The new year is right around the corner. This is the best time to review your dental insurance coverage and make sure you’re making the most of it. One of the biggest mistakes patients make with their dental insurance plans is letting them go to waste.
Many dental insurance plans renew in January, but not all do. Many of them also carry a lifetime maximum, meaning once you’ve reached that limit, you won’t receive additional coverage for procedures until the following year’s plan goes into effect.
So, if you don’t use your benefits before they reset on New Year’s Day, you might actually miss out on coverage for your dental treatments. If you have any questions about using your insurance before they expire, be sure to speak with your dentist or hygienist at your next appointment. Here are some reasons why you should consider using your dental benefits before the end of the year:
Preventative Care
Many dental insurance plans cover two checkups and cleanings per year, as well as certain other preventative dental treatments. These services are designed to prevent common oral health issues from developing in the first place, allowing the patient to avoid pain and costly procedures down the road.
These services may include x-rays, fluoride treatments, sealants, and mouthguards. If you are receiving insurance and are due for an exam or other procedure before the end of the year, make sure you schedule an appointment soon, so you do not lose those benefits.
Repairing Damaged Teeth
Most dental insurance plans cover the cost of restorative procedures, such as dental crowns and fillings, because they help restore damaged teeth to their normal function and improve your oral health. Fillings rebuild decaying tooth structure, while crowns protect weak or cracked teeth and disguise discoloration. If you’re missing a tooth and want to fill the gap in your smile, dental implants are a good solution once you’ve finished any required tooth extractions. Many dental insurance plans even cover a portion of the cost of implants! If your teeth require restoration, contact our dental office to learn more about insurance benefits.
Filling In Missing Teeth
If you’ve lost teeth to decay or trauma, your remaining teeth can shift and cause a variety of oral health problems. A dental benefit plan may cover the cost of dental crowns or implants to restore your smile.
Even one missing tooth can damage your oral health. The surrounding teeth will begin to shift into the gap over time, which can lead to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), a condition in which the jaw and facial muscles become misaligned.
To learn more about your dental benefits, call (719) 471-1900 or schedule an online consultation. You can also visit Dentist in Colorado Springs, CO, at 1705 N Weber St, Colorado Springs, CO 80907.
