As the year draws to a close, many people rush to wrap up holiday shopping, plan vacations, and tie up loose ends. But there’s one crucial thing you might be overlooking—your dental insurance. If you’ve been putting off scheduling your dental visits or treatments, ignoring your dental insurance now could cost you big time in the near future.

Dental insurance typically operates on a “use it or lose it” basis, meaning that any unused benefits will vanish at the end of the year. So, how do you avoid leaving money on the table and keep your smile healthy?

Let’s dive into why you should take advantage of your dental insurance benefits now.

Don’t Let Your Benefits Disappear

Most dental insurance plans follow a calendar year, with benefits resetting on January 1st. If you haven’t used all of your benefits by December 31st, they won’t roll over into the next year. This is known as the “use it or lose it” policy.

In simple terms, you’re paying for coverage throughout the year, but if you don’t take full advantage of it, you could end up losing valuable benefits—benefits that could save you a lot of money on dental treatments. Failing to use these benefits can result in larger out-of-pocket costs down the road, especially if minor dental issues turn into more serious (and costly) problems.

Why Ignoring Dental Care Now Could Cost You More Later?

1. Small Issues Can Become Major Problems: Maybe you’ve noticed a small cavity or gum irritation and haven’t yet scheduled an appointment. Ignoring these minor dental issues now can lead to much bigger (and more expensive) problems in the future, like root canals or periodontal treatments. Taking care of these issues while they’re small is always the better route.

2. Preventive Care Saves You Money: Routine check-ups and cleanings are essential for maintaining oral health, and most insurance plans cover them entirely. If you’ve only had one cleaning this year, make sure to book your second one before your benefits expire. Preventive care can help catch issues early and keep your smile in top condition without added costs.

3. Take Advantage of Covered Treatments: Your dental insurance likely covers more than just routine cleanings. Services like fluoride treatments, dental sealants, and even certain restorative procedures may be fully or partially covered by your plan. Don’t miss the opportunity to use these benefits to keep your teeth strong and healthy.

4. Major Dental Work Can Be More Affordable Now: If you’re in need of major dental treatments like crowns, bridges, or dental implants, starting the process before the year ends could save you a significant amount of money. You can maximize your current year’s benefits and, depending on the treatment plan, roll over any ongoing procedures to the new year’s benefits as well.

How to Maximize Your Dental Insurance Benefits By Year-End?

1. Schedule an Appointment ASAP: The end of the year is a busy time for dental offices, as many people realize they need to use their remaining benefits. Don’t wait until the last minute—book your appointment now to ensure you get the care you need.

2. Review Your Benefits and Plan Ahead: Take a look at your dental insurance plan. What’s covered? Do you still have unused benefits? Is there a deductible that needs to be met? Knowing these details will help you plan your treatments and maximize the value of your insurance.

3. Plan for Next Year’s Benefits: If you have upcoming treatments that require multiple visits, like orthodontics or dental implants, you can strategize by starting your treatment now. This way, you can take advantage of this year’s benefits and roll over into next year’s coverage to minimize your out-of-pocket expenses.

Don’t Wait—Maximize Your Benefits Today!

The clock is ticking! Ignoring your dental insurance now could leave you with bigger bills and a smile that needs more attention. At Sumner Dental Group, we’re here to help you navigate the “use it or lose it” policy and make sure you get the most value from your insurance before the year ends.

Contact us today to schedule your appointment, and let’s work together to keep your smile healthy and bright while saving you money. Time’s running out—don’t let your dental benefits go to waste!