When it comes to choosing dental insurance, Delta Dental and Guardian Dental are two popular options. But how do you know which one is the better choice for your needs?
This comprehensive guide will compare and contrast Delta Dental and Guardian Dental plans to help you make an informed decision.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Aspects | Delta Dental | Guardian Dental |
| Provider Network Size | 156,000 dentists at 351,000 locations | 112,000 dentists at 300,000 locations |
| Plan Types | PPO, Premier, DHMO | PPO, EPO, DHMO |
| Services Covered | Cleanings, x-rays, fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures, orthodontia, implants | Cleanings, x-rays, fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures, orthodontia |
| Implant Coverage | Yes | Varies by plan |
| Orthodontia Waiting Period | 12 months | 24 months |
| Basic Services Waiting Period | None | 3-6 months |
| Major Services Waiting Period | 6-12 months | 6-12 months |
| Monthly Premiums | Lower on average | Higher on average |
| Deductibles | Typically $25-$75 | Typically $100 or more |
| Annual Maximums | $1,000 – $2,500 | $1,000 – $1,500 |
| Out-of-network Coverage | Yes | Varies by plan |
| Customer Service Reputation | Mixed reviews | Good reviews |
Overview Of Delta Dental And Guardian Dental
Delta Dental and Guardian Dental are both large, national insurance companies that offer group and individual dental insurance plans.
Delta Dental is the nation’s largest dental insurance provider. It offers plans in all 50 states and Washington D.C. Delta Dental has the largest dentist network in the U.S. with over 156,000 dentists at over 351,000 locations.
Guardian Dental is the second largest dental insurance provider in the U.S. It offers plans in all 50 states. Guardian has a network of over 112,000 dentists at over 300,000 access points.
Both insurers allow you to visit any licensed dentist, but using in-network dentists reduces your costs. Out-of-network dentists can bill you for charges above the insurance allowance.
Also Read: Choose Between Delta Dental And Willamette Dental.
Detail Comparison Of Delta Dental And Guardian Dental
Plan Types
Delta Dental and Guardian Dental offer similar types of dental insurance plans.
Delta Dental plan types:
- PPO: Offers the most flexibility and out-of-network coverage.
- Premier: Costs less than PPO but has a smaller network of dentists. Still offers some out-of-network coverage.
- HMAC/Advantage: DHMO plans with set copays and no annual maximums. Requires using a primary dentist.
Guardian Dental plan types:
- PPO: Provides the most network flexibility and out-of-network coverage.
- EPO: Lower premiums but must use in-network dentists.
- DHMO: Features copays and a limited network of dentists. No claim forms.
Covered Services
Delta Dental and Guardian Dental cover all basic services like cleanings, x-rays, fillings, extractions, root canals, and crowns. But they differ in their coverage of major services:
Delta Dental covers:
- Bridges
- Dentures
- Implants
- Orthodontics (braces)
Guardian Dental covers:
- Bridges
- Dentures
- Orthodontics
But implants are only covered under certain plans.
For child orthodontia, Delta Dental’s waiting period is 12 months while Guardian Dental’s is 24 months.
Costs and Fees
Premiums for Delta Dental and Guardian Dental depend on your location, plan type, deductible, and other factors. On average, Delta Dental offers slightly lower premiums than Guardian for comparable plans.
Deductibles also impact your out-of-pocket costs. Delta Dental typically has lower deductibles, often $25 to $75 for in-network coverage. Guardian deductibles can be $100 or more.
Copays are what you pay for services. Guardian DHMO plans have preset copays. Delta Dental’s copays vary by service and dentist fees.
Annual maximums limit your total benefits. Guardian PPO plans have $1,500 maximums. Delta PPOs often have $2,000 or higher maximums.
Waiting Periods
Waiting periods restrict when you can utilize benefits after enrolling.
For basic services, Delta Dental has no waiting period. Guardian has a 3 to 6 month waiting period.
For major services, Delta and Guardian both have 6 to 12 month waiting periods.
For orthodontia, Delta has a 12 month waiting period while Guardian has 24 months.
So, Delta Dental tends to have shorter waiting periods overall.
Also Read: Comparison Among Aetna, Delta, Guardian And Metlife.
Pros And Cons Of Delta Dental And Guardian Dental
Guardian Dental Pros
- Large national provider network
- Online claims and account management
- Covers bridges, dentures, and orthodontia
- No waiting periods for cleanings
- HMO plans have lower premiums
Guardian Dental Cons
- Higher premiums for comparable coverage
- Limited plan options in some states
- Higher deductibles than Delta Dental
- Longer waiting periods for orthodontia
Delta Dental Pros
- Broad national and regional dentist networks
- Typically lower deductibles
- Higher maximum benefits
- Covers dental implants
- No waiting periods for basic services
- Shorter orthodontia waiting periods
Delta Dental Cons
- Can have higher premiums for DHMO plans
- Out-of-network costs are higher
- Mixed reviews of customer service
Which Is Better For Families?
For families, Delta Dental plans tend to provide better value. With no waiting periods for basic services, coverage for orthodontia after 12 months, and higher annual maximums, Delta Dental gives families more for their money. Families can also see a dentist immediately after enrollment.
Guardian Dental has longer waiting periods that prevent use of major benefits for 6 to 24 months. But Guardian HMO plans can provide very low costs for in-network preventive care. Overall, Delta Dental is the better choice if you want robust coverage for the entire family.
Which Is Better For Individuals?
For individuals, either Delta Dental or Guardian Dental can be a good option. Guardian HMO plans provide preventive care with predictable copays. Delta Dental PPOs offer more flexibility to see specialists and out-of-network dentists.
It depends most on your budget and dental needs. If you want minimal premiums and basic care, a Guardian DHMO could work well. But for more extensive dental treatment, a Delta Dental PPO would allow using premier dentists with less out-of-pocket costs.
Also watch this about Delta Dental!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
No, Guardian and Delta Dental are two separate insurance companies. They both offer PPO, HMO/DHMO, and indemnity dental plans. But they have different provider networks, plan designs, and costs.
For the most comprehensive coverage, Delta Dental PPO plans tend to provide the best benefits, including implants, orthodontia, and higher annual maximums. But Guardian Dental HMO plans offer good basic care at the lowest monthly premium costs.
PPO plans are the most popular type of dental insurance. They offer a good balance of flexible dentist choice, affordable copays, and coverage for basic and major services. About 80% of people with dental benefits have a PPO plan.
Delta Dental plans frequently offer no waiting periods for basic services like cleanings, x-rays, and fillings. They also have shorter waiting periods for major services compared to other insurers. This makes them a good choice if you want to use your dental benefits immediately.
Also Read: Differences Between Humana Dental And Delta Dental.
The Bottom Line
When choosing between Delta Dental and Guardian Dental, consider your budget, dental needs, and priorities in areas like waiting periods, deductibles, and dentist choice. Both providers offer quality national dental insurance. Delta Dental offers the best overall coverage while Guardian Dental offers affordable preventive care starting under $10 monthly.
Weighing out the pros and cons of each can help you pick the right dental insurance plan for your situation.