Guardian Dental Insurance Review
Guardian Dental is known for affordable premiums and a network of over 130,000 dentists nationwide. As a mid-tier option, it offers a balance of affordability and coverage, including preventive care, basic services, and some major procedures.
But with their annual maximums and implant coverage limits, it’s a good idea for consumers to explore all their options.
In this Guardian Dental review, we’ll include:
- An overview of Guardian Dental
- Dental plans offered
- Pros and cons of Guardian
- How to choose the right dental plan
We will also compare Guardian Dental insurance to Ameritas Dental, a competitor known for offering higher annual maximums, better implant coverage, and more flexible plan benefits.
Hopefully, this comparison will help you determine which provider offers the best value based on your specific dental insurance needs.
Let’s start with a quick overview of Guardian Dental.
Overview of Guardian Dental Insurance
Guardian Dental is backed by The Guardian Life Insurance Company, a reputable organization with 160+ years in the insurance industry.
The company provides a range of PPO dental plans at great prices, making it a solid choice for individuals and families who want affordable dental coverage.
Key Offerings:
- PPO Plans with affordable pricing and multiple coverage levels to fit different needs and budgets.
- Extensive network of dentists with over 130,000+ in-network providers nationwide.
- No waiting periods for preventive and basic care – most plans allow immediate access to essential services.
Guardian Dental Insurance Plans
Guardian Dental offers a range of PPO dental plans designed to fit different budgets and coverage needs. Here’s a breakdown of each plan, including what it covers and its costs, benefits, and limitations.
Advantage Starter Plan: Budget Friendly
This is Guardian’s most basic plan, designed for people who primarily need preventive dental care and occasional minor treatments.
This plan could work well for you if you visit the dentist only for routine checkups and the occasional filling.
What’s Covered:
- Preventive care – this includes cleanings, exams, and X-rays. There’s also no waiting period, meaning you can start using the benefits immediately.
- Basic care, such as fillings and simple extractions, is covered at 50-70% (no waiting period).
Major services like root canals, crowns, and implants are NOT covered. This plan is strictly for those who don’t expect to need extensive dental work.
Costs and Limitations:
- Annual maximum starts at $500 in the first year, increasing to $1,000 by year three. This is a very low cap, so if you need anything beyond routine care, you’ll likely hit the limit quickly.
- Monthly premiums start at approximately $15-$20 per month, depending on your location.
- The deductible is $50 per person per year.
Is the Advantage Starter Plan Right for You?
This is a budget-friendly option if you have healthy teeth and want to maintain them with routine care. However, if you anticipate needing more serious dental work, this plan won’t provide much value.
Advantage Achiever Plan: Most Popular
This mid-level plan is Guardian’s most popular offering. It includes coverage for both minor and major dental procedures. It’s a good option for individuals who need more than just preventive care but don’t want to pay for the highest-tier plan.
What’s Covered:
- Preventive care is fully covered, just like in the Starter Plan.
- Basic services, including fillings, simple extractions, root canals, and deep cleanings, are covered at 50-80%. There is also no waiting period for these services.
- Major dental work, including crowns, dentures, and implants, is covered at 50%. However, these procedures do have a 6-12 month waiting period before coverage begins.
- Orthodontic coverage is limited to children, covering 50% of the cost up to a $500 lifetime maximum.
Costs and Limitations:
- Annual maximum starts at $1,000 in the first year, increasing to $1,500 by year three.
- Implant coverage is limited to a $1,000 lifetime maximum – which is quite low considering a single implant can cost over $3,000.
- Monthly premiums typically range from $30-$40 per month, depending on your state.
- The deductible is $50 per person per year.
Is the Advantage Achiever Plan Right for You?
If you want coverage for both routine and major services, this plan offers decent middle-ground protection. However, the low annual maximums and long waiting periods for major procedures mean you might still have significant out-of-pocket expenses if you need major dental work.
Advantage Diamond Plan: Highest Coverage
This is Guardian’s most comprehensive plan, designed for people who need extensive dental care and want coverage for more than just the basics.
It’s also the only plan that includes benefits for cosmetic procedures (like teeth whitening).
What’s Covered:
- Preventive care is fully covered, as with the other plans.
- Basic care, such as fillings and deep cleanings, is covered at 50-80% with no waiting period.
- Major services, including crowns, dentures, and implants, are covered at 50%. However, there is still a 6-12 month waiting period before you can use these benefits.
- Orthodontic benefits remain limited to children, covering 50% of the cost up to a $500 lifetime max.
- Teeth whitening is covered up to $500 per year (a rare benefit among dental plans).
Costs and Limitations:
- Annual maximum is $1,500 per year.
- Implants lifetime maximum is only $1,000, which remains a major downside for those needing extensive dental work.
- Monthly premiums range from $45-$55 per month, depending on your location.
- The deductible is $50 per person per year.
Is the Advantage Diamond Plan Right for You?
If you want more coverage for major work and some cosmetic benefits, this plan is better than the others. However, the annual maximum is still low compared to competitors, and the implant coverage is minimal.
Next, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of Guardian Dental.
