If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), it is crucial you know how your specific account works so that you can use your money before you lose it! For many FSA account owners, the money doesn’t roll over into the next year, and with the year almost coming to an end, there may be the perfect opportunity to utilize this money that you may have forgotten about. Have you been considering orthodontic or dental treatment? Now’s the perfect time to put your FSA benefits to use! Keep reading to find out more.
What is a Flexible Spending Account
An FSA account can be set up through your employer, and it is a type of pre-tax saving account that allows you to put money into it to be used for out-of-pocket health care expenses. Fortunately, you don’t have to pay any taxes on this money, which means you can save big on dental expenses. If you, your spouse, or your children are in need of dental treatment, you can use your FSA funds to cover it. However, time is running out, as your FSA money needs to be used at the end of the year. If you do, you will retain everything that is left in the account.
With only a limited time to get your dental care done, what are some of the dental treatments you can receive with the money in your Flexible Spending Account?
Some Surprising Uses of FSA Money
1. Invisalign
Invisalign is one of the newest and most innovative treatments currently available for patients who need to straighten their teeth and correct their smile. This one-of-a-kind treatment provides patients with an amazing alternative to traditional braces. Instead of unattractive and complicated metal brackets, Invisalign utilizes clear and removable aligners to straighten the teeth. No more avoiding favorite foods, risk of injuries, or having to hide your smile because you don’t like the way your metal brackets look. Find more about Invisalign here. However, patients can only consider using their FSA money if aligners are absolutely necessary. Ensure that you check before undergoing any treatment.
2. Teeth Cleaning
Has it been a while since your last teeth cleaning? Well, now is the perfect time to get it done! Teeth cleanings are extremely important to your oral health for many reasons that, include:
- Removing plaque – A professional teeth cleaning involves the removal of dental plaque and tartar from teeth to prevent dental problems. Tartar cannot be removed with a toothbrush. Therefore only a dental professional can remove it during teeth cleaning.
- Avoid Tooth Loss – While proper dental hygiene every single day is essential, one of the leading ways to avoid losing teeth is by getting checkups and professional dental cleanings.
- Prevent Decay: Routine dental cleanings assist in preventing tooth decay. When left untreated, decay can lead to a series of problems, including dental cavities.
- Prevent Gum Disease – Regular teeth cleanings from a dentist will help you prevent gum disease. Periodontal disease is an inflammation of the gum caused by the build-up of dental plaque on the teeth.
3. Dentures
Dentures are a highly effective treatment option for patients looking to replace missing teeth. The pink base made to replicate and stimulate your gums is made from acrylic resin, and the teeth are typically made out of either plastic or porcelain. If you have missing teeth and are in need of dentures but have been avoiding them because the funds just haven’t been there, your FSA money can help reduce or cover the cost of your dentures and cosmetic dental treatment.
4. Tooth Extractions
There are a variety of reasons you may need a tooth extraction. Commonly, a dental extraction is needed when the patient is suffering from advanced gum disease, an infection, tooth decay, or overcrowding. By removing the affected tooth, the healing process can begin, and oral health harmony can be restored in a matter of weeks.
5. Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a cap that surrounds the tooth, typically used to restore a damaged tooth and improve the appearance of a smile. A crown can consist of three different materials, these include:
- All metal
- Ceramic on metal
- All ceramic
The location of where the crown is needed will assist in determining the best materials to use. All ceramic crowns tend to be one of the most popular crowns to get as they are durable and look most natural, blending well with other teeth. However, ceramic on metal crowns provides both durability and the natural look/feel of porcelain.
What Dental Work is Not Covered by a Flexible Spending Account?
Cosmetic dental procedures are not covered by FSA funding; only dental treatments that are absolutely needed can be covered. Examples of dental work that is not covered by an FSA include:
- Teeth whitening procedures
- Veneers
- Toothpaste and floss
- Any procedure used to realign teeth for aesthetic purposes
What Makes a Dental Procedure Cosmetic?
A dental procedure is considered cosmetic if the goal is only to repair, realign, or color the teeth for the purpose of making a patient’s smile more aesthetically pleasing. There are many unwritten rules, overlaps, and gray areas when it comes to whether or not your FSA money will cover a particular dental treatment. Therefore, it is crucial that you check what you can and cannot do before undergoing any procedure.
Hurry! Schedule an Appointment with Sheehan Dental Today
The year is almost over, and the timer for using your FSA money is quickly counting down. So, what are you waiting for? Your oral health is extremely important, and you shouldn’t put off treatment. Therefore, if you are in desperate need of correcting certain dental problems, now is your chance. Don’t hesitate any longer and get the treatment you need with Sheehan Dental.