With the end of the year fast approaching, you may find your dental insurance benefits are about to run out. Many dental insurance plans run on a calendar year basis and have a “use it or lose it” policy. This means that if you don’t take advantage of your benefits before the year ends, you won’t be able to roll them over to the following year, and any unused benefits will be lost. Don’t let your benefits go to waste, book your dental treatment before it’s too late.
What Are My Dental Insurance Benefits?
Most insurance plans cover regular cleanings and exams, which are typically recommended twice per year. You may, however, be eligible for more benefits than you realize. This means you may be entitled to dental treatment you may not have considered, such as restorative dentistry. Certain insurance plans, including some provided by employers, may even include optional benefits such as orthodontic or cosmetic services. Check your policy details to find out exactly what your benefits are.
If you are experiencing dental pain or another dental problem, such as a broken or worn-down tooth or teeth damaged by tooth decay, you may require restorative dental work. Dental restorations can not only help to relieve pain or restore function, such as improving your ability to eat and speak properly, they can also provide natural-looking results and help prevent dental problems in the future. Restorative dental services may include:
- Crowns
- Fillings
- Veneers
- Dentures
- Root canals
- Implants
Does My Dental Insurance Cover Restorative Dentistry?
Restorative dentistry focuses on repairing or restoring missing or damaged teeth to improve the function of teeth. Usually, dental insurance will not cover cosmetic dentistry procedures, which are considered elective and carried out purely to enhance the aesthetics of a person’s smile. They will, however, often consider restorative dentistry procedures if they are deemed medically necessary, for purposes other than aesthetics, for example, to improve your bite to help you eat or to replace a tooth that has been impaired or lost through cavities, disease, or from an accident or injury. Restorative treatments that are covered by insurance, such as Zirconia crowns or dental implants, will also typically offer cosmetic benefits alongside restorative purposes.
What If I Require Dental Treatment But Have Reached My Annual Maximum?
If you require extensive treatment and are close to reaching your annual maximum, depending on your insurance policy terms, it may be possible to spread your appointments or procedures between this year and next year to ensure you have enough benefits for all of your treatment.
If, however, you have already met your deductible for the year and have benefits remaining, it pays to complete your treatment plan before the start of the new year, when a new deductible will start again.
It is important to always check your dental insurance plan before committing to treatment, as some policies may not cover certain procedures or they may not cover the costs in full. If you are unsure exactly what your policy covers, contact your insurer prior to starting treatment.
Restorative Dentist in Zelienople, Pennsylvania
If you have dental insurance, make sure you use your insurance benefits before they run out. If you are experiencing dental pain or other dental problems, contact the expert dental team at Marion Smile Center. Our caring and highly-skilled providers offer comprehensive dental services, including state-of-the-art family and pediatric, restorative, preventive, cosmetic dentistry, and periodontal care to enhance your smile and keep your teeth and mouth healthy.
To find out more about restorative dentistry or any of our other services, call Marion Smile Center today at (724) 452-4300. Alternatively, you can request an appointment with us online now.
