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BY Associated Press

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People often underestimate some expenses when planning for retirement. In my conversations with older adults about their in-retirement finances, they’ve repeatedly mentioned the cost of dental care. The reasons are straightforward: Our teeth get worse as we age, and yet dental care isn’t covered by Medicare (except for emergency dental procedures for people who are hospitalized).

There are three main avenues to covering dental costs during retirement: dental insurance, a Medicare Advantage program that covers dental care, and paying out of pocket.

Buying stand-alone dental insurance

Older adults can purchase stand-alone dental insurance with monthly premiums typically around $25 to $50. Coverage varies widely, however, with plans typically capping the dollar amounts they’ll cover in a year. Annual caps range from $1,000 to $2,500, providing scant protection against extensive and costly procedures.…