Why You Need to Make Sure You’re Using Your Dental Benefits

With all the challenges of life, it’s easy to forget that we’re fast approaching the end of the year. If you haven’t given your dental insurance much consideration until now, you only have a limited amount of time to take advantage of your remaining benefits before they expire (assuming you have a policy that is based on the calendar year). If you don’t use your insurance by visiting your dentist while you still have the chance, you could end up costing yourself hundreds of dollars. Read on if you want to learn the key to maximizing your savings on dental care.  

How Dental Insurance Works

Every policy has a maximum amount of money available to help you pay for dental work throughout the year. This sum is called the annual maximum, and you can start using it once you’ve met your deductible. (In other words, insurance will kick in once you’ve paid a certain amount for dental treatment out of pocket.) However, if you haven’t used up the entire annual maximum by the time the end of the year rolls around, the remaining money will just go back to the insurance company, meaning you’ll no longer be able to use it.

Why You Should Use Dental Insurance Benefits

There are several reasons why you should go out of your way to meet your annual maximum (or come as close as possible). First of all, your benefits are already paid for assuming you’ve kept up with the benefits. If you let them go to waste, you won’t get your money’s worth; thus, it’s better to put them to use so that they can actually save you money. You also need to consider that your deductible will also be reset at the end of the year, so scheduling an appointment now could lower the out-of-pocket costs for your treatment. Finally, using dental insurance necessarily means receiving dental care that could prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues that could eventually cost you your smile.

How Should You Use Your Insurance?

The primary way to use dental insurance is to schedule at least two regular checkups each year. Visiting your dentist every six months gives them a chance to check for warning signs of oral health problems and remove the plaque and tartar that can lead to decay. Addressing smaller problems now can help you avoid paying for more complex procedures later. With that said, if you do need a more extensive form of treatment that will require multiple visits, it’s best to schedule the first visit before the end of the year so that you can still use your current benefits.

As long as you have a firm grasp on the details of your dental plan and your own oral health needs, you should be able to plan accordingly so that you can take care of your smile while also protecting your wallet.

About the Author

Dr. Bita Kamali graduated from Baylor College of Denistry in 2000. She has a passion for dental care and is dedicated to incorporating the latest advancements to her practice in Plano so that she can always provide her patients with exceptional care. She knows how important it is for good dental care to be affordable, which is why she and her team are ready to work with you to get the most out of your insurance. To schedule an appointment or ask about your insurance benefits, reach out to Parkway Vista Dental through Dr. Kamli’s website or by calling (972) 818-1300.