Dental Insurance
A bright smile takes more than just brushing. Guardian Direct® helps protect your dental health while also protecting your wallet.
Help me choose a Dental Plan
Insurance should be easy to understand. We do our best to avoid confusing insurance language and to present clear choices. Just answer a few quick questions and we can help you choose the right Dental Plan for you.
Why do you need dental insurance?
Dental insurance covers the cost of regular dental care while also helping you be ready for life's unexpected dental surprises.

Your Overall Health
Visiting a dentist isn't just about your teeth. Dental health supports your overall health. Untreated gum disease has been linked to heart disease and stroke.

Smart Budgeting
Because dental insurance includes coverage for regular exams, cleanings and x-rays, the premiums you pay for dental insurance virtually pay for themselves.

Life's Dental Surprises
Don't let the need for a filling, root canal, crown, implant, or even kids' braces cause you stress. Be prepared and enjoy the savings that dental insurance provides.
Case studies

With their Guardian Dental Advantage Bronze plan, Dave and Emily received preventive care from one of our more than 114,000 in-network dentists. Their care, including cleanings and x-rays, was fully covered.
Item | Cost |
---|---|
Typical Dentist Charges (Cleaning & X-rays for Dave & Emily) | $460 |
In-Network Dentist Charges (savings up to 35%) | $299 |
Guardian Pays 100% for Preventive Care | $299 |
Dave & Emily Pay | $0 |
Savings for Dave and Emily vs. Typical Dentist Charges | $460* |
* Coverage based on Dental Advantage Bronze PPO plan reimbursement. Actual coverage may vary.This story is a fictional example based upon estimated costs and should not be used as basis for any specific decision making. #2018-70895 (exp. 1/21)

Ted takes good care of his teeth by brushing and flossing regularly, so he was disappointed when his Dentist found a cavity. With his Guardian Dental Advantage Gold plan, Ted saved $158 on getting his cavity filled.
Item | Cost |
---|---|
Typical Dentist Charges for a Filling | $239 |
In-Network Dentist Charges (savings up to 35%) | $155 |
Guardian Pays 70% for Fillings after a $50 Deductible | $74 |
Ted Pays | $81 |
Savings for Ted vs. Typical Dentist Charges | $158* |
* Coverage based on Dental Advantage Gold PPO plan reimbursement. Actual coverage may vary.This story is a fictional example based upon estimated costs and should not be used as basis for any specific decision making. #2018-70895 (exp. 1/21)

Emma was excited to be getting braces to correct her overbite. With her parents' Guardian Dental Advantage Gold plan, Emma's parents were able to save $2,925 off the cost of Emma's new and improved smile.
Item | Cost |
---|---|
Typical Dentist Charges for Child Braces | $5,500 |
In-Network Dentist Charges (savings up to 35%) | $3,575 |
Guardian Pays $1,000 for Child Braces | $1,000 |
Emma's Parents Pay | $2,575 |
Savings for Emma's Parents vs. Typical Dentist Charges | $2,925* |
* Coverage based on Dental Advantage Gold PPO plan reimbursement. Actual coverage may vary.This story is a fictional example based upon estimated costs and should not be used as basis for any specific decision making. #2018-70895 (exp. 1/21)

Jim took a big bite and knew instantly he had cracked his tooth. His Dentist recommended root canal surgery and a crown at a cost of $2,258. With his Guardian Dental Advantage Silver plan, Jim paid only $968, saving $1,290.
Item | Cost |
---|---|
Typical Dentist Charges for a Root Canal and Crown | $2,258 |
In-Network Dentist Charges (savings up to 35%) | $1,468 |
Guardian Pays 50% for Major Services up to Yr 1 Annual Max | $500 |
Jim Pays | $968 |
Savings for Jim vs. Typical Dentist Charges | $1,290* |
* Coverage based on Dental Advantage Silver PPO plan reimbursement. Actual coverage may vary.This story is a fictional example based upon estimated costs and should not be used as basis for any specific decision making. #2018-70895 (exp. 1/21)

Jasmine had gum disease. Jasmine's Dentist advised that gum surgery could help prevent the spread of bacteria from her gum disease to protect her overall health. With Guardian Dental Advantage Silver, she saved $829.
Item | Cost |
---|---|
Typical Dentist Charges for Gum Surgery | $1,265 |
In-Network Dentist Charges (savings up to 35%) | $822 |
Guardian Pays 50% for Major Services after a $50 Deductible | $386 |
Jasmine Pays | $436 |
Savings for Jasmine vs. Typical Dentist Charges | $829* |
* Coverage based on Dental Advantage Silver PPO plan reimbursement. Actual coverage may vary.This story is a fictional example based upon estimated costs and should not be used as basis for any specific decision making. #2018-70895 (exp. 1/21)
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about Guardian Direct Dental insurance? We've got answers.
When you choose an in-network dentist, Guardian’s negotiated rates can save you up to 35% off dentists’ typical charges. Members who visit an in-network dentist will not be charged more than the contracted rate even when the dentist's normal rate is higher. An added benefit of using an in-network dentist is you won't need to submit any claim forms. The in-network dentist submits all dental claim forms directly to Guardian on your behalf.
When you choose an out-of-network dentist, you may be charged their regular rates for services. Guardian will only pay a standard amount, calculated according to the requirements of your state. You will be responsible for the difference.
What Guardian Pays
Guardian pays a percentage of dentist's charges by category of service (e.g. preventive, basic, major). You are responsible for the remainder of the dentist's charges.
The types of services covered and the percent of the dentist's charges that Guardian pays varies by plan color (Gold = higher, Silver = medium, Bronze = lower).
Waiting Periods
A waiting period is the time period following your coverage start date during which no benefits are paid. There are no waiting periods for preventive care, such as cleanings, exams, and x-rays. Basic services such as fillings and simple extractions have a waiting period of 6 months or less, depending on your state. Major dental work such as root canals, crowns, implants, and kids’ braces have a waiting period of 12 months or less, depending on your state.
Deductibles and Maximums
A deductible is the dollar amount that you're responsible for paying before the insurance plan will start to pay benefits. There is no deductible for preventive care if you use an in-network dentist. There is a $50 deductible for all other dental care.
There is a maximum dollar payout for each benefit year. The maximum increases in year 2 and year 3, recognizing your loyalty.
You must choose one in-network dentist from the smaller DHMO network who will serve as your primary care dentist.
If you do not choose a primary care dentist, a dentist in your area will be assigned to you. All care must be provided or arranged by your primary care dentist. There is no out-of-network coverage.
What Guardian Pays
Guardian pays the difference between the total cost of dental services and your office visit charge + copay.
You pay a small office visit charge (typically $15-$18) plus a copay amount associated with each type of covered treatment. Note: A list of each covered treatment and its associated copay can be found in your Plan Summary and also in your policy documents.
With a DHMO program, you know exactly what you will be responsible for paying before you visit the dentist.
There are no claim forms to submit.
Waiting Periods
A waiting period is the time period following your coverage start date during which no benefits are paid. There are no waiting periods.
Deductibles and Maximums
A deductible is the dollar amount that you're responsible for paying before the insurance plan will start to pay benefits. There are no deductibles.
There is no maximum dollar payout for each benefit year.
Resources


Dental Insurance vs. Dental Discount Plans Comparison Chart
