Posted by A research study published in the Journal of Clinical Dentistry found that participants who used electric toothbrushes had on average 29% less plaque and 13% less gingivitis than those who used manual toothbrushes.
You might also be looking to get an electric toothbrush for yourself with insurance, but “Does dental insurance cover electric toothbrushes?”, let’s find out.
Most dental insurance plans provide electric toothbrushes, but coverage is not direct. In this article, we will help you understand all you need to know about how to get electric toothbrushes with dental insurance. Additionally, you will learn other affordable ways to get it without insurance. Cool right?
Let’s go!
Table of Contents
Does Dental Insurance Cover Electric Toothbrushes?
Yes, dental insurance does cover electric toothbrushes. Although this is true, coverage is usually not direct or complete. Dental insurance companies classify electric toothbrushes as personal care services although they have been proven to enhance dental health.
Dental insurance companies provide coverage for electric toothbrushes through different channels. Let’s talk about them briefly.
Full Breakdown Of Dental Insurance Coverage For Electric Toothbrush
Below is a breakdown of how dental insurance offers coverage for your electric toothbrushes:
- Preventive benefits with certain PPO Plans
- Reimbursement programs
- Wellness Programs (Employers Initiative), and
- Discounts
1. Preventive Benefits with Certain PPO Plans:
Some PPO plans generously may offer limited preventive care benefits that include discounts on toothbrushes, partial reimbursement, or even in some cases, full coverage. Make sure you are aware of any related restrictions from your plan details and contact your insurance provider for specifics.
2. Reimbursement Programs:
You can obtain an electric toothbrush by participating in some of the wellness initiatives run by some insurance companies. All you need to do is acquire points or rewards for healthy habits.
When you accumulate enough points, you can use it to get discounts or even a full reimbursement for your electric toothbrush. You can get all the information you need when you check the insurance company’s website.
3. Consider Wellness Programs
Employers Initiatives: This might seem like a far stretch, but you can also win an electric toothbrush by participating in your company’s wellness program. Make inquiries in the HR department about discounts or promotions for participating in company health screenings and fitness challenges.
4. Discounts:
Being a loyal member of an insurance company can also be your lucky ticket to obtaining an electric toothbrush without dental insurance. Some electric toothbrush companies offer exclusive discounts to members of some insurance companies. So try loyalty!
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When Can You Expect Dental Insurance To Cover Electric Toothbrush?
Although electric toothbrushes mostly fall under the “maybe” category of most dental insurance companies. Sometimes they provide direct coverage but it depends on the situation.
Your dental insurance plan will cover electric toothbrushes directly if you fall under any of these categories:
- Kids
- Health Conditions
- Promotional Companies
- Doctor’s Recommendation
- Partnerships
Let’s discuss each briefly
#1. Kids:
Dental companies consider children as an exception to the rule of ” no electric toothbrush “. They make this exception on the basis that children are more susceptible to cavities, and they also have developing teeth.
#2. Health Conditions:
Oral health issues like gum diseases and sensitive teeth, are reasonable grounds for dental insurance coverage on electric toothbrushes. Note that it has to come from your doctor as part of your treatment package.
#3. Promotional Companies:
Some companies offer electric toothbrushes as part of their promo package. This is included in their preventive care package and is intended mainly to attract new customers. Consider being a new customer while offers are up!
#4. Doctor’s Recommendation:
If your electric toothbrush comes as a recommendation by your doctor, then you are highly likely to get one from your insurance company. At this point, it is no longer regarded as a mere luxury, but a necessary item you keep you in good health.
#5. Partnerships:
Dental Insurance companies may not offer direct coverage for electric toothbrushes, but they sometimes partner with retailers to make this available to their clients with discounts.
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Types of Dental Insurance Plans That Offer Coverage For Electric Toothbrushes
Here are some of the dental insurance plans that can have coverage for electric toothbrushes:
- PPO:
This consists of a network of dentists that work as one. Patients get to choose their dentist. PPO plans largely accommodate preventive care, like cleanings and exams. This makes them one of the best services for an electric toothbrush.
- HMO:
HMOs offer lower premiums. They offer limited choice and stricter coverage rules because of the kind of services they provide. Preventive care might still be included, but electric toothbrush coverage might be less likely, but still possible.
4 Alternatives To Dental Insurance Coverage For Electric Toothbrushes
You may just have realized that you don’t fall under any of the categories that could be considered special by dental insurance companies. But you still want to get an electric toothbrush right?
Here are four sure ways to still snag that toothbrush:
- Use HSA/FSA
- Manufacturer Discount For Dental Insurance Members
- Taking Advantage of Retail Store Sales and Promotions
- Subscription Services For Discounted Replacement Brush Heads
#1. Use HSA/FSA:
Electric toothbrushes are generally considered medical expenses. Therefore, they fall within the category of what a Health Savings Account(HSA) or Flexible Spending Account(FSA) can pay for. This means that you are not all on your own in this.
If you have any of these accounts, you can easily buy an electric toothbrush with pre-tax dollars from either account. Just ensure that you keep the receipt safe, as you may be required to provide proof of purchase.
HSAs are owned by individuals and to obtain one you must enroll in a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). FSAs are owned by employers and they do not have do not have the same requirement as the HSAs.
#2. Manufacturer Discount For Dental Insurance Members:
In order to meet the demand and save costs, some dental insurers partner with electric toothbrush manufacturers to make electric toothbrushes available to their members with exclusive discounts. Companies like Philip-Sonicare, Oral-B, and Waterpik do this.
Here’s how to get on one of those plans:
- Visit the manufacturer’s website and search for a section designed for insurance benefits. You can even see the discounts available on some of these websites.
- Log in to your dental insurance member portal and explore the discount options and benefits.
