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Save Money by Using Your Dental Benefits Before Year-End

If you’ve been paying for dental insurance all year, now is the time to ensure you get the most out of it. Most dental plans work on a “use it or lose it” policy wherein benefits not used during the year don’t carry over into the next. This is the ideal time to make an appointment for that cleaning, filling, or check-up you’ve been putting off. It’s not just about getting the care you need; it’s also about saving money and using your dental coverage.

How Dental Insurance Works and Why Timing Matters

Dental insurance usually covers cleanings, exams, and X-rays with very little or no out-of-pocket expense. If you go regularly, that would be good for you! But you may leave money on the table if you’ve missed a visit or two. Most dental coverage resets at the beginning of each year, meaning that any benefits you haven’t used won’t carry over. Here’s why it’s key: most plans also have an annual maximum- the total amount your insurance will pay in a year. The money doesn’t come back if you don’t hit that maximum. You’re paying for it whether you use it or not. The clock is ticking, and using your benefits now could prevent you from losing out on valuable services.

Maximize Your Savings Before the Year Ends

This is often the time of year when the dentist’s chair gets busy with all appointments, as people rush to use their remaining benefits. Booking early means you’ll have more flexibility in scheduling and won’t risk going without the care you need. Here’s how to make the most of your remaining dental benefits:

• Schedule preventive care: Routine checkups and cleanings keep your smile healthy and catch minor issues before they become expensive procedures.
• Don’t delay treatments: If you have been putting off treatments such as fillings and crowns, it’s time to schedule them. Such procedures tend to get very costly if not taken care of early.
• Plan: Many dental procedures can be divided over this year and next, enabling you to stretch your benefits.

Using your benefits strategically can help keep your costs low and your health in check.

Why Your Dental Insurance Timeline Is Important

Knowing your dental insurance timeline can help avoid surprises. Most plans follow either a calendar year or benefit year, so if you’ve reached your annual maximum for 2025, additional expenses might not be covered until the next benefit year. When you do not take full advantage of your dental insurance, you might pay more than necessary out of pocket. Moreover, some dental procedures may take longer than one visit, so planning ahead ensures that you don’t have to rush or pay out of pocket for more visits in the new year.

Don’t Let Your Benefits Go to Waste

The “use it or lose it” rule is pretty simple but highly important: if you do not use your dental benefits by the end of the year, you lose them. For this reason, now is the best time to schedule any remaining appointments and treatments before the year ends. This way, you will ensure you do not leave money on the table and that your smile remains healthy. At Lake Worth Dentistry, we help you maximize your dental coverage. We can help you plan your appointments and treatment to maximize your benefits. Don’t wait until it’s too late – call us today to book your appointment!