Aspen Dental Savings Plan: What It Covers and How It Compares (2026)
Last updated: August 2026
Short answer
Aspen Dental has its own in-house savings plan at $49/year for the primary member, cheaper than most national savings plans. The catch: it only works at Aspen Dental offices. National plans like Careington cost $129/year but work nationwide, cover specialist orthodontics Aspen excludes, and often discount major work more deeply (up to 60% vs Aspen's flat 20%).
By The Dental Savings Editors·Reviewed August 2026·We earn commission when you enroll. We don't get paid to rank plans.
Aspen does not publish one fixed nationwide cash list. Fees vary by office. What is fixed is the Savings Plan discount schedule already on this page. Typical in-office ranges from the table below:
Membership: $49/year primary member, +$29/year each extra household member
Exam + X-rays + cleaning: ~$200–350 without a plan; $0 included for members (100% off exams and X-rays, 30% off cleanings)
Filling: ~$150–250 without a plan; 15% off (~$130–215)
Crown: ~$900–1,500 without a plan; 20% off (~$720–1,200)
Implant: ~$3,000–5,000 without a plan; 20% off (~$2,400–4,000)
Not covered: specialist orthodontics and other specialist services are excluded
Careington nationwide contrast, already on this page: same procedures at independent dentists typically run lower (crown ~$300–500, implant ~$1,200–2,000) at 20–60% off, $129/year individual plus a $20 processing fee. This page does not enroll you into Aspen.
Aspen Dental has its own in-house savings plan at $49/year for the primary member — cheaper than most national savings plans. The catch: it only works at Aspen Dental offices. National plans like Careington cost $129/year but work at one of the largest dentist networks in the U.S., cover specialist-performed orthodontics and oral surgery (which Aspen's plan excludes entirely), and often deliver deeper discounts on major work. What Aspen's plan does well: free exams and X-rays for members, 30% off cleanings, 15% off fillings, and 20% off crowns, implants, and dentures — all at Aspen locations. The honest bottom line: if you already go to Aspen and plan to stay there, $49/year is hard to beat. If you want your own dentist, need specialist work, or want higher discounts on crowns and implants, a national plan wins despite the higher price. The full comparison, procedure-level pricing, and an honest look at when each option makes sense are below.
If you're not already an Aspen Dental regular, Careington is the better pick — $12.95/mo, one of the largest U.S. networks, 20–60% savings, no waiting periods.
Anyone wanting their own dentist or specialist access
Procedure Price Comparison
What you'd actually pay at Aspen Dental (with and without their plan) compared to Careington 500 and Aetna Dental Access. Prices are typical ranges — your actual cost depends on the specific office.
Procedure
Aspen (no plan)
Aspen Savings Plan
Careington 500
Aetna Dental Access
Exam + X-rays + Cleaning
~$200–350
$0 (included)
~$50–80
~$50–80
Single filling
~$150–250
15% off (~$130–215)
~$60–100
~$70–110
Crown
~$900–1,500
20% off (~$720–1,200)
~$300–500
~$350–550
Root canal (molar)
~$900–1,400
20% off if in-office (~$720–1,120); excluded if specialist
~$400–700
~$450–750
Implant
~$3,000–5,000
20% off (~$2,400–4,000)
~$1,200–2,000
~$1,300–2,200
Simple extraction
~$130–500
Not listed — may vary
~$100–200
~$110–220
Full denture (per arch)
~$1,000–3,000
20%+ off (~$800–2,400)
~$720–1,440
~$780–1,560
Clear aligners (in-office)
Full price at Aspen without plan
10% off
20–60% off at network orthodontists
20–50% off, network-dependent
Specialist orthodontics (braces)
Full price — no plan discount
Excluded (specialist services not covered)
20–60% off at network orthodontists
20–50% off, network-dependent
Non-Aspen price ranges are drawn from our national dental cost index. Aspen's 20% figure applies to its published discount schedule; it does not extend to orthodontics at all, which is the one procedure category where Aspen's plan offers nothing.
Want those Careington-level discounts nationwide?
