More Americans than ever have dental coverage. If you have dental insurance, it allows you to enjoy reduced rates for the services your teeth and gums need to stay healthy. Unfortunately, less than 3% of Americans meet or exceed their annual limits, often because they don’t understand their policy. Don’t throw money down the drain. Here’s how you can maximize your dental insurance to reach your oral health goals without breaking the bank.
Focus on Prevention
Dental care focuses on prevention because it’s proven to reduce your long-term oral health expenses by keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Research shows every $1 spent on prevention can save as much as $50 on restorative care. Your dental insurance makes it easy to get the routine services you need.
By paying your monthly premiums, you have access to a comprehensive policy that includes 100% preventive coverage. You can benefit from 1-2 preventive appointments per year to keep your smile healthy.
Treat Dental Issues Quickly
Even with the best prevention, a complication can arise. You don’t need to worry about a large dental bill. After reaching your deductible, your policy can cover 50% to 80% of the cost until hitting your yearly limit. You can use your policy to help offset the expense of many common treatments, like fillings, extractions, and root canals. You can reinstate your oral health without draining your wallet.
Choose the Right Dentist
To make the most of your policy, your dental insurance will recommend you choose an in-network dentist because they have pre-negotiated rates. You can still visit any dentist who accepts your coverage, even if they are out-of-network; however, you’ll need to pay the difference between the office’s fees and your insurance’s allowable amounts. You’ll have the freedom to choose the best dentist for your specific needs to enjoy personalized plans to reach your oral health goals.
Don’t Let Your Benefits Expire
Your dental insurance is a monthly investment. At the end of the calendar year, your dental policy will expire. You won’t be reimbursed for your premiums or deductible if you don’t use all your benefits. In addition, nothing will carry over into the new year. Anything you haven’t used will be lost for good.
Invest in a Healthy Smile
Your dental insurance is there to keep your teeth and gums healthy to achieve lasting oral health. If you have any questions about your policy, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist for clarification. They will work on your behalf with your insurance carrier to file the necessary claim forms for reimbursement.
About Dr. David Earnest
Dr. Earnest earned his degree at the University of Texas. He is a member of various dental organizations, including the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the Academy of Osseointegration. He works with many insurance plans to keep his services affordable. If you have benefits that you’re about to lose, contact our office today to schedule an appointment.