Best Dental Insurance Providers in Texas
Choosing dental insurance in Texas can be overwhelming, especially with so many options that vary in cost, coverage, and network size.
This guide outlines the top dental insurance providers available across the state, based on plan features, availability, and overall value for individuals and families.
We’ve reviewed the most commonly selected plans from leading insurers and focused on those that offer clear benefits - including preventive care, coverage for major services, and flexibility in choosing dentists.
Whether you're looking for a basic plan for routine cleanings or a more comprehensive option that includes major procedures and orthodontics, the companies listed below represent some of the strongest choices in the Texas market.
Best Dental Insurance Companies in Texas
With over 29 million residents and 16,000+ dentists, Texas offers a competitive dental insurance market.
Based on expert research and sales data, the following companies stand out for coverage, pricing, and consumer value.
#1. Delta Dental – Popular Texas Plans With Immediate Coverage Options
Delta Dental is one of the most well-known and widely accepted dental insurance providers in Texas.
Their PPO plans offer strong coverage for preventive care and access to a large provider network, while their prepaid DeltaCare® USA plan provides budget-friendly, fixed-cost coverage for in-network care.
Key Features:
- Large Texas PPO network (8,000+ dentists)
- No waiting periods on preventive and basic services
- Coverage available for major services, orthodontics, and implants (depending on the plan)
- Prepaid plan option with fixed copays and no annual maximum
- Strong brand reputation and long-standing presence in Texas
Delta Dental Plan Offerings
Delta Dental PPO™ Premium Plan
- Estimated Monthly Premium: Around $45–$55
- Annual Maximum: Up to $2,000
- Preventive Care: Covered 100% immediately
- Basic Services (e.g., fillings, simple extractions): Covered with no waiting period
- Major Services (e.g., crowns, root canals): Covered at 50% after a short waiting period (typically 6–12 months)
- Implants and Orthodontics: Included with waiting periods
Best for: Texans who want strong all-around coverage and can wait a few months for major services to kick in.
Delta Dental PPO™ Basic Plan
- Estimated Monthly Premium: Around $20–$30
- Annual Maximum: Around $1,000
- Preventive Care: Covered fully
- Basic Services: Covered at a lower percentage
- Major Services, Implants, Orthodontics: Not included
Best for: Individuals who want affordable, preventive-focused coverage with some help on simple dental procedures.
DeltaCare® USA TXA70 (Prepaid Plan)
- Estimated Monthly Cost: Roughly $10–$15, often billed annually
- No annual maximum or deductibles
- No waiting periods - coverage starts day one
- Fixed copays (e.g., $20 for fillings, $40 for deep cleanings, $495 for implants)
- Orthodontics: Substantial discount coverage available for both adults and children
Note: Requires selecting and using a primary care dentist in the DeltaCare USA network.
Best for: Shoppers who want predictable out-of-pocket costs and are okay staying in-network.
Summary
Delta Dental offers a mix of flexibility, value, and trusted coverage - from simple cleanings to more complex procedures like implants and braces.
Whether you want a traditional PPO with broader dentist choice or a prepaid plan with set copays, Delta provides options that work for different budgets and dental needs.
#2. Ameritas – Great for Families, Cosmetic Needs, and Quick Access
Ameritas offers one of the most versatile dental insurance lineups in Texas, with strong national network access, optional cosmetic coverage, and no waiting periods on many services.
Their plans are especially popular with individuals and families who want a quick start, coverage for procedures like teeth whitening or implants, and the flexibility to see any dentist.
