A healthy smile requires more than just brushing and flossing. You must also visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings to maintain good oral health. Luckily, dental insurance makes it easy and affordable to receive the professional care you need. From standard checkups to complex procedures, your insurance company will often share the cost of treatment with you. Do you know how to make the most of your benefits while you still have them? If not, don’t worry – a dentist in Las Cruces shares five easy ways you can maximize your dental insurance benefits.
Avoid Costly Dental Work with Preventive Care
Preventive dentistry plays a crucial role in your health. Taking good care of your teeth and gums can contribute to better overall health and well-being. Because of that, most dental insurance plans cover preventive services like teeth cleanings, oral examinations, and routine X-rays at little or no cost to you. By visiting your dentist bi-annually for checkups and cleanings, they can spot and treat oral health issues early, helping you avoid needing complex and expensive procedures down the line.
Understand Your Coverage
Although most dental insurance plans only cover preventive care, you may be able to use your benefits for other types of dental work. For example, if you need a filling to restore a damaged or decayed tooth, your insurance may cover it since it’s considered restorative. Dental crowns might also be covered because they protect a damaged or decayed tooth from further breakdown, meaning they can be considered medically necessary. Of course, every insurance plan is different, so make sure you review the details of your specific plan to understand what’s covered.
Schedule Your Dental Appointments in Advance
In most cases, complex treatments and procedures require multiple appointments to complete. So, if you need dental work that exceeds your annual maximum, ask your dental team to schedule part of it this year and the rest next year. With this approach, you can use two annual maximums instead of just one.
Know When Your Benefits Expire
Even though every dental insurance plan is unique, most operate on a calendar-year basis. It’s crucial to know when your benefits expire as any left unused will not roll over into the new year. That means your annual maximum (the most your plan will pay for approved services) will reset on December 31st. That said, if you have any outstanding dental treatments, it’s a good idea to schedule them before the year ends.
Use Your Flexible Spending Account Dollars (FSA)
Some people have a flexible sending account (FSA) in addition to their usual dental insurance policy. One of the benefits of FSA is it has tax-free money you can set aside for dental expenses. Like dental insurance, most funds expire at the end of the year. Therefore, it’s a good idea to use what’s left in your account before the year ends.
Do you want to start the new year with a healthier smile and more money in your pocket? Use the tips outlined above. They’ll help you maximize your dental insurance benefits while you still have them!
About the Practice
At Painted Skies Dental Center, we strive to provide state-of-the-art dental care in a comfortable, relaxing, and welcoming environment. Our highly skilled and experienced team will always go above and beyond to ensure you receive the best treatment possible. If you need help understanding your dental insurance, we’re more than happy to answer any questions you have. For more ways to maximize your dental insurance benefits, visit our website or call (575) 521-8720.