Free · dental benefits explainer

How dental insurance actually works

Dental plans use their own vocabulary — tiers, maximums, deductibles, UCR. Here is the plain-English version of the terms on your benefits summary, so you can read your own plan with confidence. Tap any concept to expand it.

The classic "100 / 80 / 50" tiers

Most traditional dental plans group procedures into three buckets and pay a different share of each. These percentages are the typical pattern — your own plan can differ.

~100%

Preventive Checkups, cleanings, routine X-rays. Often covered in full to encourage regular visits.

~80%

Basic Fillings, simple extractions, some gum treatment. Plan pays most; you pay the rest.

~50%

Major Crowns, bridges, dentures, root canals (varies). You typically split the cost.

These splits apply after any deductible and only up to your annual maximum. Which procedures land in "basic" vs "major" varies by plan — always confirm in your own benefits booklet.

General information only — NOT dental, financial, or insurance advice. Every plan is different; tiers, maximums, and waiting periods vary — check YOUR specific plan documents or ask your provider/insurer. The percentages, examples, and definitions here describe common dental-plan patterns to help you understand the terminology — they are not a quote, a guarantee of coverage, or a statement about your particular policy. Your actual benefits, exclusions, network rules, and costs are set by your plan and insurer. For anything that affects a real decision, read your benefits summary or call the number on your insurance card.

BrightChair helps dental practices explain benefits, send pre-visit cost estimates, and keep patients informed automatically — so there are fewer surprises at the front desk.

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