If you wish to save a significant amount of money when treating your smile, dental insurance can make this much easier in the long run. However, understanding your policy can sometimes be challenging. Furthermore, your plan may not work exactly like health insurance, so it can take some time to navigate properly. To make you feel more comfortable about your coverage, here are four tips to help you maximize your dental insurance benefits!
#1: Schedule Two Checkups & Cleanings Every Year
One of the first ways to make the most of your insurance plan is to schedule dental checkups and cleanings every six months. Not only will these involve a thorough polishing of your teeth, but your dentist will also monitor your oral health and address any developing concerns they might detect. By receiving early preventive care, you’ll be able to lower your risk of more serious issues like gum disease, cavities, or infection, which may require more costly treatment. Since dental insurance often covers 100% of these visits, you can save yourself time, money, and headaches in the long run.
#2: Get the Dental Treatment You’ve Been Holding Out On
Do you require new fillings or extensive dental treatment? If so, now is the time to capitalize on your coverage plan. Most dental insurance policies can cover around 50-80% of restorative procedures after you’ve paid your annual deductible. By receiving your treatment as soon as possible, you can avoid discomfort and keep more money in the bank.
#3: Pick an In-Network Dentist
Do you have a PPO plan? This type of policy may allow you to choose any dentist you want, whether they’re “in-network” or not. However, picking a dental professional who is in-network can provide you with increased coverage. This means you’ll be able to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.
#4: Use Your Benefits Before the Year Ends
You should remember that your dental insurance benefits will not roll over to the new year. Any remaining amount of money in your policy will be left behind once January 1st arrives. That’s why you’ll want to review your benefits and use them before your plan resets to make the most of your coverage.
Feel free to consult your dental team if you need assistance navigating your dental insurance plan. They’ll be more than happy to walk you through the details and help capitalize on your benefits!
About the Author
Dr. Ted Morgan studied at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry and has well over four decades of experience under his belt. He’s also a proud member of several organizations like the Academy of General Dentistry and the American Dental Association. He provides a wide range of high-quality services, including dental checkups/cleanings, periodontal therapy, fillings, and root canal therapy. If you’d like to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call him at 207-839-2655.