Diamonds are forever – but teeth aren’t, and that’s why it’s recommended that everyone makes an appointment with their dentist at least once every six months for a regular check-up, even when they don’t see anything wrong with their health. Most people avoid seeing their dentists or doctors what they consider to be “too often” – but when you’re taking care of your health, there’s no such thing as too often.
Dental Insurance: Use It or Lose It!
Did you know your dental insurance benefits reset every year? It’s true. If your dental insurance plan, like most is on a calendar year, you will lose out on all unused benefits after December 31st. That means this is a great time of year to take advantage of everything your dental insurance provides, especially if you have outstanding treatments.
How health insurance really works
Health insurance exists to make the burden of paying to get healthier less on you. But most people have the misconception that they should somehow “save” their health insurance for when they need it – but this isn’t true, and most people end up saving their health insurance for so long that the benefits that matter lapses. Ideally, health insurance is there to be used – and it’s not just for the times when you or your family gets sick. You should see health insurance as a way to stay healthier, and not just as a way to get better – this way, you can use your health insurance to its full benefit for you and your family’s health.
The value of regular appointments
What’s the worst that could happen if you went to the doctor or dentist more often than you do now? Absolutely nothing. But what’s the worst that could happen if you avoided going to your dentist as much as you could? The first thing that you’d risk is the potential of missing important issues with your health that a doctor could have spotted if you had gone sooner. The second thing that you’d risk is the potential of losing your health insurance benefits.
Yearly Limit
Most insurance companies will pay out around $1,000 (double-check your policy) per person, per year, for dental treatments. If you haven’t used it by year-end, there is no rollover. It is gone-gone. Note: Some restorative treatments are more costly and require several phases, ask us to help you schedule this so some portions will fit in this year’s insurance budget while the rest falls in next year’s.
Deductibles/Premiums:
Your dental insurance company likely sets a dollar amount that you must spend before their coverage “kicks in.” Once you’ve paid that deductible, it’s good for the year—but only that calendar year. You’re paying premiums to save you money, so take advantage of it and actually save yourself that money by using the benefits. Even if you don’t need extensive treatment, always have regular cleanings and check-ups.
Rate Increases:
As the cost of living, materials, and equipment constantly inflate, dental practices sometimes must increase the price of treatments. If this were to happen, most likely it’s implemented at the beginning of a new year. Coverage of certain treatments are sometimes cut from insurance policies too, so grab it while it lasts!
Prevent Paying for Procrastination:
Delays in putting your dental insurance to work can turn what may be a simple cavity now, into a root canal later. Avoid these more extensive and expensive treatments by utilizing your dental insurance for cleanings and check-ups.
Here are just a few of the services you want to use before you lose the opportunity.
Routine Checkups
Many dental insurance plans provide coverage for two checkups a year at six-month intervals. So, if you haven’t had a cleaning in the last six months, now is an excellent time to schedule an appointment. Getting a regular checkup ensures your teeth and gums are in tip top shape, and gives your dentist a chance to review your oral health to make sure problems aren’t developing. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy a professionally cleaned and polished smile, which can have you leaving the office feeling like a more radiant, confident you.
Large Treatments
If you need more extensive dental treatments involving multiple visits, the end of the year is the perfect time to get started. This is especially true if you’ve already met your deductible and haven’t hit your annual maximum. Once your deductible is paid, your out-of-pocket expenses can decrease dramatically, making it an ideal situation for larger dental treatments. Don’t let your 2018 dental benefits go to waste by making sure you use them before December 31.
Regency Family Dentistry Omaha
Whether your teeth needs are a complete exam and cleaning, a full-mouth restoration, or anything in between, we promise to provide you with exceptional care as we enhance the natural beauty of your smile. Below are just some of the many procedures and dental services we regularly provide to our patients – with a gentle touch, and stunning results. Your smile is our first priority, and we’ll give you something to smile about.
Preventative Dentistry
- Dental Exams
- Dental Cleanings
- Oral Cancer Exam
- Fluoride Treatment
- Sealants
- Dental X-Rays
- Home Care
- Nightguards & Mouthguards
Cosmetic Dentistry
- Dental Implants
- Composite Fillings
- Porcelain Crowns
- FixedPorcelain Bridges
- Porcelain Veneers
- Tooth Whitening
Periodontal Disease
- What is Periodontal (Gum) Disease?
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
- Maintenance
Restorative Dentistry
- Dental Implants
- Inlay Restorations
- Onlay Restorations
- Composite Fillings
- Crowns
- Dentures & Partial Dentures
- Fixed Bridges
- Root Canal Therapy
Oral Surgery
- Wisdom Teeth Extractions
