Don’t Let Dental Dollars Expire! 5 Reasons to Use Your Dental Insurance

How much do you pay for dental insurance every year? And are you actually using the benefits that you’ve paid for? Only about 2.8% of people with PPO dental plans manage to reach or exceed the annual maximum; if you’re not part of this group, you could be leaving hundreds of dollars of coverage on the table each year. Here are 5 reasons why you shouldn’t let your dental insurance benefits go to waste.

1. The Yearly Maximum: Use It or Lose It

Your insurance carrier will put a cap on the amount that they’ll pay for dental work within one full year (with the exact number being different depending on your policy). Your yearly maximum resets every year, meaning any unused money is lost instead of rolling over. That means if there’s a treatment that your insurance could help you pay for, you could save hundreds of dollars by having it done now and using the benefits that are currently available to you.

2. The Deductible: You’ll See It Again

You need to pay a deductible out of pocket before your carrier provides any coverage. Unfortunately, this amount only applies to the current year; once your plan resets, you’ll need to meet the deductible again. You’ll therefore save more of your own money by paying for necessary dental treatments now.

3. The Premiums: Get Your Money’s Worth

It costs money to keep your dental insurance benefits. Said benefits can save you money – but only if you use them! Even if you don’t have an oral health problem that requires treatment, at the very least you should take advantage of the preventive care you’re entitled to. For example, most policies will cover two dental cleanings and checkups each month to aid in the prevention and detection of tooth decay and periodontal disease.

4. Out-of-Pocket Costs: Fees Can Rise

The rates for dental care don’t stay constant; many dentists might have to raise their prices next year to keep up with their expenses. Since insurance coverage is usually based on a percentage, higher prices typically mean a higher copay – so why take that chance?

5. Treating Oral Health Problems: The Earlier, The Better

A small cavity can easily be treated with a filling, but if it’s left alone, it might require more extensive procedures such as root canal therapy; it could even ultimately lead to an extraction, requiring you to pay for a replacement tooth. Oral health issues will only become worse – and more costly to treat – with time. The bottom line is that using your benefits now to get dental care could save you a lot of money and trouble in the long run.

If you’re not sure whether you’ve made the most of your dental insurance this year, call your dentist today to ask about treatments you could still benefit from. The long-term result will be a beautiful smile and a healthier wallet.

ABOUT THE PRACTICE

At Cornerstone Family Dental, Dr. Bo Crofoot and Dr. Thomas Snarr are utilizing their expertise in multiple fields of dentistry to bring their patients in Rexburg and the surrounding communities the high-quality, comfortable dental care they deserve. Our practice is in-network with Delta, BCBSI and Deseret Mutual Benefits Administrators, but we can accept a variety of other plans as well. To schedule an appointment, visit our website or call (972) 271-1302.