How do people afford Dental Care?

I live in Southern California and have Safeguard Dental Insurance. Even with dental insurance, my dental work is breaking me. How do people afford to keep up needed dental care? Is there some type of dental insurance that covers a lot of the cost? All replies are very appreciated.
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dental insurance is extremely expensive - the better coverage you want, the higher the premium and/or deductibles and co-pays will be... i'd suggest that you first figure out approximately how much per year it costs you out of pocket (on average) with the coverage you currently have - then shop around and see if there is any coverage plan that will actually save you money after the additional premium and/or increased deductible is factored in...that way, you'll have a much better idea as to whether or not switching plans would be right for you....most likely, unfortunately, it won't - in which case, i'd create a dental budget for the year - each month, set aside 1/12th of your average cost per year for dental expenses....use money from that fund to cover dental expenses first. if you end up having excess funds at the end of the year, you can then apply it toward's next year's monthly dental budget - thereby reducing the amount you need to save each month, and having more money available to spend on other things.
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