When you enroll in a Principal dental plan, you gain access to a comprehensive set of preventive services designed to keep your smile healthy and bright. From routine cleanings and exams to diagnostic X-rays and sealants, Principal’s preventive benefits can help you avoid costly treatments down the road. By understanding how these services work, you can maximize your benefits and maintain optimal oral health.
Principal divides dental care into three main categories:
Most Principal dental plans cover preventive care at 100%, meaning you pay nothing out of pocket for services like cleanings and exams when you see an in-network provider (Principal).
One of the perks of Principal’s group plans is the ability to waive deductibles when you transition from a prior carrier. When your employer’s group becomes effective, your annual maximum is refreshed automatically. That means you start each plan year with a full benefit allowance for both preventive and other covered services.
Principal Dental Network includes over 136,000 dentists nationwide, so you can keep your current dentist or easily find a new one near your home or office. You can also:
Regular dental exams are the cornerstone of preventive care. By scheduling biannual checkups, you give your dentist the opportunity to catch early signs of decay, gum disease, or other issues before they progress.
Under most Principal dental plans:
These cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup, helping to prevent cavities and gum inflammation.
You can typically schedule:
By adhering to these intervals, you maintain the highest coverage levels and avoid waiting-period restrictions.
Dental X-rays play a crucial role in detecting problems that are not visible during a visual exam. Principal’s preventive benefits include coverage for essential imaging.
Common diagnostic X-rays covered under preventive care:
These images help your dentist spot decay, bone loss, and other conditions early on.
Under Principal plans:
Always confirm with your plan administrator to understand any co-pays or frequency limits.
Fluoride applications strengthen enamel and reduce the risk of decay, especially for children and adults prone to cavities.
Principal preventive benefits often cover:
These topical treatments are quick, painless, and included at no extra cost when you see an in-network provider.
Fluoride is particularly beneficial if you:
By combining fluoride with routine cleanings, you fortify your teeth against decay.
Sealants are thin coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of molars to block out bacteria and food particles.
Principal dental plans typically cover sealants on permanent molars for:
Sealants can reduce the risk of decay on molars by nearly 80% for two years and continue to protect up to four years.
Confirm your plan’s age limits and coverage percentages for sealants. Some group plans extend sealant benefits to dependents but not to all adult members.
One of the strengths of Principal’s offerings is their flexibility. When your employer selects a Principal dental plan, you can often choose among several options to match your budget and care needs.
You may select:
Lower deductibles usually come with higher premiums, while higher deductibles lower your monthly cost but increase out-of-pocket expenses for non-preventive care.
Groups can choose annual maximums of $1,000, $1,500, $2,000 or higher per person. When your group becomes effective:
To make the most of your benefits:
By taking these steps, you avoid surprises and secure the coverage levels that suit your oral health goals.
While preventive care is the core of dental health, many plans also offer coverage for select cosmetic procedures, often under basic or major categories.
Though cosmetic treatments generally have coverage limitations, you can still benefit:
If you have another carrier, such as Delta Dental, you can learn more about their cosmetic options in our guide on teeth whitening covered by delta dental insurance.
It is common for cosmetic treatments like veneers, implants, and elective whitening to be excluded. Always review your plan’s exclusions and consider financing options for purely aesthetic services.
Straightening your teeth can improve function and appearance. Many Principal group plans offer orthodontic benefits or riders specifically for alignment treatments.
If you are considering clear aligners, Principal’s preventive base plan may not cover orthodontics by default. However, your employer can add an orthodontic rider that includes:
After you meet any applicable deductible, the plan typically covers 50% of orthodontic charges up to a lifetime maximum (often $1,000 to $2,000) (principal dental plan invisalign coverage).
Orthodontic coverage often has:
Confirm these details before starting treatment to avoid unexpected costs.
When you’re in Charlotte, NC, and want to use your Principal dental plan preventive services to their fullest, Carolina Complete Dentistry stands out as your insurance-friendly partner. We blend clinical excellence with an understanding of how insurance plans work, so you never overpay for necessary care.
At Carolina Complete Dentistry:
As a community practice, we:
Take the first step toward a healthier smile:
We’ll handle the rest, from verifying coverage to submitting claims.
You can typically use preventive services on day one of your plan year. There’s no waiting period for routine cleanings and exams under Principal’s group plans.
If you stay in-network, you pay nothing for routine exams, cleanings, and X-rays that fall under preventive benefits.
Yes. If your employer offers an orthodontic rider, you can elect it during open enrollment. Coverage begins on the rider effective date.
You may still visit your preferred dentist, but expect higher out-of-pocket costs. In-network care delivers the best value under Principal plans.
With your Principal dental plan preventive services in place and Carolina Complete Dentistry as your trusted partner, you’re set to maintain excellent oral health without worrying about unexpected bills. Schedule your next exam today and experience the confidence that comes from proactive, insurance-friendly dental care.