Now that Halloween is over, everyone is focusing on the upcoming holiday season. Before you know it, you’ll be creating a festive menu, trying to figure out if Aunt Suzy can make it over this year, and writing list after list of things that need to be done. Before you know it, your November and December calendars are bursting with plans, and there simply aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done.
If all this sounds familiar, it’s likely that preventive dental visits haven’t even crossed your mind, and at West Creek Dental, we understand how busy you are and how overwhelming this time of year can feel.
But did you know that your dental insurance benefits probably expire at the end of the year, and if you have unused benefits, you could lose them?
Let’s take a look at what you need to know to make the most of your dental insurance before December 31st.
Understanding Your Dental Benefits
Most dental insurance companies operate on a “use it or lose it” system, meaning that your benefits automatically reset on January 1st, and any unused benefits don’t roll over. You likely have an annual maximum that your insurance will cover for dental care, so it's essential to use as much of it as possible.
Not only that, but if you’ve met your deductible, which is the amount you have to pay before your insurance begins to pay, you’ll want to take advantage of your coverage before you start paying the new deductible in 2026. Once your deductible has been met, your insurance company pays a higher amount for any covered dental expenses.
Tips for Using Your Dental Insurance
There are some things you can do to maximize your dental insurance benefits before the end of the year.
Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your coverage:
Know Your Annual Maximum
It’s essential to understand the dollar amount your insurance company is willing to pay toward any dental expenses each calendar year. Because you forfeit any unused portions at the end of the year, you’ll want to find out how much you have left and schedule any dental appointments as soon as possible.
Our experienced dental team will happily assist you and answer any questions you have about your current coverage.
Focus on Preventive Care
Most dental insurance completely covers many preventive services, and they don’t usually require you to meet a deductible. So, all you have to do is schedule preventive visits before the end of the year, and you won’t have to pay anything! If you and your loved ones need routine exams, professional cleanings, fluoride treatments, or sealants, you’re just a phone call away from improved oral health.
Preventive care allows your dentist to examine your teeth and gums for any issues and intervene before they worsen, and when your hygienist cleans your teeth, they remove stubborn plaque and tartar that your toothbrush can’t. And fluoride and sealants protect your teeth from tooth decay, giving you a better chance of avoiding future visits.
Plan Larger Visits in Phases
If you need more than just a cleaning, we’ll work with you to stagger those appointments and help you get the most out of your coverage. For example, if you need orthodontic treatment or a dental crown and still have funds available from this year’s annual maximum, we can begin treatment now and then schedule your next appointment in 2026. Most insurance companies allow you to take advantage of two benefit years for a single treatment.
The key is timing; you need to arrange your appointments now to ensure we have spots available. We’ll do whatever we can to accommodate your needs!
Address Smaller Issues Now
Even if you don’t have a toothache or your red and swollen gums aren’t really bothering you that much, ignoring any untreated dental issues can lead to much more costly and extensive treatment later on. So, it’s important to prioritize your oral health and minimize your out-of-pocket costs as much as possible.
If it has been a while since your last visit, take that important first step today and give us a call!
Schedule Now to Avoid the Holiday Rush
Before too many others realize their benefits are about to expire, we encourage you to book your family’s appointments to ensure a spot on our schedule. Our Austin dental office is busy in November and December, so don’t wait!
Your smile and your wallet will thank you!
Questions About End-of-Year Dental Benefits in Austin, TX?
To learn more about how your dental insurance benefits work, or to schedule your family’s appointments before the holiday rush, we are here to take your call! At West Creek Dental, our goal is to help you achieve optimal oral health while also helping you save money.
Don’t let your benefits go to waste this year; reach out to our friendly dental team to get started today.
You can reach us at (512) 394-7989.
We look forward to hearing from you!