Careington starts at $12.95/mo and works at one of the largest U.S. dentist networks, not locked to Aspen offices, with no waiting periods. Enroll in Careington →
The Breakeven Math
At $49/year, Aspen's plan breaks even fast. The included free exam and X-rays are worth roughly $200–350 at typical dental fees — more than four times the plan cost. Use Aspen for one routine visit and you're already ahead.
• Plan cost: $49/yr
• Free exam + X-rays value: ~$200–350 (free for members)
• Net savings on first visit alone: ~$151–301 before any other discounts
• Careington at $129/yr breaks even when discount savings exceed $99 — typically one cleaning or filling.
Procedure
You save (20% off)
Net after $49 fee
Crown
$180–300
$131–251
Root canal (general dentist)
$180–280
$131–231
Implant
$600–1,000
$551–951
Full denture (per arch)
$200–600
$151–551
Net figures are the dollar difference between the with/without-plan ranges in the procedure table above, minus the $49/year primary-member fee. A family of four pays $136/year total ($49 + 3 × $29) — free exams and X-rays plus the 30% cleaning discount apply to every member, so one discounted procedure clears the fee.
The case for Careington despite the higher cost: a nationwide choice of dentists (vs Aspen-only), up to 60% off major work (vs Aspen's 20%), and full specialist coverage including orthodontists and endodontists that Aspen's plan excludes entirely.
Note: plan details re-verified against Aspen's own savings-plan page in August 2026 — $49/yr primary member, $29/yr per additional member, free exams and X-rays, 30% off cleanings, 15% off fillings, 20% off major work, 10% off Motto aligners. The plan auto-renews annually (cancel through the member dashboard or at (877) 808-2776) and is administered by Clerri LLC. Exact fees still vary by office, so confirm pricing with your local Aspen before treatment.
When Aspen's Plan Genuinely Wins
At $49/year, Aspen's plan is cheaper than any major national savings plan. It deserves an honest look. Three situations where it's the right call:
1.You already go to Aspen and plan to stay. The free exam and X-rays (worth $200–350 per visit) make the $49 fee pay for itself on the first appointment. Add 30% off cleanings and 20% off crowns and implants at the same office, and this is a solid value for a loyal Aspen patient.
2.Aspen is the only dentist within reasonable distance. A national plan is only useful if a participating dentist actually exists near you. Check Careington's or Aetna's provider locator for your zip code before enrolling. If nothing comes up nearby, Aspen's $49/year plan is the practical choice — and it's genuinely cheaper.
3.Your family only needs routine preventive care. If the year is cleanings, exams, and X-rays — no major work, no ortho — Aspen's plan covers all of that for $49 (or $49 + $29/additional member). A family of four at Aspen for routine visits would pay $136/year on Aspen's plan vs $189/year for Careington — and get the free exam visits on top.
Where Aspen's plan falls short: if you need a crown or implant, Careington's up-to-60% discount at independent dentists who charge less than Aspen often saves more in total, even after the extra $50 annual fee. And for any specialist work — orthodontist, endodontist, oral surgeon — Aspen's plan covers nothing; you need a national plan. Run the numbers for your specific procedures with our dental savings calculator.
Is Aspen Dental Insurance?
No — Aspen Dental does not sell dental insurance. Aspen offers an in-house discount plan ($49/year), not an insurance policy. There's a real difference: insurance pays claims after a deductible and has annual maximums; a discount plan simply reduces the price you pay at the register. Aspen's plan is the second kind — and it only works at Aspen offices.
If you searched “Aspen Dental insurance” looking for coverage that works at Aspen and other dentists, what you actually want is a national dental savings plan. 1Dental runs on the Careington network, one of the largest in the U.S. — starting at $14.58/mo for an individual or $19.08/mo for a family, with no waiting periods, no annual maximums, and no claim forms. Unlike Aspen's plan, it works at any participating dentist, covers specialists (orthodontist, endodontist, oral surgeon), and reaches up to 60% off major work.
•Works anywhere on the Careington network — not locked to one chain.
•No waiting periods or annual caps — use it from day one, as often as you need.
