Use Your Dental Benefits Before They Expire in 2022

A dental insurance plan, whether you get from your employer or from somewhere else, provides you with basic dental coverage within a specific dollar amount. Despite how much you pay, however, you risk losing these benefits when you fail to use them fully during the year. All unused dental benefits expire at the end of the year and don’t roll over to the following year.

Most insurance policies regulate the kind of dental treatments that can be covered under your plan. With effective planning with your dentist, you can maximize your dental benefits and make sure every penny you spend goes to good use. If you’re looking to gain more from your dental benefits, our dentist is here to advise you on the best ways to go about it.

Here are a few things you need to know about using your dental insurance in Weddington near Waxhaw, NC.

What Are Dental Benefits?

Dental benefits are the cost-free treatments you get from subscribing to a dental insurance plan. They enable individuals and families to budget effectively so they can maintain their oral health. Generally, most health insurance companies are straightforward and specify the type of oral services they cover. 

Keep in mind, however, that having a dental insurance plan does not mean you will have every dental procedure covered. Some procedures, such as dental cleanings, may be fully covered. Others may only be partially covered, and some treatments may not be covered at all. 

What Does Dental Insurance Cover?

Oral insurance plans typically cover the cost of preventive care, fillings, root canals, oral surgery, and crowns. However, some dental plans may include restorative treatments and orthodontic treatments such as braces, dentures, Invisalign, and bridges. 

Dental insurance usually covers two preventive visits, no matter what exact kind of coverage you have. Most health plans use the 100-80-50 structure to specify their contribution to certain dental services. This means that the cost of preventive care may be 100% covered, while basic oral treatments may be covered at 80%, and major dental treatments may be covered at 50%. Additionally, some insurance companies may not cover cosmetic treatments such as teeth whitening or crowns.

Why You Should Use Your Dental Insurance Before the Expiration Date

There are a few reasons why you need to use your dental benefits before they expire. These reasons include (but are not limited to):

Using All of the Money You Put Into Your Monthly Payments to Meet Your Yearly Maximum

Your yearly maximum is the specific amount budgeted by your insurance company to cover your dental expenses in a given year. If you fail to use this maximum before the year runs out, the amount will not be carried over to the new year.

This means that the money you were supposed to use for basic dental treatments goes down the drain, which is a huge gain to your insurance company and a loss to you. That’s why you should never skip out on your dental checkups with your dentist in Weddington near Waxhaw, NC. Regular oral checkups help you maintain your oral health and give you the most bang for your buck.

Using the Deductions From Your Paycheck to Their Fullest Potential

If your employer or business HMO provides your dental coverage, your contribution may be automatically deducted from your overall earnings to cover certain parts of the plan. You wouldn’t want those deductions to go to waste.

Maintaining Your Oral Health With Oral Hygiene Cleanings to Avoid Costly Dental Issues

If you believe your oral health is in good standing and you have no reasons to see a dentist, scheduling preventive care twice a year with your dentist is still essential for maintaining good oral hygiene. You can discuss with your dentist to discover what treatments are available to you with your insurance plan.

Most oral issues are not easily noticed until they turn into a more severe complication. This is why we recommend that you schedule periodic visits with your dentist. Your dentist can quickly identify possible threats to your oral health and provide the required treatments you need before the problem becomes full-blown and more expensive.

Leaving your dental benefits idle puts you at a bigger risk for complicated dental problems. If you wind up having a complex dental condition from waiting too long, your benefits may only cover half of the treatment or may not cover the treatment cost at all. It is, therefore, vital that you don’t leave your dental health to chance.

Easy Ways to Use Your Dental Benefits in Weddington Near Waxhaw, NC

Taking advantage of your dental benefits will always be a win for you. Here are some easy ways you can effectively use your benefits:

• Use Your Coverage Early: You can ask your dentist what your dental needs are and what procedures are required to maintain good oral health after you get on an insurance plan. It’s best to make this appointment early in the year to plan the best ways to use your dental benefits.
• Schedule a Preventive Care Visit With Your Dentist: Preventive treatments are usually covered fully by most dental plans. You can take advantage of this opportunity and get preventive care in our dental office at no out-of-pocket cost.
• Plan Dental Appointments Out With Your Dentist: Your dental service provider has certain insurance providers they work with. Once you figure out which plans they work with, you can consult with your dentist to discover what treatments are covered under your plan and how you can get the treatment you need for the lowest cost.

Schedule an Appointment With Serene Dental Spa

At Serene Dental Spa, we work with a long list of major dental insurance providers to give you the best dental services and treatment options. We implore you to take advantage of your dental benefits and avoid leaving them unused until they expire. 

If you’re not sure where to look for dental insurance, we also offer in-house dental saving plans to our customers. Schedule an appointment with us to make use of your benefits today!