Use It or Lose It: Why You Should Use Your Dental Benefits Before They Expire
Did you know that every year, thousands of people let their dental benefits go to waste? Most dental insurance plans work on a “use it or lose it” system—meaning if you don’t take advantage of your coverage before December 31st, those benefits disappear. And unfortunately, they don’t roll over into the new year.
The good news? You still have time to make the most of your benefits, protect your smile, and save money before the year ends. Let’s walk through why it’s so important to use your dental benefits now and how it can make a big difference for both your health and your wallet.
1. How Dental Insurance Works
Dental insurance is a little different from medical insurance. Most plans reset every January, which means your coverage for the year runs out on December 31st. Here are the three parts to understand:
Annual Maximum: This is the total dollar amount your plan will pay toward dental care each year ($1,500- $2,000). Once the year ends, any unused amount disappears.
Deductible: This is the out-of-pocket amount you need to pay before insurance helps with certain treatments. Deductibles reset in January too, so if you’ve already met yours, now is the time to complete any outstanding care.
Preventive Coverage: Most plans cover cleanings, exams, and X-rays at 100%. That means you can get essential preventive care at no extra cost to you.
Understanding these basics can help you see why now is the best time to schedule before your benefits reset.
2. Preventive Visits Are Covered—and They’re Crucial
If you haven’t had your two cleanings this year, you’re likely leaving free care on the table. Dental insurance is designed to keep small issues from turning into big ones, which is why preventive care is usually fully covered.
Here’s what you get out of your preventive visits:
Professional Cleanings: Even with great brushing and flossing, plaque and tartar can build up. Cleanings keep your teeth and gums healthy and reduce your risk of gum disease.
Dental Exams & X-Rays: Your dentist can spot problems early—like cavities, gum disease, or even oral cancer—before they become painful and expensive to treat.
Peace of Mind: Knowing your mouth is healthy lets you go into the new year with confidence.
Preventive visits are one of the smartest ways to use your benefits before they expire.
3. Why Waiting Costs More in the Long Run
Dental issues rarely fix themselves. In fact, they almost always get worse if left untreated. That’s why putting off care not only risks your health but also your wallet.
For example:
A small cavity today might just need a simple filling. Wait too long, and it could turn into a root canal and crown.
Mild gum inflammation can usually be treated with a cleaning, but untreated gum disease may require scaling, surgery, or even tooth replacement later.
Financially, it makes sense to use your benefits now. If your plan allows up to $2,000 in care each year and you don’t use it, that’s money lost. And when January comes, you’ll be starting fresh—with a new deductible and the same annual maximum.
4. Don’t Wait—Appointments Fill Up Fast
Every fall, dental offices get extra busy. Why? Because so many patients suddenly realize they’re about to lose their benefits. By November and December, schedules are often packed, which makes it harder to find an appointment that works for you.
Here’s why it’s best to call now:
Holiday Season Is Busy: Between school breaks, travel, and holiday plans, schedules get full quickly.
Some Treatments Take Time: A crown, root canal, or orthodontic adjustment may require multiple visits. Starting earlier ensures everything can be finished this year.
Less Stress: Getting your dental care done now means one less thing on your to-do list during the holiday season.
Booking your appointment early with us here at Indigo Dentistry helps you avoid the end-of-year rush.
5. Your Oral Health Impacts More Than Just Your Smile
Your dental health is closely tied to your overall health. Neglecting preventive visits doesn’t just risk cavities—it can affect your whole body.
Gum Disease: Linked to diabetes, heart disease, and even stroke. Healthy gums mean better overall health.
Oral Cancer: Regular dental exams include screenings for oral cancer. Early detection saves lives.
Daily Comfort & Confidence: Painful or missing teeth affect how you eat, speak, and smile. Staying on top of dental care protects your comfort and confidence.
Using your benefits now is a simple way to take care of your whole self—not just your teeth.
6. How to Make the Most of Your Benefits
If you’re unsure where to start, here are a few easy steps:
Check Your Benefits: Call and ask our office to help you review what coverage you still have available.
Book Preventive Visits: If you’re due for a cleaning, exam, or X-rays, schedule now. These are usually covered 100%.
Complete Recommended Treatment: If your dentist has suggested fillings, crowns, or gum treatment, try to get them done before the year ends.
Plan Smart for Bigger Work: If you need extensive treatment, ask about splitting it between this year and next to take advantage of both years’ benefits.
Call Early: Don’t wait until December—we want to make sure you can get an appointment time that works best for you.
Dental insurance is one of those rare benefits that people often pay for but don’t fully use. The truth is, your coverage is designed to help you stay healthy, avoid major problems, and save money. But it only works if you take advantage of it before the year ends.
Remember: your benefits reset on December 31st. If you don’t use them, you lose them.
Don’t let your hard-earned benefits go to waste—call our office today Northeast (803-736-9991) or West Columbia (803-796-9312)to schedule your appointment. Your smile (and your wallet) will thank you.