Don't Let Them Expire: How to Maximize Your Dental Benefits by Year's End

Have you been procrastinating dental cleanings, fillings, or crowns? The end of the year is the best time to take full advantage of your dental benefits before they reset in January. A little end-of-year strategy can save you money, stress, and a surprise root canal.

Visit with Prathima Rasamsetty, DDS, and her Preva Dental team in San Antonio, Texas, to maximize your dental benefits before the year’s end. 

Use your dental benefits by January to save money

Many dental insurance providers offer specific benefit plans for 12 months, meaning your current benefits may expire and reset on the first of each year. Patients can save money by using their benefits before the end of the year; once they’ve reached an annual deductible, most or all of their dental work is covered until it resets in January.

However, coverage can vary so check with your dental insurance provider about the specifics of your dental plan. And if your plan has an annual maximum and you’ve reached this amount, you’re responsible for any remaining balance. 

When to schedule end-of-year dental evaluations

The end of the year is the busiest time for many families, which is why planning helps. See Dr. Rasamsetty in November or early December for an evaluation if you have decay, tooth or restoration damage, or an infection requiring a separate appointment for treatment.

Dental insurance generally covers two free dental cleanings and exams yearly, so be sure to take advantage of them to maximize these dental benefits by the year’s end. 

Do my benefits expire at the end of the year?

Depending on your plan, your dental insurance benefits might reset in January. You can still get covered by the plan, but you may have to start over from $0 to reach your deductible. 

However, some dental plans offer carryover benefits. That means unused available money for yearly dental procedures carries over into the following year, boosting your annual maximum. Contact your provider to learn if you have carryover dental benefits. 

Dental services to consider before January 1st

In addition to a professional teeth cleaning and dental exam, consider dental services before the New Year, including any necessary or elective procedures. Examples include:

• Preventive care, such as sealants and fluoride treatments
• Fillings
• Dental bonding
• Crowns
• Bridges
• Root canals
• Gum disease treatments
• Dental implants
• Veneers
• Extractions
• Restoration repairs, or replacement
• Teeth whitening
• Invisalign®

You can receive these services any time of the year, but they may be cheaper if you utilize them before the ball drops.

Use end-of-year dental visits to your advantage

In addition to potential cost savings, there are other excellent reasons to schedule end-of-the-year dental procedures. You can perfect your smile before festive family photos, gain confidence during social gatherings, and reduce the risk of inconvenient holiday dental emergencies. Maintain your beautiful smile before problems arise during holiday chaos.

Maximize your dental insurance benefits before they expire/reset by booking a dental evaluation and teeth cleaning at Preva Dental. Contact us today by phone or book an appointment online.