Key Features:
- No waiting periods on preventive, basic, and even major services
- Nationwide Classic PPO network (ideal for frequent travelers or snowbirds)
- Implant and teeth whitening coverage available in most plans
- Child orthodontia available in select plans
- Increasing annual maximums over time (up to $3,000)
- Hearing benefits included on higher-tier plans
Ameritas Dental Plan Offerings
PrimeStar® Complete
- Estimated Monthly Premium: $45–$55
- Annual Max: Starts at $2,500, increases to $3,000 after year one
- Preventive Care: 100% covered from day one
- Basic Services (fillings, extractions): 80% day one, 90% after year one
- Major Services (crowns, dentures, implants): 20% day one, 50% after year one
- Includes Hearing Benefits: Hearing exams and aid discounts included
Best for: Individuals who want maximum coverage and flexibility, including hearing care.
PrimeStar® Boost
- Estimated Monthly Premium: $40–$50
- Annual Max: Starts at $1,500, increases to $2,000 after year one
- Preventive Care: 100% covered immediately
- Basic Services: 65% day one, 80% after year one
- Major Services: 20% day one, 50% after year one
- Child Orthodontics: 15% day one, 50% after year one (lifetime max: $1,000)
- Covers Teeth Whitening and Implants
Best for: Families who want orthodontic coverage, implants, and cosmetic procedures.
PrimeStar® Lite
- Estimated Monthly Premium: $20–$30
- Annual Max: Starts at $750, increases to $1,500 after year one
- Preventive Care: 100% covered
- Basic Services: 50% day one, 80% after year one
- Major Services: 10% day one, 20% after year one
Best for: Healthy individuals looking for affordable preventive coverage with some support for basic and major services over time.
Summary
Ameritas stands out in Texas for offering fast-start dental plans with strong long-term benefits.
With cosmetic coverage (like teeth whitening), child orthodontia, and hearing benefits on higher-tier plans, it’s one of the most well-rounded carriers available - especially for families, retirees, or anyone needing flexibility and value.
#3. Guardian – Great Value With Increasing Benefits Over Time
Guardian’s dental insurance plans in Texas offer strong long-term value - especially for individuals and families who plan to keep their coverage for several years.
With a broad PPO network and no waiting periods for preventive or basic care on most plans, Guardian is a solid pick if you’re thinking ahead.
Key Features:
- Five PPO plan levels to choose from (Premier, Diamond, Achiever, Core, Starter)
- Preventive and basic care covered immediately on most plans
- Major services, orthodontics, and teeth whitening available with waiting periods
- Annual maximums grow year over year for higher-tier plans
- Implants and orthodontics included on mid and upper-tier plans
- Access to over 130,000 in-network providers nationwide
Guardian Dental Plan Offerings
Most Popular: Premier Plan
- Starting Monthly Premium: Around $55–$65/month
- Preventive Care: 100%, available day one
- Basic Care: 80%, available day one
- Major Services: 60%, 12-month waiting period
- Orthodontics (under 19): 60%, 12-month waiting period
- Teeth Whitening: 50%, 6-month waiting period
- Annual Max: $3,000/year
- Lifetime Maxs: Implants: $1,000 | Orthodontics: $1,000 | Teeth Whitening: $500/year
- Deductibles: $50 for all services (except preventive in-network, which is $0)
Best for: Individuals or families who want full-featured dental coverage and are willing to wait for major benefits to unlock.
Summary
Guardian offers flexible PPO plans with a clear path for coverage growth.
The Premier and Diamond tiers are strong choices for those who want comprehensive benefits, including orthodontics, implants, and whitening.
Even their entry-level Starter plan includes preventive care and a growing annual benefit.
#4. Cigna – Best for Bundled Benefits and Hearing/Vision Coverage
Cigna offers a well-rounded selection of dental plans in Texas, including unique bundled options that combine dental, vision, and hearing into a single policy.
These plans are a great fit for seniors, retirees, or anyone who wants to manage multiple health needs under one provider.
