Dental insurance has invaluable benefits, but most people never maximize their coverage throughout the year. One of the best ways to optimize your plan is by spreading your dental treatments between two benefit years. This will save you money and ensure you get the care you need without breaking the bank.

If you’re wondering how this works, you’re not alone. Many dental patients miss out on savings by failing to use their benefits entirely. Understanding your dental insurance timeline allows you to make smarter decisions that benefit your oral health and wallet.

How Dental Coverage Works

Most dental insurance provides a specific amount of benefits every year. Most plans have an annual maximum-the maximum amount your insurer will pay for dental care within a year. If you don’t use up your benefits by the end of the year, you’ll lose them since most follow the “use it or lose it” rule. Any unused benefits will not carry over into the new year.

Besides the annual maximum, many dental insurance plans cover preventive care, such as cleanings and exams, at little or no cost to you. You may face out-of-pocket expenses if you need more extensive treatments, such as fillings, crowns, or root canals. Spreading treatments across two years may be a good strategy for maximizing dental coverage.

The Benefit of Spreading Treatments Across Two Benefit Years

One common strategy to lower out-of-pocket costs is to spread dental treatments over two years. For instance, if you need a crown but the cost exceeds your annual benefit limit, consider completing part of the treatment this year and the remainder next year.

Here’s how this works:

• Start a procedure in the current year: If your treatment requires multiple visits or has various stages, schedule the first part of the procedure before the year ends. You can apply your remaining benefits for that year to cover part of the cost.
• Complete the procedure next year: After your plan resets, utilize the new year’s benefits for the second part of the procedure, minimizing your out-of-pocket expenses.

This is a good strategy if you have an extended treatment plan, like several fillings or a root canal. If you time it right, you can stay within your dental insurance maximum coverage and complete all your work.

Why Timing Is Key for Dental Insurance

Understanding how your dental insurance timeline works will help you maximize your benefits. Near the end of the year, many patients scramble to use their remaining benefits. However, treatments spread over two benefit years offer greater flexibility.

This timing technique applies to extensive procedures as well as preventive dental care. If you’re due for a cleaning or check-up in December, consider scheduling your next preventive visit early in the new year. Doing so allows you to maximize your insurance and not pay for those services out of pocket.

Use It or Lose It: Don’t Let Your Benefits Go to Waste

It’s very easy to let your dental benefits slip away at the end of the year, especially when you don’t need immediate treatments. Waiting could amount to losing valuable coverage. Preventive care, like cleanings and exams, should be a priority-even when you have no major dental issues.

Maximizing your dental insurance before expiration can help you stay ahead in oral health. Whether it is a simple cleaning or a complex procedure, your dental insurance is here to help save you money. When strategic planning occurs, you can use the benefits for over two years and greatly reduce dental care costs.

Book Your Appointment Today

Don’t wait until the end-of-year rush! If you have dental treatments, consider spreading them across two benefit years to maximize your coverage and save money. Take advantage of your dental benefits before time runs out by calling Oral Dental Studio today and scheduling your next visit!