Dental insurance exists so your smile will stay healthy, but some people lose unused benefits every year. Being aware of what you can claim and thinking ahead helps you receive the treatment you require without wasting cash. The “use it or lose it” idea applies to most plans, meaning any unused benefits evaporate when your plan renews. Keeping yourself informed about your dental benefits due date helps you stay in control of your dental health and avoid lost opportunities.

Why You Should Not Wait Until the End of the Year 

The majority of dental insurance policies cover preventive care, such as cleanings, exams, and X-rays, at low or no cost to you out of pocket. Beyond preventive care, partial coverage for fillings, crowns, and dentures might be included in the offer. However, that coverage renews annually. That is to say, unused benefits do run out, and waiting until December could lead you to compete for dentist’s appointments.

More than 90% of covered members fail to use all of their coverage benefits every year, as found by studies done by the National Association of Dental Plans. By making early appointments and planning, you get to maximize your plan while also protecting your future oral health.

Understanding Your Plan

Verifying your dental insurance timeline will determine what treatments are included and how much is still in your benefits. Understanding your dental coverage enables you to budget for the appointments that are most important. A preventive dental cleaning now can save expensive procedures down the road.

Preventive visits are a must. They discover cavities, early gum disease, and other oral issues before they grow into bigger problems. Even if your teeth are healthy, underlying issues can emerge, and it takes more time and discomfort if avoided.

How to Make Your Benefits Work

Here’s how to maximize your dental benefits before your plan renewal:

• Schedule preventive exams and cleanings in advance.
• Review what’s partially covered and schedule larger treatments accordingly.
• Combine several treatments over two calendar years if necessary to optimize coverage.

The trick is to move before your dental benefits’ end date comes. Delaying too long not only jeopardizes lost coverage but also restricts appointment scheduling, particularly around year-end when dental clinics become busy.

Unused dental benefits are money already invested in your teeth. Use it or lose it is an idea that means remaining benefits are lost at the end of your plan year. Acting now avoids wasted coverage, promotes preventive care, and maintains your smile intact.

At Pearl Dentistry Penn Township, we can help you navigate your dental coverage, check your available benefits, and obtain the right treatments promptly. Don’t be surprised when your dental benefits expire.

Call us now to schedule your appointment and maximize your dental insurance before it’s too late. Your smile is worth it.