Many dental benefit plans follow the calendar year, meaning they’ll expire on December 31. If you have benefits remaining, you should consider using them while you still have time. You can save yourself hundreds of dollars if you time your appointments right.

Understanding why you should take full advantage of your dental benefits yearly will help you get the dental care you need. These five reasons show why now is the time to schedule your dental appointment.

Calendar Year vs. Fiscal Year

The terms calendar and fiscal year come up often when referring to insurance, whether you have a traditional plan, an HSA, or an FSA. These words describe when dental benefits start and end. Calendar year benefits are the most common plans, beginning on January 1 and ending on December 31. Fiscal year benefits can start and end at any time throughout the year.

5 Reasons Why It’s Important to Use Your Dental Benefits Now

You’ve paid for your dental plan and don’t want it wasted. Plan ahead and schedule your dental care before the end of the year to maximize your insurance coverage. Doing so allows you to:

1. Prevent Dental Problems From Worsening

When you delay restorative dentistry services, your problem might worsen. This leads to more extensive and costly treatment. You may have a small cavity now, but without prompt treatment, you could need a root canal later. Using your insurance now will prevent discomfort.

2. Split Treatment Between Two Years

Did your dentist recommend an extensive treatment plan that requires multiple restorative appointments? You can get a head start on treatment this year and maximize your dental benefits. When your plan resets in January, you can continue with treatment and still have help from your insurance coverage.

3. Use Benefits Before They Expire

When your plan expires at the end of the year, your annual maximum resets in January. Any unused dental benefits from the current year will not roll over. Essentially, you are wasting money! If you don’t have any restorative treatment to do, focus on preventive dentistry. Schedule a cleaning and use your benefits before you lose them.

4. Avoid Fee Increases

The start of a new year is often when dental offices increase their fees. These fees increase because of the increased cost of living, equipment, and materials. Your insurance coverage may remain the same, but higher fees can lead to more out-of-pocket expenses.

5. Book Appointments While They Are Available

Many people try to use their insurance before the end of the year, causing the office schedule to fill up fast. Kids are on winter break, and adults take extended time away from work to fit their dental work into their busy schedules. Schedule your appointments as soon as possible to maximize your benefits before December 31.

Make the Most of Your Dental Insurance

You’ve invested in dental insurance for a reason, so don’t let your benefits expire. If you know you need treatment that is covered under your plan, today is the day to schedule that appointment.

Pinnacle Dentistry can help you make the most of your remaining insurance. Call our office today to get your treatment on the books!