Most of the patients pay heed to one simple but important fact about their dental insurance – the “use it or lose it” policy. Most likely, like the rest, you were unaware that the dental coverage you paid for during the year can’t be carried over into the next year. If you haven’t yet made your annual dental appointment, now is the time to do so.

With the fast-approaching year-end, your dental benefits will expire, and any unspent allowance will be lost. So why not seize this opportunity to ensure that you’re getting the treatment you deserve? Let’s consider why it’s a good idea to schedule your dental checkup before the deadline, both for your health and your wallet.

Learn about the ‘Use It or Lose It’ Rule

The majority of dental insurance plans are “use it or lose it.” What that means is that if you fail to utilize your benefits at the close of the year, they won’t carry over, and you will lose out on their utilization. It is frustrating, since you are paying premiums the entire year and barely get to use them.

Typically, your dental plan covers preventive treatments like cleanings, check-ups, and X-rays. Regular visits can perhaps identify future issues in the early stages, before they become more costly and complex. With proper dental coverage, these treatments are usually covered in full or have minimal costs.

But if you don’t use your benefits when they run out, that money goes down the drain along with the calendar year. Dental insurance rarely rolls over, either, so unless you use up your dental insurance by December 31st, you’ll be out of luck, and that’s money down the drain.

How a Dental Checkup Can Save You in the Long Run

A checkup at the dentist isn’t just a matter of having your teeth cleaned. It’s about preventing more extensive problems later that may be more expensive and require more complicated procedures. Regular checkups allow your dentist to:

• Find potential signs of cavities or gum disease
• Screen for oral cancer signs
• Ensure your fillings, crowns, or implants are still functional
• Remove plaque and tartar to prevent more serious problems through professional cleaning

Take Advantage of Your Dental Coverage

Here’s the good part: most dental insurance plans cover two cleanings a year, so by extension, the second one should be yours at no additional cost. If you’ve already had one or none, now is the time to use that second benefit before it expires.

In addition to cleanings, preventive checks, and X-rays are usually covered. They can catch issues that you won’t notice yourself, such as developing cavities or early gum disease. By taking advantage of these benefits, you’ll save money in the long run by preventing more expensive treatments down the road.

Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute

It’s easy to put off scheduling your dental checkup, especially with everything else going on in life. But waiting until December means you’re not only facing a tighter schedule, but you’re also running the risk of missing out on your benefits entirely.

Dentists’ offices are busy at the end of the year, and appointments fill quickly. The sooner you schedule, the better. You will have more options and won’t be caught in the last-minute frenzy.

As the year comes to a close, it’s time to make sure your dental benefits don’t go to waste. The “use it or lose it” rule is simple, but its consequences can be costly. A routine checkup is an easy and affordable way to make sure you’re taking full advantage of your dental insurance before the year ends.

If you have not done so already, call your dentist today and make your appointment. Don’t allow your benefits to expire before you use them. 

Schedule your dental examination with Elite Family Dental before the “use it or lose it” deadline. Let’s keep your smile in tip-top condition and prevent your dental coverage from going to waste. Call us today!