Every year, tens of millions of Americans lose hundreds of dollars in dental coverage. If you’re holding off until after the new year to make your next appointment, you’re probably going to forfeit valuable coverage when the clock strikes midnight. At Denville Dental Group, we see this all too often, but it doesn’t have to be. Understanding how your plan operates will enable you to make better choices before your unused dental benefits are lost.

Most dental insurance policies operate on a calendar year. On December 31, any benefits you haven’t used just evaporate. That’s why doing something today can save your smile and your wallet.

How the “Use It or Lose It” Rule Works

Dental coverage is not a long-term savings plan. Instead, most policies have a limited amount of coverage per year. If you haven’t yet exhausted your annual maximum, the dollars remaining will not roll over next year. This is often termed as the “use it or lose it” policy.

Preventive services, such as exams, cleanings, and X-rays, are usually covered in full. Neglecting to schedule these visits means you’re missing out on care that’s already been paid for. According to the American Dental Association, routine checkups can catch issues early, reducing the need for complex treatment later.

Why Timing Matters

The end of the year might feel far away, but dental offices fill up fast as December approaches. Many patients rush to use their benefits before they expire, leading to packed schedules. Booking your appointment now ensures you’ll get care without the holiday rush.

This is especially important if you need restorative work like fillings or crowns. Having a plan ahead of time provides your dentist with the opportunity to space treatment sessions within your dental insurance window, making it possible to best manage time and coverage.

How Dental Insurance and Coverage Work Together

Your dental coverage is designed to reward preventive care, but all too frequently, people only visit for treatment when something hurts. Using your dental coverage to get regular exams and cleanings maintains your mouth’s health in the long run and lowers your overall dental cost.

Neglecting cleaning is not necessarily an emergency, but small cavities and gum infection can be established quickly. Regular preventive visits can avoid tooth decay, gum disease, and other problems that are more challenging if left behind.

Consequences of Ignoring Your Benefits

Forgetting your unused dental benefits isn’t just a wallet-buster; it can damage your health. Untreated tooth issues will typically worsen over time, leading to pain, infection, or more expensive treatments. Studies show that gum disease has connections to diseases like diabetes and heart disease, so prevention is more important than ever.

If you have already met your deductible for the year, scheduling more treatments before it resets can also save you money. When January comes, your deductible resets, and you will be paying out-of-pocket until it is met again.

Take action now and maximize your unused dental benefits. Schedule a cleaning, complete any pending treatment, or strategically plan future care. The earlier you take action, the easier it will be to coordinate time that works for your schedule and the sooner you’ll feel the comfort that comes with a healthy smile.

At Denville Dental Group, we encourage all patients to use their benefits to the maximum before the end of the year. Don’t let your coverage expire unused. Book your next appointment with us today and protect your smile before your plan is renewed.