The “use it or lose it” principle can be the difference between a healthy smile and incurring unexpected dental expenses out of pocket. Most people are unaware that dental benefits typically renew annually. If you don’t use your coverage, you lose it – no exceptions.

At Kyle Parkway Dentistry, we’re ready to assist you in getting the most out of your dental benefits before they run out at the end of the year. In this post, we’ll shed light on the “use it or lose it” policy, why you need to act now, and how you can make sure you don’t let precious benefits get away.

Understand the “Use It or Lose It” Policy

The “use it or lose it” rule is simple but easy to overlook. Most dental insurance plans follow it, so if you don’t use your benefits before the year’s end, they reset at the start of the next year. The unused coverage you’ve already paid for doesn’t roll over, and it can’t be carried forward in any way.

Remember that dental insurance policies are designed to encourage routine maintenance. Preventive treatments, such as cleanings, exams, and X-rays, are generally covered in full or subject to a small copay. These treatments are designed to help you maintain optimal oral health, preventing the need for more complex and costly procedures later on.

Why Waiting Can Cost You More

If you wait until the year’s end to utilize your dental benefits, you might miss the chance to schedule an appointment with your dentist. Dental offices remain crowded with people in December as they try to schedule last-minute appointments. The result? Availability is minimal, and you might not utilize your benefits at all.

Additionally, if you’re putting off necessary treatments, like a crown or a filling, you’re not just missing the chance to use your benefits. You might be setting the stage for more serious (and more expensive) problems down the road. Prevention is always cheaper than treatment, so don’t put off your routine checkups.

What Does Dental Insurance Cover?

One of the best aspects of dental insurance is that it covers 100% of preventive care. This includes regular cleanings, exams, and sometimes X-rays. These visits help identify potential oral problems in their early stages, preventing them from becoming larger and more expensive issues.

Here’s what dental coverage usually looks like:

• Preventive Care: Cleanings, exams, and occasional fluoride treatments
• Basic Services: Fillings, extractions, and root canals
• Major Services: Crowns, bridges, and dentures

Knowing what’s included in your dental coverage can allow you to plan and get the most out of the benefits you’ve already paid for.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Benefits

Now that you know how the “use it or lose it” rule functions, the next step is to plan. The following are some strategies for ensuring you don’t get left behind:

• Schedule Appointments Early: As the year comes to a close, dental offices become increasingly busy. Do not wait until the last month to schedule your appointment. Try to schedule as early as possible to ensure you receive the treatment you need.
• Consider Required Treatments: If you have been delaying treatments such as a crown or a filling, now is the time to schedule those appointments. It is possible to maximize your coverage by splitting up complicated treatments into two calendar years.
• Review Your Plan: Verify that you know exactly what’s covered and what you’ve already used. Some insurance providers allow you to view your benefits online, making it easy to track your usage.

Why You Should Act Now

You’ve already paid your dental insurance premiums – don’t let that money go to waste. Using your dental coverage not only enables you to maintain good oral health, but you’re also getting the best value from your benefits. As the year comes to an end, now is the perfect time to act.

Contact Kyle Parkway Dentistry and schedule your appointment today. We are ready to help you protect your smile and maximize your dental benefits.