What’s it Mean When Your Dental Benefits Expire?

Many insurance policies renew on a yearly basis. Once your benefits expire, you are no longer covered under that plan. If your dental insurance plan is a PPO, then your plan will typically have a maximum lifetime benefit for dental treatments. That means that if you reach the maximum amount allowed, your insurance company will pay for all needed dental services for the rest of your lifetime. However, if certain services aren’t covered, you can still get them by paying yourself—or you may just choose not to receive those services at this time.

If you have a DHMO plan, your maximum annual coverage is typically available at the beginning of the year. Any unused money from that calendar year will carry over until the end of the year, at which point you’ll receive a new maximum amount. However, it’s important to understand that deductibles and any copayments are due each year when your maximum benefit resets. So if you don’t use any of that money by the end of the year, you’ll lose it.

Preventive Dentistry With Dental Insurance

Ideally, you should schedule your preventive visits every six months instead of waiting until the end of the benefits year, but we understand that circumstances and finances don’t always allow for this. In the event that you have a benefit lapse, you are at risk for a variety of serious dental health issues simply because you are no longer receiving care from a dentist.

One of the most common problems that patients face when they don’t visit the dentist on a regular basis is tooth decay. Unfortunately, the decay that is present in the mouth can spread quickly and become worse over time if left untreated, compromising the overall oral health of the patient.

Besides severe tooth decay, patients who don’t visit the dentist regularly also face gum disease and root canal infections. All of these issues can stem from a lack of professional dental care and are issues that can be avoided by visiting the dentist every four to six months for preventive care.

These appointments include thorough examinations and cleanings that help to maintain the health and strength of your smile, preventing the need for costly restorative treatments in the future. If it’s been awhile since your last appointment, it’s time to get back on track with your dental checkups today!

Restorative Dentistry With Dental Insurance

A great way to increase the lifespan of your benefits is to invest in restorative treatments like fillings, crowns, bridges, and root canals. These procedures help preserve your oral health and can actually save you money in the long run by preventing the need for more expensive tooth replacement options like dental implants or dentures. Plus, they cause minimal discomfort compared to more extensive treatments. Talk to your dentist about which treatments are right for you.

Cosmetic Dentistry With Dental Insurance

If your dental insurance benefits have expired, you may think you’re out of luck when it comes to affordable dental care. But at [practice], we can help! We offer a number of specials and financing plans to help you cover the cost of dental treatments. And you can even use your Flexible Spending Account or Health Savings Account to pay for your care!

In fact, you can maximize your insurance benefits and save money on treatment by taking advantage of our Special Financing Plan. This allows you to spread out the costs of your treatment over time, so you don’t have to worry about paying out of pocket all at once. Plus, you’ll get the benefit of reduced interest rates when you sign up for monthly payments instead of a lump sum payment.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, contact Healthy Smiles of Saint Louis at 4224 Watson Rd, St. Louis, MO 63109, or call (314) 832-1366! We’re looking forward to helping you reach your smile goals with our restorative, cosmetic, and general dentistry services.