Maximizing Your Dental Benefits This Year – What You Should Know

If you have a dental insurance plan, you may be wondering how you can make the most of your benefits as the year comes to a close. In this blog from Vivid Smiles, we’ll discuss what you should know about making the most of your benefits. Let’s get started now! 

Most Dental Plans Cover Two Checkups & One Set Of X-Rays Per Year

First and foremost, it’s important to realize that all major dental plans will cover two preventive appointments per year, usually at no cost to you. This includes a teeth cleaning and an oral exam from a dentist like Dr. Paruchuri or Dr. Sahai. 

Yearly x-rays are also usually covered, so it may be recommended that you and your family members get yearly x-rays at Vivid Smiles to make the most of your coverage.

If you only get one dental cleaning per year, you’re not making the most of your dental plan, so make sure that you and your kids schedule a consultation at Vivid Smiles to get the care you need before the year ends. 

Kids Usually Can Get Coverage For Fluoride Treatments & Sealants

If you have kids under the age of 18, most dental plans are required to cover treatments like fluoride treatments and dental sealants.

Fluoride treatments strengthen and “remineralize” cavity-prone teeth to help prevent tooth decay, and dental sealants are used to “seal” the rear molars with a clear plastic resin to prevent the formation of cavities. Both of these treatments can save you money by avoiding cavities in your children’s teeth. 

This can vary depending on your dental plan, but plans through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) contain coverage for both sealants and fluoride treatments, and most employer-provided insurance also covers these treatments. If you’re not sure, consult with your plan provider.

Getting Care Before The End Of The Year Maximizes Your Benefits 

If you need any major dental work like fillings, crowns, or any other treatments to restore your oral health, it’s important to get treatment before the end of the year.

This is so that you can meet your deductible, which is the amount of money you must spend on dental care before your dental benefits kick in. Your deductible will usually be between $250 and $500.

Once you pay this amount of money for dental care, your dental work will be fully covered by insurance until you reach your annual maximum, which usually ranges between $1,000 and $1,500. 

If you meet your annual maximum, that means you’re making the most of your plan and its coverage, so try to schedule a check-up before the end of the year to find out if you need any follow-up treatments. 

Contact Vivid Smiles For A Consultation In Terre Haute, IN 

‍If you want to make the most of your dental benefits, follow the above tips, and schedule an appointment at Vivid Smiles right away. Give us a call at (812) 803-2340 or contact us online to get started. Dr. Paruchuri and Dr. Sahai are always here to help you and your family get expert dental care in Terre Haute, IN.