By Dr. Jerry Simon, DDS Founder of Dental Care Stamford
As the end of the year approaches, it’s easy to forget about those last-minute dental appointments, especially when nothing hurts. Take cavities, for instance—they often don’t show symptoms when they’re small. Most people aren’t even aware they have them, which is why dental visits often get postponed. However, just because you’re busy, that once small, easily treatable cavity can grow. If it’s not detected and treated early, it will take over your tooth requiring more extensive treatments like root canals later on.
Postponing your dental checkups doesn’t just impact your health—it also affects your wallet. What many people don’t realize is that dental insurance companies are banking on you skipping those visits. Why? Because when you miss checkups, cleanings, and delay treatments, you’re not using your dental insurance. So when December 31st arrives and you haven’t taken advantage of your benefits, those dollars disappear—vanished, no longer accessible—directly contributing to the insurance company’s profits and bonuses.
Unlike medical insurance, dental insurance has yearly maximums. This means you have a limited window to use those benefits. Once the clock strikes midnight on December 31st, any unused coverage for the year is gone. So before the clock runs out, let’s talk about how you can make the most of your dental insurance.
Here are 4 Truths Dental Insurance Companies Hope You Never Learn:
Yearly Maximums: Most dental insurance plans have a yearly maximum between $1,000 and $2,000. If you don’t use it by the end of the year, you lose it. This allowance doesn’t roll over to the next year, so make sure to maximize it before it’s gone for good.
Preventive Care is Fully Covered: Most insurance plans fully cover preventive care like cleanings and exams. Preventive care helps catch issues early, like cavities, before they turn into more costly problems. Take full advantage of this coverage—preventive care is the most effective way to keep your smile healthy. Schedule your appointments in advance for the year, so you’ll receive reminders when they’re due and won’t risk forgetting them in your busy schedule.
Major Treatments are Partially Covered: Expensive procedures like crowns, fillings, and root canals are often only partially covered but covered nonetheless. Insurance can still significantly reduce your out-of-pocket cost. If you need this type of work, don’t wait—let your insurance help cover some of the costs.
Don’t Let Insurance Companies Win: As we mentioned, dental insurance companies count on patients forgetting to use their benefits—as many do. What most people don’t realize is that, unlike medical or car insurance, your dental benefits are not sitting around waiting to be used. Every time you delay treatment or skip a checkup, you’re leaving your hard-earned money on the table—money that goes straight into the insurance company’s pockets. So, who’s really winning in this situation?
Now that you understand the truth about dental insurance, you realize how crucial it is to utilize all your benefits before they expire at the end of the year. Now, you might be wondering how to maximize your insurance benefits. It’s simple! With these 5 steps, you can make the most of your coverage while also prioritizing your dental health:
At Dental Care Stamford, we’re not just here to remind you about your benefits—we’re here to make sure you get the care you need. We want to make it as easy and convenient as possible for you. That’s why we offer extended evening and weekend hours, ensuring that even the busiest schedules can find time for important dental care.
One of the biggest advantages we offer is having every dental specialist under one roof. Whether you need advanced dental work or just a routine cleaning, you won’t have to wait for a referral or search for appointments at another office. Time is of the essence, and we can help you maximize your benefits before they expire, so you don’t have to pay as much out-of-pocket costs for procedures that you could have had dental insurance pay out part of the bill.
With just two months left in the year, now’s the perfect time to schedule an appointment and take full advantage of the dental coverage you’ve paid. Remember, since dental benefits are tax-free, $1,000 in benefits equates to $2,000 in salary– if you don’t use it, you lose it. We’re here to help you make the most of your benefits while improving your dental health. Call us today to improve your dental health and end the year with a healthy smile!
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