It is important that when buying dental insurance whether it is for yourself or for your family to understand the plan limitations.  One such limitation which is common on most PPO and Indemnity insurance plans (yet can also be found in some HMO)  would the plan waiting periods.

A waiting period is the time period you will need to have the plan before certain coverages are made effective under the plan. Generally you will not have waiting periods for preventive dental services such as X-rays and basic cleanings. Yet depending on the plan you may around a six month waiting period for basic services such as a filling and a year or more for major services such as a crown.

These waiting periods helps the company earn premium in order to pay for future larger dental services as well as avoid the person that out to buy dental insurance to fix one issue and turn around to cancel right after.