Dental Benefits Expire Soon — Here’s How to Use Yours Before You Lose Them

It happens every year. You’ve been paying into your dental insurance plan, but before you know it, the calendar is creeping toward the end of the year and you still have unused benefits. Once December 31 passes, any remaining coverage usually disappears — and those dollars you’ve already paid for vanish along with it. At Smiles One Family Dentistry in Pittsburgh, our goal is to help you get the care you need while making the most of your coverage, so you don’t leave valuable benefits unused.

Most dental plans operate on a calendar-year schedule, which means your annual maximum resets on January 1. If you haven’t used your full allotment for the year, those funds won’t roll over — they simply expire. Think of it as money you’ve set aside for your oral health, and if you don’t claim it, it’s gone for good. Taking advantage of your benefits before the year ends ensures you’re getting the value you’ve already paid for.

One of the easiest ways to use your benefits is through preventive care, which is typically covered at 100% by most dental plans. Cleanings, exams, and x-rays often come at no cost to you, making them a smart and budget-friendly way to protect your oral health. If you haven’t scheduled your second cleaning of the year, now is the time. Not only does preventive care help you avoid dental problems, but it also gives us a chance to spot any issues early — when they’re easier and less expensive to treat.

Delaying recommended treatment can have bigger consequences than you might expect. Maybe your dentist suggested a crown, a deep cleaning, or a filling earlier in the year, but life got busy and you decided to put it off. Unfortunately, dental problems rarely fix themselves. A small cavity can turn into a root canal, and mild gum disease can progress into a more serious condition if left untreated. Using your benefits now can prevent more complicated, costly, and uncomfortable procedures later.

If you have a larger treatment plan coming up, there’s also a strategic way to maximize your insurance coverage. By splitting treatment between the end of this year and the start of next year, you may be able to take advantage of two annual maximums. For example, you could complete part of your treatment in December and the rest in January, lowering your out-of-pocket costs while still getting the care you need. Our team can help you plan your appointments to make the most of this approach.

It’s also important to remember that if you have a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA), those funds may be on a “use it or lose it” schedule. Many FSA plans require you to spend the money by the end of the year, while others offer only a short grace period. Dental treatment is an eligible expense, so it’s worth checking your account balance and putting those dollars toward your oral health before they expire.

As the year draws to a close, our advice is simple: check your plan, check your schedule, and book your appointment. Review your dental benefits to see what coverage you still have available, then give us a call. We can help you understand what’s covered, identify any treatment that should be completed soon, and secure a time that works for you. The end-of-year rush for appointments is real, and November and December tend to fill up quickly — so it’s best not to wait until the last minute.

You’ve already invested in your dental coverage, so don’t let it go to waste. Whether you’re due for a cleaning, need an exam, or still have unfinished treatment on your plan, we’re here to help you get the care you need before your benefits reset. Request your appointment with Smiles One Family Dentistry in Pittsburgh today, and let’s make sure you start the new year with a healthy, confident smile — and no unused benefits left behind.

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