- If all else fails, call your dental insurance provider directly and inquire about the manufacturer’s discounts for electric toothbrushes.
#3. Taking Advantage of Retail Store Sales and Promotions
Retail stores might just be your go-to option for that electric toothbrush. So don’t discount them! Here’s how to take advantage of retail store sales and promotions to get that electric toothbrush:
- Look out for season sales; Black Friday, Holiday sales, and back-to-school promotional sales. During these sales, retail stores are bound to offer huge discounts on items. An electric toothbrush could be one of them!
- Websites like RetailMeNot and Honey can help you access sales coupons and promo codes that could help you get your desired electric toothbrush.
- Some retail stores have a price comparison package. You could easily get the lowest-priced electric toothbrush on sale. It may not be the exact model you want, but it would serve the purpose!
- If you’re a loyalty program member, you may just be in luck. Several pharmacies and stores provide exclusive discounts and cashback for customers who are in these programs. This could help slash off a huge amount of your electric toothbrush.
#4. Subscription Services For Discounted Replacement Brush Heads:
Keep in mind that your toothbrush won’t last forever. The model of the toothbrush should determine the frequency of replacement. Luckily for you, companies that sell electric toothbrushes offer subscription services for brush head replacement.
Before you sign up for a subscription, you have to consider how often you will need to change your toothbrush head. Typically, you might need to change the head of your electric toothbrush at three-month intervals.
The Philips Sonicare DiamondClean brush heads are designed to last up to two months with twice-daily brushing while the Oral-B iO Series brush heads are designed to last up to three months with twice-daily brushing.
The Oral-B iO Series toothbrush has a subscription service that allows you to receive replacement brush heads every three months at a 25% discount. The Philips Sonicare DiamondClean toothbrush also offers a subscription service, which provides a 30% discount on replacement brush heads.
You should know that you can opt out of these subscription services at any time. It is also a great way to save money.
Does dental insurance cover periodontal diseases? If you can’t boldly answer this, then feel free to check it out and get informed!
Benefits Of Getting Electric Toothbrushes
You may be wondering if an electric toothbrush is worth it after all. Here are a few facts you need to be aware of.
- Electric toothbrushes are the best option for plaque removal. Studies show an average reduction of 11% with an electric toothbrush. It is better than the traditional toothbrush.
- They help prevent gum disease and injuries(a wonderful option for kids). The settings of an electric toothbrush allow you to apply just the right amount of pressure to keep your gums and entire cavity safe.
- The small head design of an enabled toothbrush enables you to get around to all areas of your mouth. You can be sure that your mouth is thoroughly washed every time.
- Electric brushes are easy to handle and do not require much effort. Unlike the traditional toothbrush, it does most of the work itself and all you are required to do is stay still.
Things To Look Out For When Getting An Electric Toothbrush
Consider the following while sourcing for your ideal electric toothbrush:
- Brushing movement
- Brush heads
- Battery life
- Cost
- Uniqueness
#1. Brushing Movement:
The two types of movements are oscillating and sonic. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Sonic brushes can be ticklish and oscillating brushes loud. You decide what you can handle.
#2. Brush Heads:
There are two types of brush heads; round and oblong. Deciding the type of brush head to use can sometimes be out of your control. However, you can get a new one every three months if your subscription works that way.
#3. Battery Life:
You should always consider the battery capacity of an electric toothbrush before you purchase it. This is even more important if you plan on traveling with it. It is terribly frustrating to have a dead toothbrush with you while traveling.
#4. Cost:
This should trump all other reasons. You can only buy what your pocket allows. Fortunately, several affordable brands make very good electric toothbrushes. It doesn’t always have to be the popular brand you know. It can still be covered by dental insurance as we explained earlier.
#5. Uniqueness:
This might seem a little vain, but you can like one thing over another. Sometimes you are drawn to the aesthetics of one toothbrush over another. It’s fine. It’s your money after all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sadly, No. Dental insurance generally does not fully reimburse the cost of electric toothbrushes. They are classified as personal care items and are not normally covered by insurance.
Medicare does not specifically cover electric toothbrushes. Sometimes, there could be exceptions. Check with your Medicare provider to know if these exceptions apply to you.
Generally, personal electric toothbrush purchases cannot be reimbursed by one's insurance company. There can be exceptions. It is best to check with your insurance provider to get accurate information.
No, insurance plans only cover the purchase of electric toothbrushes.
Electric toothbrushes with built-in timers can help you brush for the recommended two minutes, which may benefit your oral health. However, this feature is not typically covered by dental insurance. Some plans may offer discounts or incentives for using a timer-equipped electric toothbrush.
Some dental insurance plans do cover electric toothbrushes that have Bluetooth technology, though this is not common. bluetooth electric toothbrushes may connect to a smartphone app that can provide feedback on your brushing habits, track your progress over time Does dental insurance cover electric toothbrushes?
Are electric toothbrushes covered by Medicare?
If I purchase an electric toothbrush with my own money, can I be reimbursed by my dental insurance?
Are there any dental insurance plans that cover the cost of batteries for an electric toothbrush?
Do electric toothbrushes with built-in timers offer any additional benefits over those without timers?
Are electric toothbrushes that have Bluetooth technology covered by dental insurance?
Important Recommendation
- Does Dental Insurance Cover Retainers?
- Does Dental Insurance Cover Cavities?
- Does Dental Insurance Cover X-rays?
- Does Dental Insurance Cover Oral Surgery?
Conclusion
We wrote this article because we understand your need for electric toothbrushes and your concerns about dental coverage for them. We hope you’ve gotten the answers to your questions in this article.
Remember, your dental health is a top priority, so take the steps you’ve learned in this article and get an electric toothbrush with or without insurance.
We hope to see you again!
Bye!