5 Ways to Take Full Advantage of Your Dental Benefits Before They Expire

Dental insurance provides you with an opportunity to maintain your smile without the added treatment cost, yet most people allow the benefits they have already paid for to lapse. Towards the end of the year, it is necessary to act before the dental benefits expire. At Havertown Dental Arts, we would like our patients to get the best out of their coverage so that nothing goes to waste.

Understanding your plan is step one. Most plans feature a “use it or lose it” rule, so unused benefits reset at the start of the new year. Not using this window can mean missed preventive care, delayed treatments, and unnecessary costs down the line.

1. Schedule Preventive Visits Early

Preventive care is still the most effective way of maintaining your mouth’s health. Cleanings, X-rays, and exams are generally fully covered by dental insurance. Getting these treatments before your benefits expire not only maintains the health of your teeth but also enables you to catch any issues early. Preventive visits can prevent small problems from becoming more complex and costly procedures in the future.

2. Review Your Coverage Details

Knowing what your plan covers allows you to plan to the maximum. Take some time to review your dental insurance calendar and identify services that could be finished before the year ends. Most plans cover:

• Two preventive visits annually
• Fillings and minor restorative procedures
• Partial coverage for crowns, root canals, or periodontal care

Knowing your dental coverage well allows you to prioritize treatment that you should get done before your benefits refresh.

3. Plan Major Procedures Wisely

If you’ve been postponing more extensive treatments, now is the time to schedule them. Splitting treatments across two benefit periods can maximize your coverage. For example, starting a crown treatment or deep cleaning in December and completing it in January helps stretch your benefits while protecting your smile.

4. Don’t Wait Until the End-of-Year Rush

As December draws near, dental offices tend to fill up rapidly. Procrastinating too much might make appointments for preventive treatments or procedures hard to come by. Booking early not only ensures a desirable time slot but also makes sure your plan’s complete capacity is utilized before your dental benefits expiry.

5. Pair Benefits with Healthy Habits

Maximizing your dental benefits goes beyond the chair. Oral hygiene daily, limiting sugary snacks, and water consumption maximize the value of your plan. Preventive visits and healthy habits together are a long-term strategy for a healthy, lasting smile.

Your dental benefits are an investment in your health. Missing the chance to use them before the reset is like losing coverage and risking higher costs in the future. Don’t let the “use it or lose it” rule cost you. At Havertown Dental Arts, we help patients navigate their plans, schedule appointments on time, and maximize every dollar spent on dental insurance.

Schedule an appointment today at Havertown Dental Arts to get the most out of your dental benefits, protecting your health and your smile before the year ends.