It needs to cover major work. Is insurance better than a discount plan?

Insurance is much better than a discount plan.

I have a discount plan through dentalplans.com I think I pay $79 a year and on major work it would probably give you about a 15% discount which is nothing for major work but it is better than paying full price.

Make sure you look at the details. Some of the discount plans have a waiting period. You have to pay the premiums for a year before you can have a crown or any other major work. I think Aflac (funny commercials with the duck) is like that.