Key Features:
- PPO dental network with the option to visit any licensed dentist
- Bundled plans available with vision and hearing coverage
- Plans with no waiting periods on preventive care
- Coverage for dental implants (with some waiting periods)
- Discounts on orthodontia and high annual benefit maximums
- Vision benefits up to $300, hearing up to $700
Cigna Dental Plan Offerings
Featured Plan: Cigna Dental Vision Hearing 3500
- Estimated Monthly Premium: Around $60–$65
- Annual Dental Maximum: $2,500 per year
- Vision Benefit: Up to $300/year
- Hearing Benefit: Up to $700/year
- Dental Implant Coverage: Lifetime max of $2,000 (12-month wait)
Cigna’s Dental Vision Hearing 3500 plan is designed to offer well-rounded support, especially for those managing multiple health needs.
Preventive care like cleanings and exams is fully covered after a deductible, helping you stay on top of routine visits.
Major services, including procedures like crowns and root canals, are available on higher-tier plans but may come with a waiting period.
While you can visit any licensed dentist, you'll typically save more by using someone in-network.
In addition to dental care, this plan adds real value for older adults by bundling in vision and hearing benefits, making it a convenient option for more comprehensive coverage.
Other Cigna Plan Options
- Cigna Dental 1000 & 1500 – Affordable plans with basic dental coverage
- Cigna Dental 3000 – Higher annual max (up to $3,000) for major procedures
- Cigna Dental Vision 1000 – Basic dental with vision add-on
- Cigna Preventive Plan – Entry-level plan with low premium and preventive-only care
Summary
Cigna’s bundled Dental Vision Hearing 3500 plan is one of the most comprehensive personal health options in Texas.
It’s ideal for seniors or anyone who wants to combine services for simplicity, savings, and broad coverage - particularly for dental implants, vision exams, and hearing aids.
Which Dental Plan Is Best for You?
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. The right dental plan depends on what you need - not just the monthly cost.
If you're new to shopping for dental insurance, you’re not alone. Most Texans we work with just want something that makes sense for their lifestyle and doesn’t surprise them with big out-of-pocket bills.
Here are some of the most common situations we see - and the plans that usually fit best:
You’re on a Budget and Just Want the Basics
Good fit if: You get your cleanings and checkups every year but rarely need much else.
Consider these plans:
- Ameritas PrimeStar® Lite – Affordable and covers the basics like exams, cleanings, and X-rays.
- Delta Dental PPO Basic – Solid preventive coverage at a lower price, with the option to upgrade later if needed.
Tip: Preventive-only plans are usually great for healthy mouths. Just make sure you're okay with limited or no coverage for things like fillings or crowns.
You Travel a Lot and Need Flexibility
Good fit if: You’re on the road often, live part-time in another state, or just want a plan that works wherever you are.
Consider these plans:
- Ameritas PrimeStar® Complete – Offers nationwide access with no waiting periods on many services.
- Cigna Dental Vision Hearing 3500 – Great all-in-one plan with a large PPO network and added hearing and vision coverage.
Tip: PPO plans work well for travelers because you’re not tied to just one small local network.
You Have a Teen Who Might Need Braces
Good fit if: You’re a parent planning ahead for orthodontic care - or already in the thick of it.
Consider these plans:
- Delta Dental for Everyone Platinum – Includes orthodontic benefits and strong family coverage.
- Guardian Advantage Diamond – Offers both braces and broader long-term coverage.
Tip: Not all dental plans cover braces, so make sure you specifically look for orthodontic benefits if that’s on your radar.
You Want Predictable Costs (Maybe Need a Crown Soon)
Good fit if: You want to know what you’ll owe ahead of time and avoid surprise bills.
Consider these plans:
- Guardian Advantage Achiever – Coverage improves the longer you keep the plan, making it ideal for big procedures later on.
- Cigna Dental 1500 Plan – Balances cost with solid coverage for bigger-ticket services like crowns and root canals.
Tip: Look for plans with growing annual maximums or fixed copays - it’s easier to budget when you know what’s coming.
You’re Retired or Have a Chronic Condition
Good fit if: You’re managing conditions like diabetes or heart disease - or just want more support as you age.
Consider these plans:
- Cigna Dental Vision Hearing 3500 – Includes hearing and vision benefits in addition to dental.
