Use Your Dental Insurance Benefits Before They Expire
As the year winds down, it’s easy to focus on holiday plans and New Year’s resolutions — but there’s one more thing worth adding to your end-of-year checklist: your dental insurance benefits.
January 1st marks the reset date for most dental insurance plans. Any benefits you haven’t used by December 31st simply disappear. That means you could be missing out on fully covered or partially covered treatments you’ve already paid for through your premiums. Make sure your paid benefits aren’t wasted — our team is here to help you get the most out of the dental insurance you’ve paid for.
Understanding Your Annual Dental Benefits
Every dental plan has its own unique features, but the majority adhere to the standard calendar year cycle. This typically means your dental benefits are bound to a certain timeframe, often resetting on January 1st annually.
Take a moment to review your dental insurance provider’s Explanation of Benefits (EOB). Pay particular attention to your yearly maximum, which signifies the maximum amount your insurance will contribute to your dental care within either a calendar or fiscal year. Compare it with your current use of benefits. If there’s still coverage available, it presents an excellent opportunity to set an appointment and use your outstanding benefits.
For detailed questions about your specific dental plan, you can typically find a customer service number on the back of your insurance card. Alternatively, feel free to contact our office, and one of our friendly dental receptionists will be glad to assist you. They can also call the insurance company on your behalf if needed.
What “Use It or Lose It” Really Means
Dental insurance typically provides a yearly allowance for restorative and preventive care, such as:
- Routine cleanings and checkups to keep your mouth healthy
- Fluoride treatments to protect against cavities
- X-rays for early detection of hidden issues
- Sealants and fillings to treat or prevent decay
- Bridges, crowns, and other restorative work if needed
Unused benefits do not roll over into the next calendar or fiscal year. When the new year begins, deductibles reset, annual maximums won’t carry over, and premiums may increase. Aside from your plan’s annual maximum, most insurance providers also set a limit on the number of dental services allowed each year — so if you haven’t used your yearly allotment for root canals, crowns, or implants, it’s worth scheduling a dental appointment.
What Your Dental Insurance Typically Covers
Most plans include three main categories of coverage: preventive, basic, and major services.
Preventive Care: Your First Line of Defense
Preventive services are usually covered at 100%, meaning there’s no extra cost to you. These visits focus on protecting your oral health and catching problems early, and often include:
- Dental exams to check for oral cancer, cavities, gum disease and other concerns
- Professional cleanings to remove plaque and tartar buildup
- X-rays to identify issues that aren’t visible to the naked eye
- Fluoride treatments to strengthen enamel and prevent decay
Staying current on regular cleanings and exams is the most cost-effective use of your insurance, reducing upfront expenses and helping you avoid pricier treatments in the future. Check your plan to see if multiple cleanings are covered per year — if so, why not schedule your next one now?
Basic Dental Treatments: Small Fixes, Big Impact
Basic services usually include fillings, sealants, and simple extractions, and they’re often covered at 70–80%. Taking care of cavities or minor damage early is vital — waiting can turn a small problem into a costly (and painful) one.
Major Dental Treatments: Essential Restorations
Major procedures like crowns, bridges, dentures, and root canals are generally covered at around 50% by most dental plans. If you have been putting off treatment, now is a great time to act — before your benefits reset on January 1st.
Elective and Cosmetic Treatments
Elective services are generally chosen for cosmetic reasons, enhancing the appearance of your smile rather than strictly maintaining oral health. These can include veneers, teeth whitening, and other aesthetic improvements. Insurance coverage for elective services varies, so it’s worth checking with your provider to understand your benefits.
Deductibles: Use This Year’s to Your Advantage
For dental services beyond preventive care, you’ll usually have a deductible — the amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. If you have already met your deductible, this is the best time to complete any recommended treatment. Restorative services like dental implants, dentures, and other smile-restoring treatments can become much more affordable once your deductible is met. In January, your deductible resets — meaning you’d pay more out of pocket for the same procedure.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Dental Insurance
- Review your plan. Check your insurance details, including your annual maximum and deductible. Read your policy for exclusions, limitations, and waiting periods so there are no unexpected expenses.
- Schedule early. Dental offices fill up quickly toward the end of the year — December is a bustling month in our family dentistry office. Book your cleaning or treatment now to secure a time that works for you.
- Plan treatments strategically. For extensive dental work — like crowns, implants, or orthodontics — consider spreading treatment across two calendar years. If you’re nearing your annual maximum, we can help create a plan that uses this year’s benefits and next year’s for maximum coverage.
- Stay in-network. In-network providers typically offer services at more affordable rates than out-of-network providers, and they bill your insurance company directly, reducing paperwork for you.
- Use your family benefits. If your plan covers family members, make sure everyone eligible is using their benefits, particularly for preventive care.
- Prioritize preventive care. Routine exams and cleanings are typically covered at 100% and help detect issues before they worsen. Haven’t been in for six months? Schedule your visit today.
Don’t Forget Your FSA
Most Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) do not roll over! Check your FSA terms and give us a call to schedule any treatments before year’s end to take full advantage of these funds.
We Accept a Variety of Dental Insurance Plans
At A Great Smile Dental, we accept a broad range of dental insurance plans and take care of filing your claims, saving you both time and effort. Our experienced benefit coordinators are here to assist you in maximizing your dental benefits while minimizing your out-of-pocket expenses. We provide clear, upfront information about what your insurance will cover and offer flexible options to manage any remaining balance. Accepted plans include:
- Aetna
- Ameritas
- Anthem Blue Cross
- Cigna
- Delta
- Guardian
- MetLife
- United Health Care
- UCCI
Don’t Let Your Benefits Go Unused
Your dental benefits are there to help you — but only if you use them. Whether you’re due for a cleaning or need a more involved procedure, scheduling before December 31st ensures you get the most out of your plan, save money, and start the new year with a healthy mouth. Call us at (702) 472-8778 to book your appointment.