Pros and Cons of Guardian Dental Insurance
Pros:
Affordable Monthly Premiums – Plans start as low as $15 per month, making it one of the more budget-friendly options. This is perfect for individuals and families who want simple coverage without spending a fortune. Just remember that lower premiums often come with trade-offs in coverage limits.
Large Network of Dentists – Over 130,000+ in-network providers means you have a high chance of keeping your current dentist. This is particularly useful if you live in a metropolitan area, where network participation is generally higher. If you travel frequently or move, the wide network ensures that you can find an in-network dentist in most locations.
No Waiting Periods for Preventive and Basic Care – Most plans allow immediate access to cleanings, exams, fillings, and extractions. This is a major advantage over competitors that impose a 6-12 month waiting period even for routine services. However, major services still have waiting periods, which can be a drawback.
Simple Online Enrollment and Member Portal – Signing up is straightforward, and the digital member portal allows you to easily manage claims, track benefits, and make payments. But, some customers report occasional website navigation issues.
Guaranteed Approval – No enrollment fees or restrictions; anyone can sign up regardless of pre-existing conditions. This is helpful for individuals who may have been denied coverage elsewhere.
Cons:
Low Annual Maximums – $1,000 in Year 1, $1,500 by Year 3. While this amount might be enough for cleanings, exams, and occasional fillings, it quickly becomes inadequate if you need major work like a crown or root canal, which can easily exceed the annual cap. Many competitors offer $2,000-$3,000 annual maximums, with some even offering unlimited coverage.
Limited Implant Coverage – The $1,000 lifetime maximum for implants is far below what is needed for a single implant, which typically costs between $3,000-$5,000. Many dental plans don’t cover implants at all, but some competitors provide much more generous implant benefits, such as $1,500 per year rather than a lifetime limit.
Waiting Periods for Major Services – While preventive care has no waiting period, crowns, root canals, dentures, and implants typically require a 6-12 month wait before coverage kicks in. This can be a major inconvenience if you need immediate treatment.
Weak Orthodontic Coverage – Guardian only provides limited orthodontic benefits for children (typically 50% coverage up to $500 lifetime). However, adult orthodontics are not covered at all, making this plan a poor choice for anyone considering braces or clear aligners like Invisalign.
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In a nutshell:
Guardian may not be the best fit if you need a plan that provides comprehensive major dental coverage.
Competitors like Ameritas offer higher annual maximums (up to $5,000), better implant coverage, and, in some cases, no waiting periods for major work.
Ameritas vs. Guardian Dental Insurance
When you compare Guardian Dental and Ameritas Dental, it’s clear that Ameritas has better coverage, higher annual maximums, and more flexibility.
Here’s a detailed comparison to help you determine which provider is the best fit for you.
#1. Annual Maximums
Guardian Dental offers a maximum of $1,500 per year, increasing from $1,000 in the first year to $1,500 by the third year. This cap is one of the lowest in the industry, making it difficult to afford major dental work.
On the other hand, Ameritas provides up to $3,000 per year after the first year on its most comprehensive plan. Some of its plans also offer increasing annual benefits over time, ensuring better long-term coverage.
Winner: Ameritas – Guardian’s low annual maximums make it a poor choice for those needing significant dental work.
#2. Coverage for Major Procedures
Guardian Dental covers 50% of major procedures, but only after a waiting period of 6-12 months. Additionally, implant coverage is limited to a $1,000 lifetime maximum, which barely covers the cost of a single implant.
In contrast, Ameritas covers up to 50% of major procedures, with increasing coverage percentages after the first year. More importantly, implant coverage is included in some plans at up to $2,000 per year rather than a one-time lifetime limit.
Winner: Ameritas—With better implant coverage and higher reimbursement percentages for major procedures, Ameritas offers more substantial benefits.
#3. Waiting Periods
Guardian requires a 6-12 month waiting period for major dental work, meaning if you need a crown or implant soon, you’ll have to wait before the plan provides any financial help.
Ameritas, however, has no waiting periods for many plans, including major services. This is a game-changer for those needing immediate dental care and cannot wait months for coverage.
Winner: Ameritas – The lack of waiting periods makes Ameritas an excellent choice for those who need dental work immediately.
#4. Network Size
Guardian provides access to 130,000 in-network dentists, which is decent but not industry-leading.
Ameritas offers a much larger network with over 500,000 dentists, making it easier to find a participating provider, especially in rural or suburban areas.
Winner: Ameritas – A larger network means more provider options and better accessibility.
#5. Orthodontic Coverage
Guardian only covers child orthodontics at 50%, but only up to a lifetime maximum of $500. Adult orthodontics are not covered at all.
Ameritas covers child orthodontics at 50%, with higher coverage limits than Guardian. Some Ameritas plans even include adult orthodontics, making it a better option for those considering Invisalign or traditional braces.
Winner: Ameritas – Guardian’s limited orthodontic coverage is a major disadvantage, especially for adults.
#6. Additional Perks
Guardian Dental provides basic dental coverage only, with no added benefits.
Ameritas, however, includes vision and hearing benefits in many plans, allowing enrollees to bundle their dental insurance with additional coverage.
