As the year begins to wind down, you might find yourself focused on holiday shopping, family gatherings, and reflecting on your goals for the coming year. But amidst all the hustle and bustle, there’s one thing you shouldn’t overlook: your dental benefits. Each year, countless Americans let their dental insurance benefits expire unused, leaving valuable treatments and coverage on the table. It’s a classic case of “use it or lose it,” and it could be costing you more than you think.
At Sheehan Dental, we understand how easy it can be to push dental care to the bottom of your to-do list. But here’s the truth: delaying treatment not only means losing out on your hard-earned benefits but also puts your oral health at unnecessary risk. Whether it’s a routine cleaning or a procedure you’ve been putting off, now is the time to take action and make the most of your insurance coverage before the calendar flips to January.
The “Use It or Lose It” Rule
When it comes to dental insurance, most plans operate on an annual cycle, resetting at the end of the year. This means any unused benefits from 2024 won’t carry over into 2025. While this structure encourages patients to use their coverage, it also results in billions of dollars of unused benefits each year.
If you’ve been paying premiums or contributing to a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you deserve to maximize your investment. Many plans cover preventative care at 100%, while treatments like fillings, crowns, or root canals may be partially covered up to a yearly maximum. Letting these benefits expire is essentially leaving money on the table. And worse, delaying necessary treatments could mean higher out-of-pocket costs down the road if issues worsen.
Preventative Care: The Key to Long-Term Savings
One of the easiest ways to maximize your dental benefits is by prioritizing preventative care. Regular cleanings and checkups are the cornerstone of good oral health, helping to catch issues early before they become major (and costly) problems.
When you think about it, preventative care is like a health insurance policy for your smile. During routine visits, we not only clean your teeth but also check for signs of decay, gum disease, and oral cancer. Addressing small cavities or gum irritation now can prevent the need for more extensive procedures like root canals or gum surgery later on.
By using your dental benefits for preventative care, you’re not just avoiding dental issues—you’re also avoiding additional expenses. For example, the cost of a cleaning is often fully covered by insurance, while a crown or implant might require a higher out-of-pocket payment. Taking advantage of your benefits for preventative care is the smartest and simplest way to protect both your oral health and your wallet.
Don’t Let Small Issues Turn into Big Problems
It’s easy to brush off a toothache or minor sensitivity, especially during the busy holiday season. But ignoring these warning signs can lead to bigger, more expensive problems down the line. Small cavities can grow into larger ones, cracked teeth can worsen, and gum inflammation can develop into full-blown periodontal disease.
Delaying treatment also increases your risk of requiring emergency dental care, which often comes with higher costs and more stress. Imagine needing a root canal in the middle of your holiday vacation—certainly not the gift you want to give yourself this season.
By addressing dental issues now, you can avoid unnecessary complications and ensure a healthier, happier smile heading into the new year. Plus, you’ll be using your benefits wisely, taking care of necessary treatments while they’re still covered.
The Benefits of Bundling Treatments
If you’ve been putting off multiple dental procedures, now is the perfect time to bundle them together. Many insurance plans have annual maximums, meaning they’ll cover up to a certain amount of dental care each year. By scheduling multiple treatments before year-end, you can maximize your coverage and minimize your out-of-pocket expenses.
For example, if you need both a filling and a crown, scheduling these procedures before December 31st allows you to take full advantage of this year’s benefits. If additional work is needed, you can use next year’s benefits to cover it after your plan resets. This strategic approach not only saves money but also helps you stay proactive about your oral health.
Why Timing Matters
Dental care isn’t just about fixing problems—it’s about preventing them. By bundling treatments, you’re prioritizing your oral health in a way that makes the most financial sense. And since some procedures, like crowns or implants, require multiple visits, getting started now ensures you’ll finish treatment without unnecessary delays.
Flexible Spending Accounts: Don’t Let Them Go to Waste
If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), the pressure to act before year-end is even greater. FSAs are “use it or lose it” accounts, meaning any money you’ve set aside for dental or medical expenses will vanish if it’s not used by December 31st.
These accounts are a valuable resource for covering out-of-pocket dental costs like copays, deductibles, or procedures not fully covered by insurance. By scheduling treatments now, you can put your FSA dollars to good use and avoid losing money you’ve already set aside.
FSAs are particularly helpful for patients needing major dental work, such as crowns, bridges, or orthodontic treatments. If you’ve been planning a larger procedure, now is the time to move forward and ensure you’re getting the most out of your account.
Why Delaying Dental Care Costs More
One of the biggest misconceptions about dental care is that it can wait. Unfortunately, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Dental problems are progressive, meaning they only worsen over time.
A small cavity left untreated can turn into a root canal, which can turn into a tooth extraction. Gum inflammation can escalate into advanced periodontal disease, potentially leading to tooth loss. Each step comes with increased discomfort, more extensive procedures, and higher costs.
By taking advantage of your dental benefits now, you’re making an investment in your future health. Preventative care and timely treatment save you from both physical pain and financial strain, ensuring that your smile stays strong for years to come.
Take the Next Step Before Time Runs Out
Schedule Your Dental Appointment
The end of the year is a busy time for everyone, but your oral health shouldn’t take a back seat. By scheduling your dental care now, you can maximize your benefits, address lingering issues, and start the new year with a fresh, healthy smile.
At Sheehan Dental, we’re passionate about helping our patients make the most of their benefits while providing the highest level of care. Whether you’re due for a cleaning, need a cavity filled, or have been considering a bigger procedure, our team is ready to support you every step of the way.
Don’t let your 2024 dental benefits go to waste. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward a healthier, happier smile. The clock is ticking—let’s make the most of your benefits together!