Dental insurance is a valuable investment—don’t let it go to waste. You don’t want to end up paying out of pocket next year because you forgot to schedule an appointment. It’s important to make the most of your yearly coverage before it expires. Here are some tips to help you maximize your dental insurance benefits.
Five Ways to Maximize Your Dental Insurance Benefits
1: Understand Your Coverage
Not all dental plans are created equal. It’s essential that you understand which kinds of treatments your dental insurance covers, and how much of the cost they’ll pay.
For instance, most plans cover 100% of preventive treatments like cleanings and x-rays. And they usually cover around 80% of the cost of basic procedures like fillings, root canals, and gum disease treatments. However, most plans only cover about 50% of the cost of crowns, dentures, bridges, and other major services.
Keep in mind that many dental plans do not cover cosmetic dental procedures unless they are medically necessary. For example, if your teeth were damaged in a serious accident, some insurance plans may cover the necessary restorations. But if you want veneers or whitening simply to improve the appearance of your teeth, you’ll most likely have to pay the full cost.
2: Find Out When Your Dental Benefits Expire
Most dental benefits expire at the end of the year, so if you don’t use them they’re gone—they won’t roll over into the next year. However, some plans may follow a different schedule, so don’t let yourself be blindsided—check the details of your coverage.
If you’ve been putting off any dental treatments, you can maximize your insurance benefits by scheduling an appointment before the expiration date.
3: Schedule Major Treatments in Advance
You should never put off necessary dental treatments, as you may end up needing more invasive, more expensive procedures later on. If possible, try to schedule your treatment before the end of the year if it’s covered by your insurance. If the procedure involves multiple visits, see if you can split the appointments between the end of one year and the beginning of the next to maximize your dental insurance benefits.
4: Don’t Forget to Schedule Your Cleanings
Unless your dentist says otherwise, you should be scheduling checkups every six months. Routine dental cleanings are crucial in preventing plaque and tartar buildup, and regular exams help your dentist spot the early signs of serious issues.
The sooner that dental problems can be treated, the lower the chances that you will need expensive treatments later on. So, going to your exams can keep you from using up your benefits all at once.
5: Take Good Care of Your Oral Health
Practicing good oral hygiene at home can also help you make the most of your dental insurance. Brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and use fluoride toothpaste to keep gum disease and cavities at bay. Poor oral hygiene habits will not only cost you your beautiful smile, but the financial cost of treating all the damage can quickly exceed your maximum coverage.
Family Dentist in Flagstaff, Arizona
If you’re due for a cleaning or want to transform your smile, contact Country Club Dental today. We offer a full range of dental services for the whole family. Use your benefits before they expire—call us at 928-526-4314 today to schedule your appointment. Dr. Paul Whitney and Dr. Mikaela Weedman will be glad to provide the dental care you need.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (10/9/2023). Photo by Anna Shvets on Pexels
