Have you checked your dental insurance lately? If you’re like many people, you might be sitting on benefits about expiring. Millions of Americans leave money on the table every year by not using their dental insurance before it resets. With the holiday season approaching and schedules filling up, it’s easy to overlook your dental plan. But taking a little time now could save you hundreds—if not thousands—in dental care costs.

Let’s examine some simple, practical steps to help you maximize your dental benefits before they expire at the end of the year.

Know What You’ve Paid For

First things first—understand what your dental plan covers. Many plans include preventive services, such as cleanings and X-rays, that you’ve already paid for in your premiums. If you haven’t scheduled these services, now’s the time to do it! Not only are regular cleanings key to keeping your smile healthy, but they also help prevent more expensive dental issues down the road.

Even if you’ve already had your annual cleaning, there may still be other covered services like fillings or sealants that you can use before the clock runs out. Contact River Family Dentistry and ask for a detailed breakdown of what’s left in your benefits. This could help you prioritize any outstanding treatments before the year ends.

Plan Around Your Deductible

If you’ve met your deductible this year, you’re in a great spot. Once the deductible is covered, your insurance starts kicking in at a higher percentage. This means you’ll be paying less out of pocket for treatments, so now is the perfect time to get that cavity filled or finally schedule the crown you’ve been putting off. Your deductible resets once the new year rolls in, and you’ll start from scratch again.

On the other hand, if you haven’t hit your deductible yet, consider whether any smaller procedures might help you reach it. You could still save in the long run by getting necessary treatments now rather than putting them off until next year.

Don’t Forget About Your Annual Maximum

Dental insurance plans typically have an annual maximum—the most your insurance will pay for your treatments in a calendar year. If you’re close to reaching it, now is a great time to use up the remaining balance for any major work you’ve been delaying.

However, if you’re nearing your annual maximum but need extensive dental work, your dentist may recommend splitting treatments between this year and next. This allows you to spread the cost over two benefit periods, maximizing your insurance coverage.

Take Advantage of Year-End Discounts

Many dental offices offer year-end promotions to encourage patients to book appointments. These discounts are often designed to help people use their remaining benefits. Call your dentist and ask if special payment plans are available for more severe procedures. You might be surprised at the savings.

Even if your insurance won’t cover everything, these end-of-year deals can soften the blow and help you manage out-of-pocket costs. Taking advantage of discounts can be the difference between a hefty bill and something more manageable.

Schedule Your Appointment Before It’s Too Late

With the end of the year fast approaching, many dental offices are booking up quickly. Don’t wait until the last minute! By scheduling your appointment now, you ensure you’ll have time to get the care you need before your benefits reset. Waiting until December could mean missing out entirely, as dentists often see patients scrambling to use their benefits.

A quick phone call today to River Family Dentistry can save you from future stress and even prevent costly treatments. Plus, your future self will thank you for maintaining your oral health.

Year-end can be hectic, but ensuring your dental benefits don’t go to waste is worth the effort. By staying on top of your plan, understanding your coverage, and taking advantage of year-end promotions, you’ll save money and ensure a healthy smile for the new year.

Don’t let your dental insurance slip away unused—your teeth (and wallet) will thank you!