As the winter season approaches, so does the opportunity to make the most of your dental insurance benefits before they reset at the start of the new year. With the holiday season just around the corner, now is the perfect time to prioritize your family’s dental health and take advantage of the remaining benefits your insurance plan has to offer. At Atherton Smiles, we’re here to help you maximize your dental coverage, save on out-of-pocket expenses, and keep your smile healthy and bright for the holiday season and beyond.
Why use your dental insurance benefits before year-end?
Most dental insurance plans operate on an annual cycle, meaning any unused benefits will expire at the end of the year. Once January arrives, your benefits reset, and any leftover coverage from the previous year is gone for good. Here’s why it’s wise to schedule your appointments with Atherton Smiles before the year ends:
No rollover: Most dental insurance plans, including Delta Dental, do not roll over unused benefits to the next year. Whatever funds are available for 2023 will be lost if not used by December 31st.
Preventive care coverage: Many insurance plans fully cover preventive services like exams, cleanings, and X-rays. Taking advantage of these covered services now can help avoid more complex (and costly) procedures down the road.
End-of-year flexibility: The winter season often provides a little extra flexibility, making it a great time to bring in the entire family for checkups. Why not use this time to complete any treatments you or your family need?
How Atherton smiles helps you maximize your dental insurance
At Atherton Smiles, we know that navigating dental insurance can be tricky, and we’re here to make the process as easy and cost-effective as possible. As an in-network provider for Delta Dental and other major insurance plans, our team is experienced in working with your insurance provider to ensure you receive the most from your plan. Here’s how we can help:
- Full transparency: We’ll review your insurance benefits with you, ensuring you understand what’s covered and any costs you may be responsible for.
- Pre-treatment estimates: Our team provides accurate cost estimates before starting treatment, so there are no surprises.
- Flexible scheduling: We offer convenient appointment times and end-of-year availability, so you can fit in treatments before the holidays.
Take advantage of preventive care benefits
One of the best ways to use your dental insurance benefits is through preventive care. Most insurance plans, including Delta Dental, cover routine checkups, cleanings, and X-rays at 100%. Scheduling these services for yourself and your family not only maximizes your benefits but also helps prevent more extensive dental issues from arising. Here are some key preventive services to consider before the year ends:
Comprehensive exams
Regular dental exams allow us to monitor your oral health and catch any issues early. Exams are often covered entirely by insurance, making them a valuable and budget-friendly way to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Professional cleanings
A professional dental cleaning removes plaque and tartar that regular brushing can’t eliminate. Keeping up with cleanings helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and bad breath, all while making the most of your insurance coverage.
X-rays
X-rays are a useful tool for identifying potential dental issues that may not be visible to the naked eye. With most insurance plans covering X-rays, now is the ideal time to get a comprehensive picture of your oral health.
Fluoride treatments and sealants
For children and teens, fluoride treatments and sealants provide added protection against cavities. Delta Dental and many other insurance providers cover these treatments, making it easier for your family to avoid future dental concerns.
Dental treatments to consider before year-end
If you’ve been delaying certain treatments or need more extensive dental work, now is the time to address these needs before your benefits reset. At Atherton Smiles, we offer a range of restorative and cosmetic treatments that may be partially covered by insurance, including:
- Fillings and crowns: These common procedures help restore the structure and function of damaged teeth, preventing further issues. Completing necessary restorative work before year-end can help you use up any remaining coverage.
- Orthodontic consultations: Interested in Invisalign or other orthodontic options? If your insurance plan includes orthodontic benefits, our team can help you determine what’s covered and provide a consultation.
- Cosmetic procedures: Although most cosmetic procedures aren’t fully covered by insurance, some plans do offer partial coverage for procedures that also provide restorative benefits. Our team can work with you to understand your options.
Flexible payment options and maximizing HSA/FSA funds
In addition to insurance, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) can be used to cover out-of-pocket dental expenses. These accounts offer tax advantages and are an excellent way to save on dental treatments, but like insurance benefits, unused HSA/FSA funds typically expire at the end of the year. Atherton Smiles offers flexible payment options to help you maximize these accounts:
- Interest-free payment plans: Spread the cost of larger treatments over several months with our interest-free payment options.
- HSA/FSA support: We’re happy to assist you in using your HSA or FSA funds to cover treatments like fillings, crowns, and even cosmetic services, allowing you to keep your out-of-pocket costs low.
Common questions about end-of-year dental benefits
1. How do I know if I have unused insurance benefits?
Our team at Atherton Smiles can help you review your insurance benefits and determine what’s left for the year. Contact us, and we’ll provide an overview of your coverage.
2. Are cleanings and exams fully covered by insurance?
Most insurance plans, including Delta Dental, fully cover preventive care like cleanings and exams. It’s a great way to keep your teeth healthy at little to no cost.
3. What if I reach my annual maximum on dental benefits?
If you’ve already reached your annual limit, consider using HSA/FSA funds for additional treatments, or ask us about our flexible payment plans to help manage any remaining costs.
4. Will my insurance cover cosmetic treatments?
While most insurance plans don’t fully cover cosmetic treatments, certain procedures that also have restorative benefits may be eligible for partial coverage. Our team can guide you through your options based on your plan.
5. How long does it take to get an appointment?
With the end of the year being a busy time, we recommend scheduling your appointments as soon as possible to ensure availability. Call us, and we’ll work with you to find a time that fits your schedule.
Don’t wait—schedule your appointment at Atherton smiles today!
At Atherton Smiles, we want to help you make the most of your dental insurance benefits before they expire. By scheduling your checkups, cleanings, and any necessary treatments now, you can head into the holiday season with a healthy, beautiful smile. Plus, you’ll be saving money by using your insurance benefits before they reset in the new year!
