PLANTATION, FL--(Marketwired - July 10, 2014) - Experts always tell us that your mouth is more than just a pretty smile -- it's a gateway to your overall health. As people age, they become more susceptible to discolored, worn and missing teeth, as well as diseases that cause the gums to recede. Hence, the old adage, 'long in the tooth,' often used to describe maturing adults.
As bodies age, they develop a unique set of oral health needs. Without regular visits to the dentist and good oral hygiene, a number of problems can arise. Seniors are especially at risk for oral health problems. As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports, one in four seniors aged 65 and older have lost all of their teeth, and 44 percent of seniors living below the poverty line have no natural teeth left.
"Once again, we see access to quality, affordable dental care as an issue for Americans, this time our seniors," states Bob Harris, chief executive officer of :DentalPlans. "Medicare has never covered comprehensive dental care for seniors and the Affordable Care Act did nothing to address the lack of coverage. Dental savings plans provide an affordable, easy solution for seniors to get the care they need, to keep their healthy smile."
Older adults, ages 55+ are one of the fastest growing segments of the American population, and also the most at risk when it comes to dental outcomes. The senior population is expected to reach 72.1 million by 2030 according to the Administration on Aging. And only 2 percent of retirees have dental coverage through a prior employer, according to Oral Health America.
Dental savings plans provide programs that help individuals, families, and groups save on their dental care and other health-related services, with one low annual membership fee. Similar to a warehouse club, consumers pay an annual fee and get access to significantly reduced rates on dental services, cosmetic dentistry and orthodontia, as well as vision and prescriptions, depending on the plan they choose. Services may include annual cleanings, x-rays, crowns, root canals, and even cosmetic and orthodontic procedures, which are not typically covered by insurance.
The benefits of a dental savings plan include savings of 10 to 60 percent off what you would pay without a savings plan or insurance, no waiting to use your plan, no forms to file, no limit on how often you can use your plan, and offer an open enrollment. Even if you already have dental insurance, dental savings plans may be used along with your dental insurance for even more savings on your dental care, once your annual maximums have been met. Although these plans are not insurance, the savings can be significant. For example: