The majority of people have dental insurance, yet very few make the most of the benefits they’ve already paid for. If you’re one of the millions covered, then you likely’ve heard of the “use it or lose it” provision. Under this policy, unused dental benefits typically don’t roll over to the next year. If you don’t take action on it by the end of the year, you might lose the opportunity to maximize your savings on dental coverage. Following is how you can maximize it prior to your benefits being over.

Why Timing Matters for Your Dental Benefits

Having your dental insurance timeline at hand is the key to getting the maximum out of your benefits. The majority of dental policies renew annually, so if you do not make use of your coverage at the end of the year, any unused services or funds are gone for good. It is here that the “use it or lose it” principle comes into force. Failing to take advantage of this will lead to lost opportunities, so it is wise to make your appointments well in advance.

How to Get the Most Out of Dental Savings

One of the simplest reasons why patients fail to take full advantage of their dental benefits is simple: they forget. When the year is ending, it is easy to overlook what you have used and what’s left. But the key to getting the most out of dental savings relies on dental coverage consciousness and smart scheduling. Here are some guidelines on how to extract the most from your benefits:

• Schedule Preventive Care: Preventive services like oral exams are often fully covered under most dental insurance plans. These services not only keep your smile healthy but can also catch potential issues before they become costly problems. You’re already paying for these benefits, so why not use them?
• Consider Other Procedures: If you need work done on your teeth, such as braces, now is the time to schedule an appointment. You might be able to have some of your work done before the end of the year, saving the rest for next year. This allows you to split the cost and maximize your dental insurance.
• Review Unused Benefits: If you’re not sure where you stand on what coverage you still have, call your provider to find out. Your dental coverage can have a set number of visits or treatments per year, and if you haven’t used as many as that, you can schedule more care before your benefits renew.

The Importance of Early Planning

Plan now to avoid the end-of-year rush. At the closing of each year, the majority of dental clinics are packed with patients hurrying to spend their leftover benefits. If you do not plan now, getting an appointment that suits you may be out of the question. The earlier you book your appointment, the higher the chance of receiving the treatment on time.

Don’t Let Your Benefits Go to Waste

It’s common to forget about unused benefits at the end of the year, but this is forgetting money in your pocket. Your dental care is an investment in your well-being, so why not maximize it? Whether it is simply an exam or a more extensive procedure, taking the initiative to schedule your appointments now can save you money and keep you ahead of the game with your oral care.

Time’s running out! Don’t be surprised when your dental benefits expire. Call Dr. C Orthodontics today to schedule an appointment and maximize your dental savings. It’s the right time to use the benefits you’ve worked so hard for before they run out. Let us help you keep your smile healthy and your wallet happy.