Have you ever paid for your dental insurance premiums, only to discover that at the end of the year, you have unused benefits? You’re not alone. Millions of Americans forego valuable coverage each year simply because they skip necessary dental work by year-end. If you’re wondering how to maximize your dental insurance benefits before it’s too late, we’ve got the solutions.

Here’s why it’s important to take action now and make the most of the dental coverage you’ve paid for.

The “Use It or Lose It” Rule

Dental insurance works on an annual plan cycle, in that your benefits refresh every year. Most policies include a “use it or lose it” provision, in which any unused benefits are not carried forward to the next year. In reality, if you don’t schedule a dental appointment before the year is up, you could lose hundreds, even thousands, of dollars of coverage.

Most dental insurance plans come with coverage for preventive services, such as cleanings, exams, and even X-rays, for no additional fees or at a low fee to you. The key here is to be proactive. Don’t get that nagging dental issue to spur you into action. By taking advantage of your benefits now, you can ensure you’re receiving the most out of your dental coverage before it expires.

Why You Should Act Before the Year Ends

You can be thinking, “Do I absolutely need that cleaning?” The response is simple: yes. Preventive oral care is the most economical way of taking care of your dental health. Checkups and cleanings on a regular basis can avoid complications from becoming expensive procedures. A filling or root canal is a much more expensive procedure than a checkup.

By utilizing your dental insurance benefits now, you will not have to pay for costly repairs in the future. The steps you can take to ensure your benefits do not lapse include:

• Schedule regular cleanings: Many dental plans include two cleanings per year.
• Have minor repairs performed: If you have been holding off on getting a filling or crown, now is the right time to get it fixed.
• Search for possible dental issues: A regular checkup can diagnose the initial signs of gum disease, cavities, or other conditions.

Tips for Using Your Benefits Wisely

If you’re worried about not having enough time to reap your benefits, here are some tips to help you maximize them:

• Check your benefits: Understand what’s covered under your plan. Most dental insurance plans vary in their levels of coverage, so it’s important to know what you’re eligible for before you book an appointment.
• Book in advance: As the year goes by, dental clinics get booked up. Book your appointment in advance to ensure availability.
• Split treatments: In case your policy covers some significant dental treatment, split treatments between the current and following years to maximize the benefits of both years.
• Don’t skip the basics: Even if your teeth are in good shape, routine checkups and cleaning can detect underlying issues before they become major.

Time’s running out. If you haven’t already utilized your dental insurance benefits, now is the time to act. Don’t get caught in the year-end frenzy. By being proactive and getting those appointments you so desperately need, you’re not just saving your smile, but also ensuring that you derive the best value from your dental insurance benefits.

Visit us at River Family Dentistry today to schedule your dental visit before your benefits run out!