Dental insurance is a monthly investment that can help you save on your oral healthcare. By taking all the right steps, you can completely maximize your benefits. However, dental insurance works quite a bit differently than medical insurance, so it can be confusing to understand at first. Continue reading to learn some tips that can help you get the most for your smile while spending the least amount of money.
Schedule Regular Checkups
The simplest way to get the most out of your benefits is to schedule routine cleanings and checkups every six months. By attending these regular visits, you can prevent oral health issues from developing. Your hygienist will thoroughly clean your teeth, and your dentist will take a look to ensure that you don’t have existing dental issues that need to be addressed. By catching smaller problems early, you can avoid costly, more invasive procedures in the future. For example, if your dentist detects a cavity now and treats it with a filling, you may be able to avoid root canal therapy or a tooth extraction later on.
Review Your Benefits
The end of the year is approaching, so there is no better time to look over your benefits again. By knowing exactly what is covered under your plan and when it will reset, you will be better able to maximize your coverage. For most insurance plans, the benefits reset at the end of the calendar year. This means that you will be responsible for paying for your deductible again at that time. Any remaining benefits will not carry over into 2024.
Choose an In-Network Dentist
If you have a PPO dental insurance plan, you have the ability to choose any dentist you’d like, even if they aren’t on your list of in-network dentists. However, it is in your best interest to choose a dentist who is in-network. This way, you can benefit from increased coverage a lot of the time. This will ultimately result in lower out-of-pocket costs.
Don’t Put Off Dental Work
If you have been putting off a new filling or replacing a dental crown, now is the time to do so! By using your benefits this year, you can avoid having to pay more due to your deductible being renewed in January. By keeping up with your smile, you can save yourself discomfort, time, and a lot of money.
If you need help understanding your dental insurance plan, don’t hesitate to ask your dental team. This way, you can ensure that you aren’t letting any benefits pass you by.
About the Author
Dr. Ali Albeer is an experienced dentist who has been practicing for over 23 years. He graduated from Baghdad University Dental School and went on to receive his master’s degree in Prosthodontics. In 2007, he and his family moved to the United States. He got accepted into the University of Colorado Dental School where he graduated 2nd in his class. Currently, he is a member of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and the Seattle Study Club as well as a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Albeer is in network with numerous dental insurance plans, and he also accepts out-of-network carriers. For more information on dental insurance or to schedule an appointment at his office in Carrollton, visit his website or call (972) 499-6835.