The American Dental Association (ADA) reports 59% of adults have private dental insurance; however, only 2.8% meet or exceed their annual benefits. Despite paying monthly premiums, 53% of adults believe they don’t need dental care while 44% of people feel they can’t afford to see a dentist. If you’re not using your dental insurance, you’re throwing money down the drain. Your monthly investment gives you access to reduced rates for the services your smile needs. Here are 3 advantages of using your dental benefits to lower your long-term oral health costs.
1. Avoid costly treatments down the road.
Dental care focuses on prevention because your teeth are designed to last for a lifetime. Besides brushing and flossing, the ADA recommends a cleaning and checkup every 6 months. Routine care stops common problems from occurring to avoid a costly treatment later. Research shows every $1 spent on prevention can save up to $50 on restorative and emergency services.
Even if money is tight, you can invest in lower dental expenses using your coverage. By paying your premiums, you can visit your dentist twice a year for a cleaning and checkup for a co-payment.
2. Quickly treat any dental issues.
Even with the best prevention, a complication can arise, like a cavity or chipped tooth. Over half of Americans report delaying dental treatments because of financial limitations. 80% do so knowing it will cost them more in the long run.
You don’t have to let untreated oral health problems linger in your mouth. After reaching your annual deductible, your insurance can cover up to 80% of the cost of common treatments, like fillings and tooth extractions. You can use your yearly limit to offset the amount you’ll pay out-of-pocket. If there’s any remaining balance, your dentist will offer several solutions to restore your oral health without added financial strain.
3. Your dental benefits don’t last forever.
Did you know your insurance coverage expires at the end of the year? You aren’t reimbursed for your premiums or deductibles. Anything you don’t use won’t carry over into the following year. You could lose hundreds to thousands of dollars that could have been spent on improving your smile.
If you don’t understand how your coverage works, don’t worry. Your dentist will help you navigate your policy to maximize your coverage before it expires. They’ll work on your behalf to file the necessary claim forms, so you have one less thing to worry about.
Invest in a Healthy Smile
You can invest in your future by lowering your overall oral health expenses. Your dental insurance provides the perfect opportunity to achieve the healthy smile you deserve while also supporting your financial future.
About Dr. Scott Wehrkamp
Dr. Wehrkamp earned his dental degree from the Loyola University Chicago School of Dentistry before continuing his training in advanced specialties, like orthodontics, periodontal surgery, dental implants, and cosmetic dentistry. He is in-network with many dental insurances to keep his services affordable. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment before your dental benefits expire.