While avoiding the dentist may feel like saving money, things have a way of catching up with you in the end. And sometimes, especially if multiple problems arise in the same year, you can find yourself going over your insurance yearly maximum and paying a lot more out of your own pocket.
We can help you strategize how to use your insurance wisely and get the best coverage possible. This is especially important if:
It's Been Awhile Since You Have Been to the Dentist: Unless you have been blessed with naturally great oral health, you are likely to need some catch up dental care. The longer you wait, the higher the risk of multiple dental problems all needing attention at the same time. This can cause you to go over the year's insurance maximum and have to pay more of your own money for the same things insurance would normally cover.
You Have a History of Dental Problems: If you feel unlucky when it comes to teeth, you probably already know the risks of having multiple things go wrong in one insurance year or the inconvenience of emergencies. Use the benefits you have to make your teeth as strong and healthy as possible. You may find your dental luck will turn around.
You Have a Lot of Dental Restorations: As much as we would like them to, dental restorations don't last a lifetime. Insurance companies are happy if they last 5-7 years, but ours do much, much better. Even so, unless your crowns, bridges, and other dental treatments are under a few years old, you may feel best taking care of what you can each year and leaving your next year's benefits for any potential problems that might come up.
Your Dental Restorations Have Been Around for Awhile: Dental materials and techniques are always being improved. For example, we see crown and bridge cements from a decade ago wearing out and allowing new cavity bacteria under crowns where they can't be seen. Replacing these old restorations with new and better materials can prevent emergencies and save your teeth. Being proactive and working with your yearly benefits will allow you to upgrade your oral health and save money at the same time.
You Might Retire or Lose Insurance Benefits: It pays to take full advantage of your benefits while you have them. Even if nothing is bothering you, we may be able to improve your situation before you risk not having any benefits at all.
You Have Already Paid Your Deductible: If your dental needs won't go over your yearly maximum, it can be a good strategy to do everything within one year so that you don't need to pay your deductible more than once.
You Never Know What Might Happen: Life has a way of surprising us. Using your yearly benefits to keep your mouth healthy will protect you if you should suddenly lose your benefits or have to go with a lower level dental plan.
Regardless of your situation, we encourage you to not let your benefits go to waste. The money allotted for this year can go a long way in helping you pay for your treatment and save money in the end.
If you are looking for a great dentist in the Rocklin area or would like to learn how we can help you maximize your insurance benefits, give us a call at (916) 624-3119
