Use Your Dental Benefits Before It’s Too Late

Your Plan Pays an Annual Maximum

Most dental insurance plans pay an annual benefit maximum, or a set dollar amount that can go toward covered treatments within a plan year. On most plans, any unused portion of your maximum is lost once the plan year ends.

Deductibles Reset With Your Plan Year

Your deductible, or the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance contributes, typically resets at the start of the new plan year. If you’ve already met your deductible, now is a great time to get treatment. Qualifying care completed before your plan resets won’t require you to pay your deductible again.

If you have an employer-sponsored Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you can use it to pay for dental care. FSA funds typically expire at the end of your plan year unless your employer offers a grace period or rollover. To use your FSA, simply pay with your FSA debit card. You can also pay out of pocket and save your receipts to submit for reimbursement later. FSA funds can cover eligible costs your insurance doesn’t, like copays, your deductible, or treatment beyond your annual maximum. If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) instead, those funds don’t expire and can be used to help cover your care anytime.

Cleaning and Exam

Most dental insurance plans cover twice-yearly cleanings and exams and once-yearly X-rays. If you’ve only had one appointment with my team this year (or you haven’t seen us at all), schedule a routine checkup before the year is over to take advantage of the preventive care covered by your plan.

Orthodontics

While you’re reviewing your benefits, it’s worth checking your orthodontic coverage too. Unlike your annual maximum, orthodontic benefits are often a lifetime maximum, so they won’t expire on December 31. Many plans do limit this coverage to patients under a certain age, though, so if your child is approaching your plan’s age limit, a consultation now can help you get treatment started in time. My team has completed advanced training to offer SureSmile® clear aligners, a discreet option for teens and adults alike.

Restorative Care

If you were recommended treatment earlier this year and haven’t scheduled it yet, now is the time. Your plan may contribute to procedures like fillings, tooth extractions, gum disease therapy, root canal therapy, and dentures. Completing that care before your benefits reset puts your remaining annual maximum to work.

CEREC Crowns

Traditional crowns usually take two visits spaced a couple of weeks apart, which can push treatment into the next plan year. With CEREC® technology in my offices, my team and I can design, mill, and place your custom crown in a single appointment. That makes it easier to complete your care while this year’s benefits still apply.

Dental Implants

Implant care often happens in phases, which can make it possible to spread the cost across two plan years. Schedule your consultation this year and use your benefits for the exam, X-rays, and any extractions. If your plan includes implant coverage, later phases may then fall under next year’s renewed annual maximum. Implant coverage varies widely, so my team will review your plan with you before treatment begins.