3 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Dental Benefits

If you have dental insurance, you understand the importance of regular care and how it impacts your current and future smile. By paying a monthly premium, you have access to a host of benefits that are designed to provide suitable coverage should you need it. So, what can you do to avoid losing valuable money while also taking better care of your smile? Hear from a dentist in Richardson who shares three ways to maximize your dental benefits before the end of the year.

Don’t Underestimate Preventive Care

Regular dental checkups and cleanings are the most effective way (aside from at-home oral hygiene) to minimize your risk for future oral health issues. Most dental insurance companies design their plans to encourage patients to seek preventive care. This is why many offer 80-100% coverage. By taking advantage of your twice-annual visits, you can maintain better oral hygiene year-round, catch problems early on, and reduce your chances of more serious restorative care.

Avoid Serious Health Issues

Much of what happens inside the mouth can negatively impact the body and vice versa. Gum disease is commonly linked to diabetes and dementia, and tooth loss can also contribute to osteoporosis and heart disease. By using your dental benefits each year, you not only save money on complex dental treatments, but you also safeguard your overall health as well as your wallet from having to pay doctors for health-related diseases and conditions.

Use Them Before They Expire

Although not all plans are designed this way, most benefits expire at the end of the calendar year. This means from January 1 to December 31, you have 12 months to use your dental insurance and save big. Need a root canal? Don’t wait until next year. Why? Because you’ll be required to pay your deductible again before your insurance company will pay more.

If you’re unsure how best to maximize dental insurance benefits before the end of the year, don’t hesitate to talk to your dental staff. Their expertise will ensure you take better care of your smile while using your benefits to your advantage, ultimately, keeping more money in your pocket.

About the Practice
At McDougal and Richards Dentistry, we provide high-quality dental care for each of our patients. Offering comprehensive services to meet your needs, Dr. Tom McDougal and Dr. Chris Richards are ready to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. Need a particular treatment but are unsure if you should pursue it this year or next? Let our staff walk you through how you can maximize your dental benefits now and save money in the long run. Contact us at (972) 231-5376 to learn how to get the most out of your dental insurance plan.