Winner: Ameritas – More value for your money with additional coverage options.
Ameritas vs. Guardian Dental Insurance – Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Guardian Dental | Ameritas Dental |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Maximums | $1,000-$1,500 per year | Up to $3,000 per year |
| Major Services Coverage | 50% after 6-12 months | 50% with increasing benefits |
| Implant Coverage | $1,000 lifetime max | Up to $2,000 per year |
| Waiting Periods | 6-12 months for major services | No waiting periods on many plans |
| Network Size | 130,000 dentists | 500,000+ access points |
| Orthodontic Coverage | Limited, child-only, $500 max | Covers both children and adults |
| Additional Benefits | None | Includes vision & hearing coverage |
Final Verdict: Ameritas Wins
Ameritas gives you higher annual maximums, better implant coverage, no waiting periods, and a larger provider network, making it a better choice than Guardian Dental.
Guardian may work only for those who need basic preventive coverage. Still, its low annual maximums, poor implant coverage, long waiting periods, and weak orthodontic benefits make it a less competitive option.
👉 For better coverage, fewer restrictions, and higher value, Ameritas is the superior choice for dental insurance.
How to Choose the Right Dental Plan
Picking the right dental insurance plan takes some thought. A lot of people only look at the monthly premiums, but there’s more to a plan’s value than just the cost.
Here are the main things to keep in mind when choosing a dental plan.
Annual Maximums – How Much Will the Plan Cover?
The annual maximum is the total amount your insurance will pay toward dental care each year. If you need major procedures like crowns, implants, or root canals, a low annual maximum can result in high out-of-pocket costs. Many people are surprised to find that they have to cover the full cost of additional treatments once they hit their plan’s limit.
- Look for plans with annual maximums of at least $1,500-$2,000+. This ensures better coverage for multiple procedures if needed.
Premium plans (like Ameritas) offer unlimited annual benefits. Some providers remove the cap on annual benefits entirely, which is ideal for those expecting frequent dental work.
Avoid plans with $1,000 or lower annual maximums, as they may not cover much beyond routine cleanings and a minor procedure.
Major Procedures – What’s Covered?
Some plans only cover preventive care, which might seem sufficient until you need an expensive dental procedure. Crowns, root canals, dentures, and especially implants can cost thousands of dollars; without proper coverage, those costs fall entirely on you.
- Look for plans that cover at least 50% or more of major services. Many dental plans have tiered coverage, meaning the longer you stay on the plan, the more they cover.
If you need implants, check for implant-specific coverage. Some plans, like Ameritas, offer up to $2,000 per year for implants, while others, like Guardian, have a much lower lifetime max of $1,000.
Avoid plans that don’t cover major work or that impose restrictive lifetime caps on implants and dentures, as these procedures often require multiple visits and ongoing care.
Waiting Periods – Can You Use the Coverage Right Away?
Many dental plans impose waiting periods of 6-12 months for major services, meaning you have to pay out-of-pocket until the coverage kicks in. This can be frustrating if you sign up expecting immediate coverage for a crown or implant.
- Look for plans with no waiting period for preventive and basic services. This ensures you can start using the plan for checkups, cleanings, and fillings immediately.
Some premium plans waive waiting periods for major work if you can show proof of prior coverage. If you’re switching plans, look for options that offer continuous coverage.
Avoid plans that force you to wait over a year before covering essential procedures like root canals, crowns, or implants. If you anticipate needing work done soon, a long waiting period can make a plan virtually useless.
Network Size – Will Your Dentist Accept It?
PPO dental plans allow you to visit any dentist, but you’ll save significantly more by staying in-network. A more extensive network means more provider options and a better chance of keeping your current dentist.
- Look for plans with at least 200,000+ providers for strong availability, ensuring you have multiple options within your area.
Ameritas offers 500,000+ access points, making it one of the largest networks available, increasing flexibility for those who move frequently or need specialized dental care. Guardian has a smaller network (130,000 dentists), which may limit options, especially in rural areas.
You may face higher out-of-pocket costs if your preferred dentist isn’t in-network.
With these factors in mind, you can choose a dental insurance plan that strikes the right balance between cost, coverage, and convenience—so you’re not caught off guard by unexpected expenses when you need care.
Bottom Line
Guardian Dental offers an affordable option for individuals needing basic dental coverage. With lower premiums and a broad network of providers, it may be a good fit for those looking for only preventive care and minor procedures.
But with low annual maximums, limited implant coverage, waiting periods for major services, and minimal orthodontic benefits, it’s not the best choice for anyone needing a lot of dental work.
On the other hand, Ameritas Dental provides significantly better benefits, including higher annual maximums, stronger implant coverage, no waiting periods on many plans, and orthodontic benefits that extend to adults.
Need help comparing dental plans? Contact us today—we’re here to help!
Sources: Ameritas Dental | Guardian Dental
FAQs
- Does Guardian Dental cover dental implants?
- Are there waiting periods with Guardian and Ameritas dental plans?
- How do the annual maximums compare between Guardian and Ameritas?
- Which provider has a larger dentist network?
- Which provider offers better coverage for major procedures?
