Most people pay for dental care annually, then forget to use all that they’ve paid for before the year starts again. By December, most have forgotten that their plan is “use it or lose it,”  i.e., unused benefits expire at the end of the year. At Long Beach Dental Health, we encourage patients to review their deadline for dental benefits early and get the most out of what they’ve already paid.

You’ve worked for your coverage, and spending it wisely doesn’t cost as much and keeps you smiling healthily throughout the year.

How Dental Plans Work

Dental insurance may be confusing, but the concept is simple. Most plans are a yearly plan, and they provide a specified level of coverage for preventive and restorative treatment. Cleaning, exams, and X-rays are usually paid in full, while treatments like crowns or fillings are reimbursed in part.

What comes as a shock to many people is the timeline of dental insurance – most coverage renews on January 1, and unused dollars carry over nowhere. So any unused dollars in your dental benefit vanish if you don’t get your appointments scheduled before the year ends. The American Dental Association says preventive care visits save on long-term dental expenses by catching problems earlier.

That is why TODAY is the best day to review your dental insurance plan and schedule your next appointment.

Why Early Appointments Are Important

Finishing the year with appointments can be overwhelming. Dental clinics get busier as patients make a frantic rush to spend their remaining benefits. By making early bookings, you can schedule an appointment that fits your routine and complete any pending treatments before your plan runs out.

Here are some smart suggestions for making the most of your insurance benefits:

• Prioritize preventive care: Exams and cleanings maintain healthy mouths and prevent future trouble.
• Finish prescribed treatments: If your dentist prescribed treatment a few months ago, have it done before the benefits expire.
• Plan multi-step procedures: For longer procedures, plan several visits spaced over two benefit periods to save funds.

Each step ensures you’re using your benefits strategically and getting care when it matters most.

Preventive Visits Pay Off

Routine visits might seem optional, but prevention is the foundation of long-term dental health. Regular checkups help detect problems like gum inflammation, enamel wear, or early decay before they become more complex. Skipping them can lead to higher costs and longer recovery times later.

Your deadline for dental benefits is your cue to get moving. A simple cleaning or checkup now will prevent you from ever needing to spend money on expensive care down the road – conserving your time and money while protecting your teeth.

Your smile is worth taking care of throughout the year, not only when something is wrong. Don’t let your dental benefits go to waste this year. Look over your plan, get familiar with your dental coverage, and make your next appointment before your plan renews.

Visit Long Beach Dental Health today to schedule your appointment before year-end. Take care of your smile, use your benefits, and make this year worth it before time runs out.