According to the National Association of Dental Plans, 97% of dental insurance benefits are offered through employers. For the self-employed and unemployed that leaves few options. Now, a growing number of consumers are eating up info on discount dental plans.

Evelyn Ireland is with the National Association of Dental Plans. She says, "With the economic downturn, discount dental plans are one of the only products that have been available to individuals to purchase on their own."

They're marketed directly to you on sites like dentalplans.com, brighter.com, and dentalsave.com, and operate similar to warehouse clubs. You pay a yearly membership, typically between $75 and $200.

"The dental plan negotiates the discounts with the dentist, but the dentist gets the full fee, or their payment at the negotiated discounted rate, from the consumer at the time of service," Ireland explains.

That discount rate can range anywhere from 10% to 60%. Jenn Stoll is with dentalplans.com, which lets you compare the cost of more than 30 different dental savings plans.

"Dental savings plans allow people to save on typical procedures such as cleanings and x-rays, root canals, crowns, and even dental implants," Stoll says.

Many also offer discounts on cosmetic procedures and orthodontics. After Steve was quoted around $6,000 for his son's braces he got onbaord. "Through dentalplans.com we actually hooked up with a terrific orthodontist. It came in with a little under $3000."

Is a discount dental plan for you? Think about the coverage you need. While there are no co-pays, deductibles or annual limits, t's important to note that only about 3% of the population that has dental benefits reaches that annual maximum.

Also, understand that savings vary considerably. Stoll adds, "(They vary) By plan, by network, by dentist, by procedure and even by zip code."

So call your dentist beforehand to confirm prices. Between oral exams and braces, Steve feels like he really cleaned up!

"The plan's paid for itself, you know, I'd do it again in a heartbeat," he exclaims.

About 65% of the dentists that are in active private practice participate in discount dental plans.