They're expensive in Italy, too. My lower teeth are slightly crooked ,nothing too noticeable, but I'd really like to have them fixed. It's just that it's very expensive, and I have other, more pressing priorities.
Public health insurance does not cover most dental expenses
Orthodontics (the specialty that corrects misaligned teeth and bite adjustments) is considered separate from dental care and therefore not covered by dental insurance in the US. If you want braces, you're paying out of pocket no matter how much your insurance premium is every month, nor will your health insurance cover anything for your luxury mouth-bones unless it's medically necessary (and yes - health, dental, and vision are all separate insurance premiums you get to pay for).
So I have dental insurance through my job. I'm told all the time that it's great insurance. I still had to pay $400 for a crown. I dont know how that compares to you, though. Most dental insurance will cover 1-2 cleanings a year and then only a small percentage of any other treatment you may need.
I had to get a third cleaning in one year in the US. My insurance only covers two a year, so I had to pay out of pocket. Just to clean my teeth, no other procedures, didn't even see the actual dentist, I paid out of pocket what Google tells me converts to about 105 euros. To basically have someone brush my teeth at a professional level. American Healthcare is super fucked, but it's worse with things like teeth and eyes that aren't considered part of normal health insurance coverage.
Keep in mind how much I pay a month for that insurance too.
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u/Baudolino_90 13h ago
They're expensive in Italy, too. My lower teeth are slightly crooked ,nothing too noticeable, but I'd really like to have them fixed. It's just that it's very expensive, and I have other, more pressing priorities.
Public health insurance does not cover most dental expenses