Fall is upon us, and the end of the year is quickly approaching. For many, this brings to mind warm drinks, various holidays, and a time to just relax before the start of 2023. The absolute last thing most people are thinking about is dental insurance, but this shouldn’t be the case. Why? Most plans reset at the beginning of the year, meaning any unused benefits will simply disappear, causing policyholders to potentially leave thousands of dollars on the table. To make sure you get the most out of your plan before it’s too late, be sure to follow these three simple tips.
1. Schedule Your Next Checkup
The vast majority of dental insurance plans fully cover two checkup and cleaning appointments each year, though many people only attend one. By going twice, you’re giving your dentist and their team ample opportunity to evaluate your teeth, gums, and existing restorations so they can make sure any potential problems are caught before they turn into pain or damage you’ll have to fix later. This can help you save big by avoiding restorative treatments, which are more expensive and only partially covered.
2. Complete Planned Dental Work
Has your dentist told you that you need a filling or crown, and you just haven’t gotten it yet? While it might seem like there is no rush, it’s wise to complete treatment as soon as possible. Not only does this limit the amount of time that something else can go wrong with an already distressed tooth, but this will also save you from having to pay your deductible again when your benefits reset.
3. Begin a Longer Treatment Now
Have you always wanted to straighten your teeth, or do you need to replace a few missing ones? Orthodontics (including Invisalign) and treatments like dental implants can take several months to complete, but starting either one before 2023 will allow you to use 2022’s benefits to help pay for them. You’ll not only take advantage of your current plan, but this will also leave you more money next year to pay for your dental care, so you’ll be in good shape should an unexpected issue pop up. Plus, by beginning dental implants or Invisalign sooner rather than later, you’ll be able to enjoy the final result earlier!
Dental insurance is not the most exciting subject in the world, but by using your plan before 2023, you can potentially save hundreds, even thousands, on treatments that will greatly benefit your health and appearance. That’s certainly worth smiling about, and all you need to do is schedule an appointment before all the parties, gatherings, and festivities get into full swing!
About the Author
Dr. Allan Mohr is an award-winning cosmetic dentist who has served the Massapequa area for more than three decades. He understands how important it is to keep dental treatment affordable, which is why his practice is happy to work with many popular dental insurance plans. To learn more about how you can maximize your benefits before they reset, reach out to us today.