By White Center Smiles

As this year is going to end, a lot of us are busy with holiday plans, shopping, and wrapping up end-of-year tasks. While preparing for the new year, you might be overlooking the “Use-It-or-Lose-It” policy of your dental insurance. This policy means, if you have not yet used your dental benefits, you will miss out on the treatment of some unnoticed issues. It is like leaving free money on the table.

In this blog, we will learn what the “Use-It-or-Lose-It” policy is, and why you need to use it before the new year.

What is the “Use-It-or-Lose-It” Policy?

The “Use-It-or-Lose-It” policy means your dental benefits will expire if you do not use them before the end of the year. Dental plans generally include an annual maximum benefit. This benefit covers preventive care like cleanings, exams, and sometimes fillings or other treatments. However, once the year resets, these unused benefits will disappear, and you will start again from zero.

Why Should You Use Your Benefits?

By not using your benefits, you may miss out on getting checked for oral health issues that otherwise might have gone unnoticed. Here is why you should care for your unused benefits:

Use Your Benefits Before Expiry:
If you do not fully utilize your dental benefits, you will leave money behind. Whether you need a check-up, cleaning, or even a filling, now is the time to make sure you get the most from your plan.
Avail Preventive Care:
Dental insurance is designed to help cover preventive care. The regular appointments, like cleanings or check-ups, are important to maintain a healthy smile and prevent serious dental issues. Without them, you risk developing issues that could require painful treatments in the future.
Avoid Future Issues:
Sometimes, we avoid the dentist because of time or fear of discomfort. However, skipping preventive care can lead to bigger issues in the future. Minor problems like a small cavity or a gum issue can develop into larger problems like a root canal or full-blown periodontal disease. Using your “Use-It-or-Lose-It” benefits saves you from future complications and invasive procedures later.
Maximize Your Coverage:
By scheduling any remaining treatments or check-ups before the year ends, you can use the full value of your dental plan. Many plans cover two cleanings per year, along with exams.

How to Maximize Your Benefits Before Year-End

Here are some quick tips for you to make the most out of your benefits:

Schedule Your Appointments Now:
Do not wait until the last minute! Call your dentist to schedule your appointments as soon as possible. Dental offices tend to fill up quickly with the holidays around the corner. This is why it is best to get on the calendar early.
Use Your Benefits for Necessary Treatments:
If you need more than a routine cleaning, like fillings or other dental work, now is the time to schedule it. This can help you avoid carrying over unnecessary expenses into the new year.
Check Your Remaining Benefits:
If you are unsure how much of your benefits are still available, check with your insurance provider or dentist. They can tell you exactly what is left, helping you make the most of it before the year ends.

What Happens If You Do Not Use Your Benefits?

Simply put, you lose them. Your dental benefits do not roll over into the next year. This means if you have not used them, they will expire when the new year starts. It is that free coverage which you will not get back, so it is important to act now.

Take Advantage of Your Benefits Today

Do not let the “Use-It-or-Lose-It” policy catch you off guard. Taking care of your smile now will help you avoid future issues and start the new year on the right foot. If you have not yet used your dental benefits this year, schedule your appointment today. Take full advantage before time runs out.

At White Center Smiles, we are here to help you make the most of your dental benefits. We want to make sure your smile stays healthy and bright. Schedule your appointment today and finish the year with a smile that shines!