Dental Insurance for Families: Making Sure Everyone’s Smile Is Covered

Does dental insurance cover crowns and root canals?

It depends on the plan. In the Allstate Health Solutions individual dental plans reviewed, crowns and root canals are classified as major services. With Select Dental (ages 0 to 64), preventive and basic services are covered from day one, but the Copay option has a 6-month waiting period for major services and the Value plan does not cover major services. With DVH 55+ there are no waiting periods, although crowns and root canals are only included in levels 2 and 3. Benefits and availability vary by state; always check the current brochure before deciding.

Crowns and root canals: what to check in a dental plan

• Classification: in these plans, crowns, endodontics, periodontics, oral surgery, resin fillings and dentures are major services.
• Coinsurance: in Select Dental, coinsurance maximums increase in years 2 and 3; in DVH 55+, major services go from 25% in year one to 50% from year two.
• Exclusions: Select Dental excludes crowns for children under 16, except stainless steel or plastic crowns.
• Annual maximum: the plan limit sets how much the insurer pays in a year; a large treatment can exceed it.

Waiting periods in dental insurance

A waiting period is the time that must pass after your policy starts before certain services are covered. In Select Dental, the 6-month wait applies to major services in the Copay option; Copay Plan 2 has no waiting period and no annual maximum. DVH 55+ has no waiting periods, but its benefit percentage is lower during the first year.

Select Dental vs. DVH 55+: key differences

DVH 55+ does not replace a Medicare Supplement and does not meet the ACA pediatric dental requirement. For your family’s medical coverage, see our Georgia health insurance guide or our health insurance page.

Sources: Allstate Health Solutions “Individual Dental” and “Senior Dental, Vision & Hearing” brochures (January 2025) and allstatehealth.com, reviewed on 10-27-2026. TOP Insurance does not guarantee product availability in your state.

From toddlers getting their first teeth to teens needing braces and adults managing preventive care, dental needs vary across every stage of life. Dental insurance plays a vital role in making oral health affordable and consistent for families. But with so many options available, how do you know you’re getting the right coverage for everyone?

What Family Dental Insurance Typically Covers

Family dental plans can cover multiple people under a single policy, often offering a mix of preventive care, basic procedures and major services. Most plans include the following:

• Preventive care—Cleanings, exams and X-rays are usually covered at 100%, making it easier to catch issues early.

• Basic services—Fillings, extractions and other routine procedures are commonly covered at a lower cost.

• Major services—Crowns, root canals and dentures may be covered but often with higher out-of-pocket costs.

• Orthodontics—Braces and aligners may be included as an optional benefit, especially for children or teens.

Some plans, especially those purchased through the healthcare marketplace, also include pediatric dental coverage as part of a larger health plan. However, these plans can vary widely in terms of providers, networks and coverage limits, so it’s important to compare options carefully.

In Georgia, dental insurance is not legally required, but maintaining consistent oral care can help avoid costly emergencies. And for families with multiple children, the savings from covered preventive care alone can be significant.

Let Us Help You Choose the Right Plan

Finding the right dental plan doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re adding a new family member or just looking to improve your current coverage, Top Insurance LLC is here to help Georgia families find dental insurance that fits their needs and budget. Contact us today to explore your options.

 

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a family dental insurance plan typically cover?

Family dental plans cover multiple household members under one policy, categorizing treatments into preventive, basic, and major services. Routine care like exams and cleanings is often fully covered, while fillings, extractions, and advanced procedures require varying levels of cost-sharing.

Are braces and orthodontic treatments covered for children under family plans?

Orthodontic care, such as braces and aligners, may be included as an optional benefit or rider, most commonly for dependent children and teens. Coverage details depend on the specific policy, and these benefits often carry separate lifetime maximums or waiting periods.

How does pediatric dental coverage work under the healthcare marketplace?

Pediatric dental coverage is considered an essential health benefit under federal guidelines and may be embedded within a family health insurance plan or purchased as a stand-alone policy. These benefits apply specifically to children up to a certain age and vary in cost-sharing structures.

What is the difference between basic and major dental services?

Basic services generally include routine procedures such as restorative fillings, basic extractions, and periodontal maintenance. Major services refer to more complex and costly treatments, such as crowns, root canals, bridges, and dentures, which typically involve higher out-of-pocket costs for the policyholder.

Why should a family choose a single family plan instead of individual policies?

A family dental plan simplifies policy management by consolidating coverage for adults, teens, and young children under a single monthly premium. It ensures consistent preventive care across different age groups while accommodating the varying oral health needs of each family member.