As the year starts winding down, many people forget about one important thing – their dental insurance benefits. If you’ve been paying for dental coverage all year, it’s essential to make the most of it before it expires. With the “use it or lose it” policy in place for many dental insurance plans, it’s a great idea to schedule an appointment before the clock runs out.

Why Use Your Dental Insurance Before the End of the Year?

Your dental insurance exists so that good oral health is affordable without coming out of your wallet. Nevertheless, few of us take advantage of the benefits in our policies. A study conducted by the National Association of Dental Plans reveals that nearly 3 out of 10 insured adults do not take advantage of their comprehensive benefits.

This is why doing something before the end of the year makes sense:

• Preventive care is usually covered: Preventive care, like check-ups and cleanings, is typically a part of most policies at no added cost to you. Regular visits can catch issues early when they’re less expensive.
• Unused benefits don’t accumulate: Unless you exhaust your benefits within the year, you’ll lose them. And in some cases, it can be quite a bit of coverage.
• Save in the long run: Checkups can prevent you from having to pay for expensive procedures down the road. Taking advantage of your benefits today, you can avoid treatments like root canals or crowns that could be needed if issues are left unaddressed.

Maximize Your Dental Coverage

When the calendar rolls over, dental insurance is renewed, which means benefits not used this year won’t carry over to next year. To get the best out of your dental care coverage, planning is critical.

If you have not scheduled a cleaning, check-up, or other preventive treatment, do so now. Most dental insurance pays for a variety of basic procedures like cleanings, X-rays, and check-ups. If you need a filling or a crown, you may be able to use your benefits toward paying for part of the procedure. Few are aware that they can schedule large procedures in segments and utilize both years of coverage.

Here’s what to consider as the dental insurance timeline nears its end:

• Schedule preventive visits: Don’t let your plan go to waste. Many plans allow for two cleanings per year. Use one now, and then you’ll be ahead of the game for next year.
• Consider treatments you have been putting off: Now is the moment to take care of dental issues like crowns or fillings. Scheduling in advance can allow you to get the most out of your dental coverage.

The Financial Benefits of Acting Now on Your Insurance

Waiting until the eleventh hour to use your dental insurance may result in you losing out on opportunities. By using your benefits before year-end, you’re taking care of your teeth as well as your money. The following are the monetary highlights:

• Avoid paying out-of-pocket for preventive care: Many dental plans cover cleanings and exams completely. By using your benefits, you’re getting these treatments at no charge or reduced cost.
• Save yourself costly procedures later on: Early preventive care can save you the cost of treatment in the future. Finding a small cavity now will prevent you from spending money on a root canal later.
• Stretch out your yearly benefit: Make the most of your benefits and don’t leave cash on the table. You’re already paying for these services through your insurance provider, so take advantage!

The year is ending. Don’t let your dental benefits expire. Schedule an appointment with a Millbrae dentist today and make sure you are using all the dental insurance benefits you are entitled to before they expire. We care for you and will assist you in applying your insurance to get the care you deserve.

Call now to book your appointment and start the new year off with a healthy smile. Don’t lose your benefits – use them now!