As the end of the year approaches, it is easy to overlook your dental insurance benefits. However, maximizing these benefits before they expire can save you money and help you maintain your oral health. Many dental insurance plans operate on a calendar year, which means unused benefits will not roll over into the next year. Instead, they reset on January 1st, meaning if you do not use your benefits, you will lose them. Now is the time to make the most of your dental insurance before the year ends!
Understand Your Annual Maximum
Most dental insurance plans have an annual maximum—the highest amount your insurance provider will pay for your dental care within a given year. Typically, these maximums range between $1,000 and $2,000, but if you have only used part of that amount, you could miss out on fully utilizing the remainder if you wait until next year. Once the year resets, so does your available benefit, and anything unused will not carry over.
If you need a more extensive procedure, such as a root canal or crown, and have not reached your maximum, now is the perfect time to schedule that treatment. This way, you can ensure you are using the benefits you have already paid for through your insurance premiums.
Take Advantage of Preventive Care
Preventive care, such as cleanings, exams and X-rays, is typically covered at 100% by most dental insurance plans. If you have not had your second cleaning of the year, now is the time to schedule it. Preventive care is essential for maintaining good oral health, and by making sure you utilize these benefits, you are not only saving money but also preventing more serious dental issues down the road.
Scheduling regular cleanings and exams can also help you catch potential problems early, which can reduce the need for more costly treatments in the future. Our dentists recommend visiting the office twice a year, so if you have only had one appointment, check your benefits and get that second visit in before the year ends.
Know Your Deductible Status
A dental deductible is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance starts to cover the costs of treatment. Once you have met your deductible, your insurance will cover a significant portion of your dental expenses. If you have already met your deductible for the year but have not used up your annual maximum, this is a prime opportunity to get any necessary treatments done without worrying about the upfront costs. Whether you need a filling, a crown or even orthodontic work, scheduling it before the end of the year can save you from having to meet a new deductible when the next calendar year starts.
Plan for Major Treatments
Some dental procedures require multiple appointments or can take time to complete, such as crowns, dental implants or root canals. If you have been delaying treatment, planning these procedures before the year ends can help you spread out the costs and fully use your insurance benefits. For example, if you need a crown but do not have enough remaining benefits for the full treatment, you can start the process this year and complete it in the next, making use of both this year’s and next year’s benefits.
Ensure Your Benefits Do Not Go to Waste
You have paid for your dental insurance all year, so why not make the most of them? Whether you need a routine cleaning or more involved treatments, maximizing your benefits before they expire can save you money in the long run and keep your smile healthy. we invite you to schedule your appointment today and maximize your dental insurance benefits before they expire.
Schedule Your Next Dental Visit
Our Valley View Dental team invites you to contact us to schedule an appointment. We look forward to helping you create a healthy, beautiful smile in Romeoville, Naperville, and Montgomery, Illinois!