The last few months of the year are an exciting time as you plan family gatherings and shop for the perfect gifts. Your schedule is a bit busy, but now is the time to commit to your oral health. On December 31st, your dental benefits will expire. If you do not visit your dentist before then, you will waste the money you have spent on premiums and deductibles while missing an opportunity to get a healthy smile for affordable rates.
Keep Your Smile Healthy
Brushing and flossing at home are vital to preventing oral health complications, like tooth decay and gum disease. While they are effective, it is not enough. You should also see your dentist twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. Unfortunately, one-third of Americans do not schedule preventive appointments.
Cost is often a leading factor for delaying routine visits, but if you have dental insurance, you have nothing to fear. By paying your monthly premiums, you can get the cleanings and checkups you need for little to no cost at all. Most insurance policies cover these appointments 100%.
Although you may think a visit to your dentist is unnecessary until after a problem develops, they allow you to avoid issues altogether. Every $1 spent on preventive care will save $8 to $50 on restorative or emergency services down the road, lowering your long-term costs.
Rehabilitate Your Smile
Even with the best preventive measures, complications can still occur, like a cavity. To quickly treat it before it turns into a bigger problem, you can use your insurance to get the care you need. After paying your deductible, you are given a yearly allowance to use toward restorative procedures. Depending on your specific policy, your benefits can pay for 50% to 80% of these treatments.
Don’t Lose Your Benefits
At the end of the calendar year, your benefits will expire. They will not carry over into the new year. If you do not use them, you will not be refunded the money you have spent on premiums and deductibles. You will also lose your remaining allowable coverage to keep your smile healthy.
On average, less than 3% of Americans meet or exceed their dental benefits every year; therefore, you likely have several that have not been used. To maximize them before the year ends, it is best to choose an in-network dentist. This means they have pre-negotiated rates with your insurance company to reduce the amount you will have to pay.
Although it may be a busy time, do not overlook the health of your smile. Use your remaining coverage now to start the new year with healthy teeth and gums.
About Dr. Nirav Patel
Dr. Nirav Patel strives to provide affordable dentistry to the community. He uses the latest innovations in dentistry to help his patients achieve optimal oral health. As an in-network dentist, he has the services you need to reach your dental health goals while staying within your budget. If you have insurance benefits that you have not used, do not wait until it is too late. Contact our office today to schedule your appointment.