For most people, routine dental check-ups are recommended twice a year, which may involve teeth cleaning and other dental treatments that can soon add up in cost. Unless you're covered by a comprehensive dental insurance policy, giving your teeth the required care and attention to keep them healthy and looking good could prove prohibitively expensive, especially if you need more than just preventive treatments based on your dentist's recommendations.

Even the most common dental procedures such as fillings can cost hundreds of pounds, depending on the dentist, while more intensive treatments such as extractions and implants can be even more expensive. Fortunately, you can usually avoid paying most or all of these costs when you choose a dental insurance policy that offers sufficient cover.

Visiting the dentist for checks and treatments is an important part of your overall health care, and should not be avoided due to concerns over the cost. Paying monthly premiums for dental insurance can be well worth it when you consider the savings you will be making in the event that you need treatment, and knowing you're covered can also give you greater peace of mind. If you have a spouse or children, searching for dental insurance plans that also cover your family could give you even greater financial security.

You won't always have to take out dental insurance yourself either, if your employer offers this type of insurance as a form of employee benefit. Many employers now subsidise either part of the insurance plan or occasionally even pay for the insurance in full, which can be mutually beneficial for improving the satisfaction of employees and helping companies to attract and retain workers. Business owners may be able to obtain special rates when purchasing dental insurance plans for multiple employees.

Like other types of insurance, there are different levels of dental insurance available, with some offering greater levels of cover than others. Some may simply cover the cost of routine checkups and cleaning procedures, but not subsidise a significant proportion of the cost of treatments. Some dental insurance plans are based on reimbursement, which require the employee to pay up-front first, while others may cover the costs at all stages.

When evaluating dental insurance policies from different companies, check factors such as whether X-rays are included, as these are recommended once a year to allow dentists to keep track of changes in your teeth, gums and jaws.

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