•Covers specialists that Aspen's plan excludes entirely.
Aspen's plan is cheaper ($49/yr vs $129/yr) and gives free exams and X-rays — but only at Aspen offices and with shallower discounts on major work (20% vs up to 60%). The decision comes down to whether you're an Aspen patient or not. If you are, Aspen's plan genuinely wins on price. If you're not, a national plan gives more value and freedom.
Choose the Aspen Dental Savings Plan if
You already go to Aspen Dental and are happy there. At $49/year with free exams and X-rays, 30% off cleanings, and 20% off crowns and implants, this is a genuinely good deal for a committed Aspen patient. The free exam and X-rays alone are worth $200–350 — more than triple the plan cost. The limitation is clear: it's worthless anywhere outside an Aspen office.
Choose a national savings plan if
You want to keep your current dentist, need specialist orthodontics or oral surgery (which Aspen's plan excludes), or want access to deeper discounts on major work (Careington offers up to 60% off crowns and implants, vs Aspen's flat 20%). A plan like Careington ($129/year, nationwide network) costs $80 more per year but works everywhere, covers specialists, and often beats Aspen's 20% on major procedures at dentists who charge less than Aspen to begin with.
For current Aspen patients, yes — $49/year with free exams and X-rays (worth $200–350 per visit) and 30% off cleanings is a genuinely good deal. For everyone else, a national plan like Careington ($129/year, nationwide network) is usually better because it works with your existing dentist, covers specialist orthodontics that Aspen's plan excludes, and delivers deeper discounts on major work (up to 60% vs Aspen's flat 20%).
Does Aspen Dental take insurance?▼
Two different questions get confused here. The Aspen Dental Savings Plan reviewed on this page is not insurance — it's an annual membership ($49/year) that discounts services at Aspen offices directly, with no claims process, no deductible, and no annual maximum. Separately, whether a specific Aspen Dental office accepts your existing dental insurance plan (Delta Dental, MetLife, Cigna, etc.) varies by location — call your local office to confirm before booking, since acceptance isn't standardized company-wide.
What is Aspen Dental's price list?▼
Aspen Dental doesn't publish one fixed nationwide price list — costs vary by office and by procedure. What is fixed is the Savings Plan's published discount schedule: 100% off exams and X-rays, 30% off cleanings, 15% off fillings, and 20% off crowns, bridges, implants, dentures, and gum disease treatment at participating Aspen locations. The procedure price table above shows typical cost ranges with and without the plan, alongside what the same procedures run through Careington and Aetna Dental Access.
How much does the Aspen Dental savings plan cost?▼
$49/year for the primary member, plus $29/year for each additional family member. There's no monthly payment option; it's billed as a single annual fee. A family of four would pay $49 + (3 × $29) = $136/year — still less than most national plans.
What does the Aspen Dental savings plan include?▼
Free exams and X-rays for members; 30% off cleanings; 15% off fillings; 20% off crowns, bridges, implants, dentures, gum disease treatment, and take-home whitening; 10% off Motto clear aligners done in-office. Specialist services — endodontics, periodontics, orthodontics, and oral surgery — are excluded entirely, meaning most braces and many root canals and implant surgeries get no discount under the plan. Basic dentures are a flat $300–400 instead of the percentage discount.
Can I use a dental savings plan at Aspen Dental?▼
Yes. Careington, Aetna Dental Access, and most major national savings plans are accepted at Aspen Dental locations — so you can get discounts there without Aspen's own plan. Call your specific Aspen office to confirm they accept the plan you're considering before enrolling, since acceptance can vary by location.
Is Aspen Dental overpriced?▼
Aspen's published fees are typically above the national average. Getting 20% off above-average prices can still result in paying more than you would at an independent dentist with a national savings plan offering up to 60% off. But that math depends heavily on your local Aspen pricing and what independent dentists in your area charge — the only way to know for certain is to get a quote from both.
What is the Aspen Dental $49 plan?▼
That is the actual Aspen Dental Savings Plan — $49/year for the primary member. It is an annual membership that includes free exams and X-rays and ongoing discounts on services at Aspen offices. It's not a limited promotional offer; it's their published membership price. A $29/year fee applies for each additional family member.
