As the end of the year approaches, it’s easy to get caught up in the holiday hustle. Between planning family gatherings, shopping for gifts, and tying up loose ends at work, you might forget about something important: your dental insurance benefits. If you don’t use them before December 31, you might lose them entirely.

At Vartanian Dental Group, we want to ensure our patients make the most of their dental coverage. Let’s dive into why using your dental benefits now is a smart move—and how it can save you money and improve your oral health.

Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Act

Most dental insurance plans, including those provided by employers or purchased privately, are designed to operate on a calendar-year basis. This means that your coverage limits, deductibles, and allowances reset every January 1. Any unused portion of your benefits typically doesn’t carry over into the new year, leaving you with lost opportunities to save on necessary treatments.

For example, let’s say your plan has an annual maximum benefit of $1,500—the total amount your insurance provider will pay for covered dental treatments within a year. If you only use $500 by December 31, the remaining $1,000 doesn’t roll over to January. Instead, the balance resets, and you miss out on the chance to utilize those funds.

This system incentivizes regular dental visits, as insurers aim to encourage preventive care to reduce long-term costs. However, it also means that if you delay scheduling necessary treatments, you could end up footing the bill entirely when your new deductible kicks in. Many patients aren’t even aware they have unused benefits until it’s too late, making it crucial to review your plan and take action before the end of the year.

Additionally, some plans come with stipulations like limited coverage for certain treatments or waiting periods for specific procedures. This makes understanding and using your benefits in a timely manner even more critical. The end of the year is a great time to assess your dental health needs and ensure you don’t leave valuable benefits on the table.

Common Dental Services Covered by Insurance

You might be surprised by how many dental treatments your insurance plan covers. Many people focus solely on routine cleanings and exams, but there’s often much more included in your benefits. Knowing what’s covered allows you to make informed decisions about your care and maximize your savings.

Routine Cleanings and Exams: Preventive care is the cornerstone of most dental insurance plans, with many covering two cleanings and exams per year at little to no cost to you. These visits help remove plaque, tartar, and stains while also allowing your dentist to spot early signs of issues like cavities or gum disease. Skipping these appointments not only risks your oral health but also means you’re not taking full advantage of one of the most important aspects of your plan.

Dental Fillings: Cavities are one of the most common dental issues, and catching them early can save you from more extensive treatments later. Many insurance plans partially or fully cover fillings, especially if they’re medically necessary. By addressing cavities now, you can avoid complications like infections or the need for a root canal.

Crowns and Bridges: Restorative treatments like crowns and bridges are often partially covered by insurance, especially when they’re required to restore function or address decay. If you’ve been delaying getting a crown for a cracked tooth or replacing a missing tooth with a bridge, now is the time to act. These treatments can improve not only the look of your smile but also your ability to chew and speak comfortably.

Periodontal Therapy: Gum disease is a serious condition that can lead to tooth loss and other health complications if left untreated. Treatments like scaling and root planing, which are designed to clean below the gumline and reduce bacteria, are often covered under dental insurance plans. Addressing gum disease now can prevent the need for more invasive and costly procedures later.

Cosmetic Dentistry Add-Ons: While cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening may not be covered, some procedures with both aesthetic and functional benefits might be eligible for partial reimbursement. For example, composite fillings or bonding can restore the appearance of a tooth while also improving its strength and structure.

Why Act Now?

Waiting until the last minute to use your benefits could leave you scrambling for an appointment—or worse, missing out entirely. Here’s why acting early makes a difference:

1. Appointment Availability: As December approaches, dental offices become busier. Many people realize too late that they need to use their benefits and find it challenging to book a spot. By scheduling your visit today, you secure a time that works for you.
2. Prevent Costlier Procedures: Delaying care can turn small problems into major issues. A small cavity that could have been treated with a filling might develop into a need for a root canal or crown. Using your benefits now saves you money and helps prevent discomfort.
3. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): If you contribute to an FSA, remember that those funds typically expire at year-end as well. Dental treatments are eligible expenses, so don’t let that money go to waste.

The Gift of a Healthy Smile

The holiday season is all about giving, and what better gift to yourself than a healthy, confident smile? Whether you’ve been putting off a routine cleaning or need more extensive work, now is the perfect time to prioritize your oral health.

At Vartanian Dental Group, we’re here to help you make the most of your benefits and keep your smile shining. We offer a full range of services, including dental cleanings, fillings, crowns, and cosmetic dentistry, so you can find the care that’s right for you.

How to Get Started

Taking the first step is simple:

1. Review Your Benefits: Check with your dental insurance provider to understand what’s covered and what your yearly maximum is. If you’re unsure, our team can help you navigate the details.
2. Schedule an Appointment: Call or book online with Vartanian Dental Group. Let us know your insurance details so we can ensure you’re maximizing your benefits.
3. Plan Your Treatment: If you need more than one procedure, our team can help you prioritize and schedule treatments to optimize your coverage.

Don’t Wait—Act Now!

Your dental health is an investment in your overall well-being, and your benefits are there to make that investment affordable. Don’t let them go unused! With just a few weeks left in the year, now is the time to take action. At Vartanian Dental Group, we’re committed to providing personalized, high-quality care to every patient. From routine cleanings to advanced restorative treatments, our team is here to support your oral health journey.

Schedule your appointment today, and let us help you finish the year with a bright, healthy smile!