How They Work
Dental Insurance (e.g., Aetna PPO & DMO)
Coverage structure: You pay premiums + deductible + coinsurance for basic/major care.
Benefits: Preventive typically covered at 100%, with tiered coverages (e.g., 50% basic, 50% major).
Costs: Average PPO premiums range $20–$50/mo; deductibles $50–$150 annually; annual benefit cap $1K+
Discount Plan (Aetna Vital Savings via Vativis)
Mechanism: Pay a low monthly fee, free with higher plans + discounts directly at provider visits.
Features:
15–50% off cleanings, crowns, braces, implants, etc.
No waiting periods or annual limits on usage.
Pricing:
Plus Rx + Mental + Telemedicine: $59/mo individual, $103/mo family
2. Real-World Savings Comparison
Procedure | Aetna PPO Coverage | Discount Plan (Vital Savings) | You Might Pay |
Adult cleaning | $0 (preventive) | 15–50% off (e.g., $65 vs. $118) | ~$65 |
Crown (PFM) | 50% of negotiated ~$774 | Discount ~$817 → You pay ~$817–895 | ~$774 vs ~$817 |
Root canal (molar) | 50% of negotiated ~$810 | Discount ~$336 | 🔍 You pay less with discount plan |
Takeaway: With higher-cost procedures, the discount plan often wins. PPO may cover preventive well, but major care costs add up after deductibles and coinsurance.
Network & Access
Aetna PPO/DMO:
PPO: Broad, national network; access OR with slightly higher costs
DMO: Lower cost, must choose a primary dental office; no form filing, no max out-of-pocket
Vital Savings Card via Vativis:
Across 260k+ dentists nationally
No restrictions, no referrals, cancel anytime.
Which Plan Is Best if...
You rarely visit: Discount plan at $59/mo beats paying premium + no claims.
You need major work: Discount plan wins with big savings on root canals, crowns, braces.
Prefer preventative + reliability: Aetna PPO is ideal if you want full coverage on routine care with predictable costs.
Small business (3–10 employees): Discount plan avoids discovering variable PPO premiums, encourages more usage, and simplifies management.
Vativis Advantage – Powered by Aetna
Largest Aetna network access: both insurance (PPO/DMO) and discount plans.
One platform: Sign up, manage plan, and compare costs easily.
Flexible pricing: Individual/family options, add prescription with Plus card.
User-friendly tools: On the spot savings, mobilized cost estimation, and no paperwork.
Ready to choose?
Compare plans & join instantly on Vativis – starting at just $34/mo
Not an insurance expert? Talk to a specialist for free guidance.
Small business dental plans
Savings with the Vativis dental plan
FAQ
Q1: Can a discount plan really beat insurance?
A: Yes — especially on major procedures. Discount plans offer immediate, unlimited savings without waiting periods or claim hassles.
Q2: Are there network restrictions?
A: The Aetna Vital Savings card works at 260K+ providers nationwide. Always verify acceptance beforehand.
Q3: What does "Plus" include?
A: Prescription drug discounts (up to 60% generic, 12% brand) + vision/hearing savings — bundled with dental at just a few dollars more monthly.
Q4: Do discount plans count as insurance?
A: No. They're not insurance—they're savings programs. If you require insurance for regulatory reasons, pair the card with a high-deductible PPO plan.
Final Verdict
✔️ Routine preventive only? Aetna PPO will likely cover all costs.
✔️ Need major dental procedures? Go for the Aetna Vital Savings discount card through Vativis – you could save hundreds or more annually.
✔️ Running a small team? A transparent, cost-effective discount plan is often the clearest choice.