- Delta Dental Immediate Coverage Plan – Covers many services right away with no long wait.
Tip: Some plans include extra benefits if you have certain health conditions - ask about wellness perks or chronic care support.
You Want an Inexpensive Plan That Still Covers Fillings
Good fit if: You want more than just preventive care but still need to keep costs low.
Consider these plans:
- Delta Dental PPO Basic – Affordable and includes basic services like fillings.
- Guardian Core Plan – Offers a nice balance of cost and coverage.
- Cigna Preventive Plan – Covers cleanings and X-rays, with options to add more if needed.
Tip: Watch for “basic care” coverage - it usually includes fillings and simple extractions.
You Need Dental Work Done ASAP - No Waiting
Good fit if: You’ve got a toothache, cracked tooth, or just can’t wait months for coverage to kick in.
Consider these plans:
- Ameritas Hollywood Smile Premier Plus 2000 – Covers preventive care immediately and includes basic work.
- Delta Dental Immediate Coverage Plan – You’re covered for most services right away.
Tip: Plans with no waiting periods are great if you need care now, not next year. Double-check if major services (like crowns) are included.
Bottom Line
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with choices - but the good news is there really is something for everyone.
Whether you’re looking for peace of mind, full-family coverage, or something to help with an urgent dental issue, these plan options are a great starting point.
Final Thoughts
In Texas, we’ve found that Delta Dental is a great choice for preventive-focused shoppers who want simplicity and trust a big-name provider.
Ameritas gives you the most bang for your buck if you need something fast, flexible, and effective - especially with no waiting periods.
Guardian stands out for long-term value and orthodontic options, while Cigna is a solid pick if you want dental and vision together.”
Here’s a quick recap of who each company works best for:
- Delta Dental: Great for cleanings, checkups, and routine care. Simple and reliable.
- Ameritas: Ideal if you want quick coverage, national network access, or plans that include cosmetic and implant options.
- Guardian: Best for families or individuals planning to stick with a plan and take advantage of increasing benefits over time.
- Cigna: Perfect if you want bundled dental, vision, and hearing - especially for seniors or those managing chronic conditions.
Need help figuring out which is best for your situation? That’s what we do every day - feel free to reach out, and we’ll walk you through it.
FAQs
If you need something like a crown, root canal, or denture soon, Ameritas and Delta Dental offer great options with no waiting periods for many services:Ameritas Hollywood Smile Premier Plus 2000Delta Dental Immediate Coverage PlanStill, always read the fine print - some plans offer immediate preventive care but may still delay coverage for major services unless explicitly waived.
Yes - mostly. All of the plans we feature use PPO networks, which means you can see any dentist you want and save more when you stay in-network. Prepaid plans like DHMOs (which require assigned dentists) aren’t part of our top recommendations because they’re more limiting, but if cost is your top concern, they’re something to consider.
A PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) lets you visit almost any licensed dentist and often includes partial coverage out-of-network. A prepaid or DHMO plan usually requires you to select a primary dentist and stick within a closed network, but it often comes with lower costs and fixed copays.
Yes. The Cigna Dental Vision Hearing 3500 plan bundles all three into one policy. It’s a strong option for older adults or anyone who wants to manage multiple health needs under one provider, with benefits for eye exams, hearing aids, and comprehensive dental care.
Yes. Guardian Advantage Diamond and Delta Dental’s higher-tier PPO plans include orthodontic coverage for children under 19. These usually have a 12-month waiting period and lifetime maximum benefit caps, so it's best to enroll early if braces are likely.
With nearly 15 years of experience in the insurance industry, Matt Kiggins is the Senior Editor at Texas Insurance Guide and a seasoned Health & Life Agent licensed in multiple states, including Texas (#1585860). He is also the co-founder of Policy Guide, a respected insurance agency based in Pensacola, FL. Matt has built his career on one simple principle: people deserve clear, honest guidance when making some of life’s most important healthcare decisions.
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