Let’s be honest, dental care can feel confusing, especially when it comes to cost. Maybe you’ve left a visit wondering why a crown wasn’t fully covered. Maybe you’ve looked at your estimate and thought, “Is this how it’s supposed to work?”
If you’ve had those thoughts, I understand. As your dentist, I want to help you feel informed, not just about your teeth, but about the system that supports your care (and sometimes doesn’t).
So let’s talk about it. Let’s talk about what dental insurance really does, what it doesn’t do, and how we can work together to make the best decisions for your health.
You’re Not Alone, and You’re Not Wrong to Ask
The most common questions I hear are:
- “Why doesn’t my insurance cover more?”
- “Why am I still paying out of pocket?”
- “Why does this feel more expensive than I expected?”
The answer isn’t simple but it is consistent: dental insurance isn’t built to fully cover modern care. It often contributes only a portion, leaving you to fill in the gaps.
And those gaps? They’ve been getting wider as the cost of materials, technology, and training increases but insurance reimbursement does not.
The Real Limits of Dental Insurance
Most dental plans are designed with a fixed annual maximum (often between $1,000 and $1,500). That cap hasn’t meaningfully increased in decades, even though the costs of delivering quality care have changed significantly.
That means your insurance might:
- Cover a small portion of a filling, but not the crown you truly need
- Support two cleanings a year, but not periodontal maintenance
- Exclude treatment options based on policy rules, not clinical evidence
It can be incredibly frustrating for you (and equally frustrating for us) to have to explain that a plan’s coverage doesn’t always align with what your mouth actually needs.
Why It May Feel Like We’re “Too Expensive”
We hear this sometimes:
“I didn’t expect this to cost so much.”
“My last dentist was cheaper.”
I understand where that feeling comes from. But here’s what I want you to know:
What we do here at Lyons Creek is rooted in high-quality, evidence-based care. That means:
- We use materials that are proven to last longer
- We invest in technology that improves your experience
- We take the time to get your care right, not rush it
- And we recommend what you actually need; not just what a plan will allow
So when you see a higher number than you expected, it’s not because we’re trying to sell you something. It’s because we’re focused on your long-term health, not just short-term cost.
We’ll Always Be Transparent and On Your Side
If you’re ever unsure about what something costs, what your plan covers, or whether you have options, please ask. We’re here to walk you through it, step by step.
Here’s what we promise:
- We’ll help you understand your insurance, including what’s covered and what isn’t
- We’ll offer clear, pressure-free treatment estimates
- We’ll work with you to prioritize your care in a way that fits your timeline and goals
- And we’ll always base your care plan on your real needs, not insurance limitations
Affordable Alternatives: You Don’t Need Insurance to Get Great Care
At Lyons Creek, we believe that dental care should be accessible, flexible, and built around you, not the fine print of an insurance policy.
That’s why we offer multiple ways to make your care more affordable:
✔ Lyons Creek Dental Membership Plan
No dental insurance? No problem.
Our in-house Membership Plan is a popular alternative that makes your care more affordable, more predictable, and more personal.
With the membership plan:
- You receive a discount on every procedure we offer, not just what insurance says it will cover
- You get consistent savings without denials, waiting periods, or annual maximums
- You skip the insurance confusion entirely and pay for only what you actually need
- You get the preventive care you deserve (like cleanings and exams) included in your membership
We’ve designed this program to be more competitive and more generous than many traditional insurance plans, especially for patients who want straightforward, transparent care without middlemen.
If you’ve ever wondered, “Can I just skip the insurance headache?” – the answer is yes. You’re absolutely allowed to choose a model that prioritizes your care and your budget. We’re here to support you either way.
Learn more about the Membership Plan here
✔ Cherry Financing: Buy Now, Pay Later
Split your care into manageable payments, without impacting your credit score.
Cherry offers up to $10,000 in financing with no hidden fees, and you can pre-qualify in seconds.
✔ CareCredit: Flexible Long-Term Payment Plans
For larger treatments, CareCredit allows you to stretch payments out over time with 0% interest for 6, 12, or 18 months, and extended options up to 60 months for qualified purchases.
You’re Not Alone, We’re Here to Help
Cost should never be a barrier to quality care. Whether you have insurance, are considering our Membership Plan, or need help navigating financing; we’re here to support you with clarity and compassion.
Call us at 206-362-5400 or schedule a visit online. We’ll help you explore the best options for your smile, your health, and your budget, together.
