How to Maximize Dental Insurance Benefits

Proper dental care is necessary for a healthy smile. Not only should you be practicing good oral hygiene at home, but you need to visit your dentist regularly for a checkup and cleaning. Fortunately, dental insurance is an easy way to get the care you need at an affordable price. Since each policy is unique and can be difficult to understand, you may not be effectively maximizing your benefits. But don’t worry – here are a few easy ways you can make the most out of your dental insurance while you still can.

Get Regular Preventive Dental Care

If you want to keep your oral health in pristine condition, you must do more than brushing and flossing. Preventive dentistry can do wonders for your teeth and gums! Because it’s essential for a healthy smile, most dental insurance plans will fully cover preventive services like teeth cleanings, oral examinations, and routine X-rays. By attending all your routine appointments, you can avoid needing more costly and complex treatments down the line.

Schedule Necessary Dental Work

Most complex dental procedures require multiple appointments to complete. If you need any outstanding work that exceeds your annual maximum, you should ask your dental team to schedule a part of it this year and the rest the next year. That way, you can use two annual maximums instead of just one. It’ll help greatly minimize your out-of-pocket expenses.

Know Your Benefits

You can use your dental insurance benefits for more than just preventive dentistry. If you need a filling to restore a weakened tooth, your policy may cover it because it’s considered restorative. In a similar vein, dental crowns may also be eligible for coverage because they’re sometimes considered medically necessary. Of course, every plan is unique, which is why you should confirm the details of your coverage with your insurance provider before committing to anything.

Use Your Coverage Before It’s Too Late

An annual maximum is the amount of money your dental insurance company sets aside to put toward your care. It usually resets when the year ends and anything left unused will not roll over into the new year. That said, you should schedule any treatments you need before the end of the year to avoid wasting coverage you’ve already paid for.

Don’t forget to make the most out of your dental insurance benefits! With these tips, you can kick off the new year with a healthier smile and a thicker wallet.

About the Author

Dr. Jeffrey F. Hermen, DDS has nearly 30 years of dentistry experience under his belt. He’s passionate about helping patients achieve their happiest, healthiest smiles. From routine checkups to complex restorative treatments, he’s got everything you need for exceptional oral health. To learn more about maximizing dental insurance benefits, visit his website or call (405) 621-2100.