An estimated 74 million Americans don’t have dental insurance and struggle to afford the dental care they need. Which may explain why roughly 2 million dental emergencies are treated in the hospital each year, most of which are from uninsured people who aren’t getting regular checkups. Of course, having dental insurance isn’t a guarantee of getting routine dental care either! In fact, there are millions of people who do have a plan but don’t use it to their advantage. If you’re fortunate enough to have insurance, keep reading for 4 good reasons to see a dentist in Allentown before your plan expires and get great tips for maximizing your benefits.

1. You’ll Get Something of Value For Your Monthly Premiums

If you’re paying a monthly premium for insurance without seeing a dentist for routine care, you’re throwing that money away. And since the majority of plans cover preventive services like checkups and cleanings at 100%, they’re basically “free” for you and your family. Not to mention that they’re one of the best ways to prevent major dental problems.

2. You’ll Save Big Bucks Through Prevention

Checkups, cleanings, and other preventive services not only cost you little to nothing out of pocket. They also keep you out of the dental chair down the road. In fact, it’s estimated that for every dollar spent on preventive services like checkups and cleanings, $50 is saved on more involved, expensive procedures like root canals and dental crowns. By seeing a dentist regularly, small issues are found before they cause pain and extensive damage to your teeth and gums.

3. You’ll Maximize an Already Paid Deductible

If you’ve already paid your deductible for this year, make sure to schedule any remaining treatment before December 31st, which is when most insurance plans expire. This reduces your out of pockets costs by preventing the need to pay your deductible again at the start of next year.

4. You’ll Use Your Yearly Maximum Before It’s Lost

Use it or lose it! There’s a common misconception that your dental insurance benefits roll over, but the truth is that they’re automatically lost when your plan year ends. The average amount of annual benefits (called a yearly maximum) is typically between $700 and $1,500. This is how much the insurance company will pay for your dental care in a one-year period. One of the best ways to use (instead of lose) this money is to make your appointments well before December 31^st, especially since schedules tend to fill up towards the end of the year and it may be too late.

By being aware of the 4 benefits of using your insurance plan wisely, you’ll not only have much better dental health – you’ll make it a lot more affordable as well!

About the Author

Dr. Mark Enea has over 20 years of experience as a family dentist in Allentown and is a graduate of Temple University School of Dentistry. His office accepts most PPO plans and is always willing to help patients understand their coverage and get the most from their benefits. If you have any questions about dental insurance, you can contact him via his website.