Is it normal to have to pay out-of-pocket?

Yes. Unlike traditional insurance, dental benefits are not meant to cover all oral healthcare needs. The dental policy is simply a benefit to offset a portion of your cost of care. Your dental coverage is not based on what you need or what your dentist recommends. It is based on how much your employer pays into the plan. Our office will file claims and estimate your coverage for you, but if the insurance company declines to pay, any portion of the bill not covered by insurance is your responsibility. Luckily, our office provides some of the most flexible payment options around to help you manage any out-of-pocket expenses.