The holidays are approaching and you’ve got a lot to plan for! With the parties, gifts, and treats to bake, you’re probably not thinking about your next dental appointment, but perhaps you should be. If you haven’t maximized your dental benefits for 2017, it’s time to get your next appointment scheduled. If you don’t know what that means, read on as your Glastonbury dentist explains more about your dental benefits.
How Dental Insurance Works
Most dental benefits use a calendar year plan, which means that they start in January and end in December. You typically have a maximum amount that is paid each year for your preventive and restorative care that is in the range of $1000 to $2000. You might also have a deductible to be paid before any restorative work is covered, usually in the range of $50 to $150.
Most plans cover most if not all of your preventive services, while they will pay a percentage of restorative care such as dental fillings or crowns. This means that you can visit your dentist every six months for cleanings and checkups with very little out-of-pocket expense, if any.
Use it or lose it
Unfortunately, dental plans don’t roll over from year to year. This means that if you still have unused dollars left for 2017, they will be gone at the end of the year. You will also have the expense of a new deductible to be met in January. That is why it’s in your best interest to schedule any outstanding treatment you may have now, before the end of the year so you can save money and maximize your remaining dental benefit.
Why Preventive Care is so important
Your six month cleaning and checkups are your best defense against many dental issues such as oral cancer, gum disease, tooth decay, and cavities. Your dentist will screen you for these issues during every checkup, and they can detect them much earlier than you can. This allows you to choose less invasive procedures with more success.
If you are uncertain about your remaining dental benefits, or if you need any treatment, give your dentist a call today to discuss your needs and schedule your next appointment.
About the Author
Dr. Brad Heim and Dr. John Carroll lead the team at Glastonbury Smiles. Patients will find complete and comprehensive care for their families when they choose us as their dental home. With a wide range of services for both adults and children, dentistry has never been more pleasant and convenient for families in Glastonbury.
If you would like to contact our office, we can be reached through our website or by calling 860-633-2031.
