Don't Let Your Dental Benefits Go to Waste: A Year-End Checklist

As the end of the year approaches, it’s easy to focus on the holidays and let routine appointments slip through the cracks. Before the calendar flips, take a moment to think about your dental benefits. 

Many people don’t realize that unused dental insurance benefits often expire at the end of the year. Once they’re gone, they’re gone for good. With a bit of planning, you can maximize your coverage and maintain a healthy, bright smile.

At Healthy Smile Dental in Woodridge, Illinois, Hannah Baek, DDS, provides expert advice on oral health. 

Check your remaining benefits

Start by reviewing your dental insurance plan. Most plans have an annual maximum, the highest amount your insurance pays for covered services within a year. 

If you haven’t reached that limit, now is the time to schedule any needed care before those benefits reset. Preventive visits, fillings, and certain restorative procedures may be fully or partially covered, depending on your plan.

It’s also a good idea to check whether you have a deductible left to meet. Once you’ve met it, your insurance may cover a larger portion of future treatments. By taking care of needed dental work now, you can save money and avoid starting over with a new deductible in January.

Schedule overdue cleanings and exams

Routine cleanings and exams are usually covered at little or no cost, yet many people skip them. These visits do more than keep your smile looking great. They give Dr. Baek the chance to catch minor problems before they become painful or expensive. 

Plaque buildup, cavities, and gum issues can develop quietly, but regular visits help stop them in their tracks. If it’s been over six months since your last cleaning, schedule an appointment before year’s end. You use your benefits wisely and start the new year with a healthier mouth.

Complete unfinished treatment plans

If Dr. Baek has recommended treatment that you’ve postponed, now is the perfect time to finish it. Whether it’s a filling, crown, or root canal, completing your treatment before your benefits expire can save you money and prevent discomfort down the road.

Delaying dental work often exacerbates the problem. A small cavity today could turn into a much larger issue later. By using your remaining benefits before they reset, you can prioritize your oral health and avoid incurring larger expenses in the future.

Use your flexible spending account

If you have a flexible spending account (FSA) through your employer, check your balance before the year ends. An FSA allows you to set aside pre-tax money for medical and dental expenses, but most of these funds must be used by Dec. 31.

Dental expenses that typically qualify include cleanings, fillings, crowns, orthodontic treatment, and night guards. Even smaller treatments can help you maximize your FSA funds.

A quick check of your balance can help you decide which appointments to schedule before the deadline, ensuring your money works for you instead of disappearing unused.

Plan for next year

While you take care of this year’s benefits, it’s also a good time to think ahead. Discuss your oral health goals for the upcoming year with Dr. Baek. 

Maybe you’re considering veneers, teeth whitening, or orthodontic treatment like Invisalign®. Planning early helps you budget your benefits and FSA funds more effectively.

It also helps to schedule your routine cleanings for the new year before Dr. Baek’s calendar fills up. Staying on top of these appointments ensures consistent dental care.

Make your smile a priority

Your dental insurance and FSA benefits are there to support your oral health, but it’s up to you to use them. Regular care supports your overall well-being. Gum disease, tooth decay, and oral infections can affect more than your smile, and preventive care is your best defense.

Contact the office by phone or online today for personalized, expert care for your teeth.