Your smile is one of the first things that people notice about you—so you should do everything in your power to ensure that it always looks its best! One way of doing this is by taking full advantage of your dental insurance benefits. That said, this is often easier said than done; amidst all of the paperwork to fill out and appointments to schedule, it’s sometimes tricky to get the most value out of your plan. Here are some tips from your dentist to help you maximize your dental insurance benefits.
1. Seek Regular Preventive Care
Regular preventive care is one of the best things you can do your smile—and it’s also one of the best ways to take full advantage of your dental insurance, as these visits are often covered by most plans! These routine visits give your dentist the opportunity to inspect your mouth for any undetected issues. It also allows them to thoroughly clean your teeth of the built-up plaque and tartar that you can’t clear yourself. Ultimately, these visits can save you a great deal of money by actively mitigating serious and costly oral health issues.
2. Understand the Link Between Your Oral & Overall Health
Your oral health is connected to your overall health; studies show that gum disease is linked to numerous health conditions including diabetes and heart disease. In fact, there are actually over 120 diseases that can be detected by your dentist during an oral exam! This means that routine dental visits can lead to the early detection of serious (and potentially expensive) conditions.
3. Know the Details of Your Benefits
Most dental insurance plans operate around a calendar year basis, meaning that you’re given an annual maximum that will carry through the rest of the year. This figure is very important; it’s the most that your plan will pay for approved services and visits, and anything leftover at the end of the year simply expires. Typically, preventive and restorative care is at least partially covered by insurance, as things like gum disease and damaged teeth can pose certain health risks.
4. Schedule Major Dental Work Accordingly
There are some dental procedures that take multiple visits to fully complete, which means that in order to ensure you’re fully covered throughout the process, it’s sometimes wise to schedule part of your treatment for the following calendar year. This way, you’re taking advantage of two separate annual maximums rather than just one!
5. Use Your Flexible Spending Account (If Applicable)
Some employers offer flexible spending accounts (FSA) that you can use in tandem with your dental insurance. However, you must use the remaining amount by the end of the year! By taking advantage of an FSA, you can reduce your taxable income and put more money aside for things like dental care expenses!
Your dental insurance is designed to help your smile; but it can’t do this if you aren’t fully maximizing your benefits! Your dentist and their team will also be able to work with you to ensure that you’re taking advantage of what your plan offers.
About the Author
Dr. Brandon A. Brunner received his dental doctorate from the University of Minnesota and has proudly served the dental needs of the Brookfield area for several years. His practice is pleased to offer a vast range of different services including preventive, cosmetic, and restorative options. If you have any questions about how to maximize your dental insurance benefits or would like to arrange a visit, feel free to contact the practice online or over the phone for assistance: (262) 923-7075.