Yes, you should get your teeth cleaned! Preventative treatment staves off larger, more costly problems. I was without dental insurance for three years but just signed up through the ACA this year. Sans insurance, I paid $90 for a cleaning without an exam, and $190 for a cleaning, exam, and standard x-rays ($380 a year, in Chicago). The plan I have now is $20 a month and the twice yearly cleaning and exams, and yearly standard x-rays are included as they are considered preventative. I believe the deductible is $75 but that only kicks in if I need additional work. Granted, not a lot is covered beyond that, but I’m saving if all I need is the preventative work.