate immune system that people are born with and the adaptive immune system, which develops due to exposure to toxins and microbes. Both parts work together to keep infection-causing germs and toxins. So, weak immunity can make the body susceptible to diseases and other health issues. High stress levels The American Psychological Association suggests that chronic stress weakens the immune system. This is because stress lowers the number of white blood cells (i.e., lymphocytes) in the body that fight infections, increasing the risk of infections such as the common cold. Persistent cold Most adults develop two to three colds per year, which usually last from 7 to 10 days. During this period, the immune system forms antibodies to fight the virus. However, if one keeps catching a cold or is dealing with common cold symptoms for a long time, it could be a sign of weak immunity. Slow-healing wounds When one develops a cut or a wound, the body immediately goes into damage control mode to stop any bleeding and regenerate skin. Immune cells in the body guide this process. However, when dealing with a weakened immune system, wounds take longer to heal. This can make one more susceptible to infections as well. Frequent infections Those with a lowered immunity are at a higher risk of contracting infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, bronchitis, and skin infections. They are also more likely to experience autoimmune disorders, organ inflammation, blood disorders such as anemia, and growth and developmental delays. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, some signs of weak immunity include: – Having more than four ear infections in a year – Developing pneumonia twice within a year – Dealing with chronic sinusitis or more than three episodes of bacterial sinusitis in a year Fatigue If one constantly feels tired despite getting enough sleep, it may be a sign of weak immunity.