If you have dental insurance, there is a good chance your benefits reset at the end of the calendar year. Any unused portion of your annual maximum usually does not roll over, which means benefits you have already paid for through your premiums simply disappear.

A little planning can help you and your family get the most out of your coverage. Here is what to keep in mind.

Understand your annual maximum

Most dental plans have a yearly maximum, often around $1,000 to $1,500, that the plan will pay toward your care each year. If you have not used it, that money does not carry forward. Scheduling needed treatment before your benefits reset helps you avoid leaving value on the table.

Do not skip your cleanings and exams

Most plans cover preventive visits, cleanings and exams, at or near 100 percent. These visits are the best value in dentistry. They keep your smile healthy and let us catch small problems early, when they are simpler and less expensive to treat.

Take care of small problems now

If we have recommended a filling, crown, or other treatment, it is usually wise to take care of it sooner rather than later. Dental issues rarely get better on their own, and completing treatment while you still have benefits available can reduce your out-of-pocket cost.

Plan larger treatment across two years

If you need more extensive work, it can sometimes be timed across two benefit periods so you can use the maximum from each year. We are happy to help you plan treatment in a way that fits both your health needs and your budget.

No insurance? You still have options

If you do not have dental insurance, you are not stuck paying full price. Our Healthy Smiles in-office discount plan offers real savings with no waiting periods, no claim forms, and no yearly maximums. We also work with CareCredit and LendingClub for low monthly payment options.

Let us help you plan

Not sure what your benefits cover or what you still need this year? Our team is happy to review your treatment plan and help you make the most of your coverage before it resets.

Call us at (505) 821-6910 or book an appointment online.