Are dental savings plans accepted at Aspen Dental?▼
Yes — Careington 500, Aetna Dental Access, and most DentalPlans.com plans work at Aspen Dental locations. Aspen is a large enough chain that most major networks include it. Confirm with your specific office before enrolling, since not every location participates in every network.
What's the difference between Aspen's plan and a third-party dental savings plan?▼
Aspen's plan ($49/yr) locks you to Aspen only, gives 20% off major work, excludes specialist services entirely, and includes free exams and X-rays. Third-party plans like Careington ($129/yr) work at large national networks, give up to 60% off major work including through specialists, but don't bundle in free visits. Aspen's plan costs less; Careington gives more flexibility and often deeper discounts on the expensive procedures.
Aspen Dental savings plan vs. dental insurance — which is better?▼
Unsubsidized individual dental insurance runs $30–60/month with a deductible and a 6–12 month wait for major work. Aspen's plan is $49/year, no deductible, no waiting period — so for Aspen patients paying out of pocket, their own plan usually wins over unsubsidized insurance on cost. If your employer subsidizes dental insurance, take the insurance. See our full dental savings plans vs. insurance breakdown for the full comparison.
Does the Aspen Dental Savings Plan cover Invisalign or braces?▼
Partially. Aspen's plan gives 10% off clear aligners done in-office at Aspen. But orthodontic services performed by a specialist (orthodontist) are excluded — and most traditional braces require an orthodontist. If you need comprehensive orthodontics, a national plan with specialist coverage like Careington will give you a bigger discount through an actual orthodontist.
What if Aspen Dental is the only dentist near me?▼
Then Aspen's own $49/year plan is the clear choice — it's the more practical discount for your situation. A national savings plan only helps if a participating dentist is actually within reach, so check Careington's or Aetna's provider locator for your zip code first. If nothing comes up nearby, don't pay $129/year for a plan you can't use.
Is Aspen Dental insurance?▼
No. Aspen Dental does not sell dental insurance. The Aspen Dental Savings Plan is an in-house discount membership — $49/year for the primary member, plus $29/year per additional household member — that reduces prices at Aspen offices. There are no claims, no deductible, and no annual maximum, and it only works at Aspen Dental locations. If you searched "Aspen Dental insurance" looking for coverage that also works at other dentists, that is a national dental savings plan (Careington is $12.95/mo or $129/yr individual), not Aspen's own membership.
What is the Aspen Dental price list?▼
Aspen Dental does not publish one fixed nationwide price list — fees vary by office. What is fixed is the Savings Plan discount schedule: 100% off exams and X-rays, 30% off cleanings, 15% off fillings, and 20% off crowns, bridges, implants, dentures, and gum disease treatment. Typical ranges on this page: exam + X-rays + cleaning ~$200–350 without a plan vs $0 included for members; filling ~$150–250 vs 15% off; crown ~$900–1,500 vs 20% off (~$720–1,200); implant ~$3,000–5,000 vs 20% off (~$2,400–4,000). The same procedures through Careington at independent dentists typically run lower (crown ~$300–500, implant ~$1,200–2,000). See the procedure price table above.
Is 1Dental a good Aspen Dental alternative too?▼
1Dental runs on the same Careington Care 500 network as a household membership (3+ members $229/yr, all fees included, no separate setup fee), versus Careington's direct pricing of $12.95/month for an individual plus a one-time $20 processing fee. For a single person, Careington's individual tier is the lower price; for a household, 1Dental puts everyone under one membership with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Either way, both give you the reverse of Aspen's trade-off — you keep your own dentist and gain specialist coverage that Aspen's plan excludes — for a higher annual fee than Aspen's $49. See our Careington vs. 1Dental comparison for the exact math.
Ready for a national dental savings plan?
Careington starts at $12.95/mo, works beyond Aspen offices, and covers specialists Aspen's plan excludes. Enroll in Careington → Advisor is optional if you still want a match.