End the Year with a Smile

As the year winds down, it’s a crucial time to consider your dental health, not just for the sake of your smile but also to make sure you’re fully utilizing your dental insurance benefits. Many patients don’t realize that their dental insurance plans are designed with a “use it or lose it” policy, which means any benefits you haven’t used by the end of the year may not roll over into the next. Whether you’re searching for a “dentist near me” or need a checkup from your general dentist, now is the perfect time to ensure you’re maximizing your dental benefits in Wichita.

Understand Your Dental Insurance Benefits

The first step in making the most of your dental insurance is to understand what your plan covers. Most plans typically cover 100% of preventive visits, which include biannual checkups and cleanings. They may also cover a significant portion of the cost for procedures like fillings, crowns, or orthodontics, depending on your level of coverage. If you’re unsure what your insurance covers, a quick call to your general dentist’s office can help clarify the specifics of your plan.

Schedule Preventive Care

Preventive care is essential not only for maintaining dental health but also for using your dental insurance benefits effectively. Since most dental plans fully cover two preventive visits per year, make sure you schedule and attend these appointments. If you haven’t had your two cleanings or check-ups this year, look up a “dentist near me” in Wichita to book those visits. These appointments are key to preventing more serious and costly dental issues down the line.

Utilize Remaining Benefits for Necessary Treatments

If you’ve been putting off necessary dental treatments, now is the time to act. Whether it’s a filling, a crown, or more complex dental work, using your remaining benefits before they expire can save you a considerable amount of money. Not sure what treatments you might need? A visit to your general dentist can determine any outstanding dental issues that should be addressed before the year’s end.

Consider Timing for Multi-Stage Procedures

If you require a dental procedure that spans several stages, it’s wise to start now so that you can use your current year’s benefits for the initial stages and next year’s benefits for any follow-up treatments. This approach can help spread the financial burden across two benefit periods, making expensive procedures more manageable. Your general dentist can help plan your treatments to maximize your benefits effectively.

Check Yearly Maximums

Most dental insurance plans have a yearly maximum, which is the most money that the plan will pay for your dental work within one full year. If you haven’t reached your maximum yet, consider scheduling any other treatments that you’ve been delaying. If you don’t use these benefits, you lose them when the calendar turns. It’s especially beneficial if you find a skilled “dentist near me” in Wichita who can assess and perform these treatments promptly.

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), remember that these funds also often expire at the end of the year. Many FSAs can be used for dental expenses, including copayments and deductibles that are not covered by your dental insurance. Check the specifics of your FSA to see what expenses are eligible and use these pre-tax dollars to cover any out-of-pocket dental expenses.

Make Appointments Early

As the end of the year approaches, many people realize they need to use up their dental insurance benefits, which can lead to a rush on appointments at dental offices. To ensure you get a spot, make your appointments as soon as possible. This is particularly important if you need to find a “dentist near me” who can fit into your busy schedule.

Book Your Appointment Before the Year Ends!

Don’t let your dental insurance benefits go to waste! As a general dentist in Wichita, we at Cambridge Family Dentistry encourage you to make an appointment to use your benefits before they expire. Not only will this help maintain your oral health, but it will also ensure you are getting the most value out of your dental insurance plan. Remember, taking proactive steps now can save you significant amounts of time and money in the future, while keeping your smile bright and healthy.

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.