As the year comes to a close, many patients are surprised to learn how much of their dental insurance coverage goes unused. Most dental insurance plans follow a calendar-year schedule, meaning any benefits not used by December 31 are lost, they don’t roll over into the new year.
At Sachi & Co. Dentistry, we want to help you get the most value from your plan. Whether you’ve been postponing a cleaning, delaying needed dental work, or simply haven’t checked your benefit balance recently, now is the perfect time to schedule your appointment before those unused benefits disappear.
Why Dental Benefits Expire Each Year
Dental insurance is designed to encourage preventive care, helping you stay ahead of larger, more expensive dental problems. However, each plan has specific limits that reset annually:
- Annual Maximums: Most plans cover up to a set amount per year, typically between $1,000 and $1,500. If you don’t use that coverage, it expires at year-end.
- Deductibles: Your deductible (often around $50–$100) resets each January, meaning you’ll need to pay it again next year before coverage kicks in.
Premiums You’ve Already Paid: You’ve been paying into your plan all year, so it only makes sense to take advantage of the care it provides. - Plan Changes or Waiting Periods: Employers sometimes update dental plans in the new year, which could alter your benefits or coverage level.
By using your remaining benefits now, you protect your investment and your oral health.
Accepted Dental Insurance Plans
Our office proudly works with many of the leading dental insurance providers. We also assist patients with verification, paperwork, and claims submissions to make the process stress-free.
Accepted Providers:
- Delta Dental Premier & PPO
- Anthem Blue Cross / Blue Shield
- Cigna Dental
- MetLife Dental
- Aetna Dental
- Guardian Dental
- Humana Dental
- United Concordia
- Principal Dental
- Assurant Dental
If your plan isn’t listed, our insurance and billing team will be happy to verify your benefits and handle any necessary follow-up directly with your provider.
How to Make the Most of Your Dental Benefits
- Schedule Preventive Appointments: Most plans cover two cleanings, exams, and X-rays per year at no cost to you.
- Complete Pending Treatments: If your dentist has recommended fillings, crowns, or gum therapy, completing them now helps you use up any remaining coverage before it resets.
- Plan Major Treatments Strategically: For more extensive care like dental implants or multi-visit procedures, you can often split treatment between this year and next to maximize two benefit periods.
- Confirm Remaining Balances: Check your online insurance portal or call our office for help determining how much coverage you have left.
- Act Early: Appointments fill up fast in November and December - don’t wait until the last minute!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What does “use it or lose it” mean in dental insurance?
It refers to the policy that your unused benefits expire at the end of each calendar year. If you haven’t used your annual maximum or met your deductible, that money won’t carry over into the new year. - How can I check how much dental coverage I have left?
You can log into your insurance company’s online portal, call their member services, or contact our office. We’re happy to verify your benefits and let you know what’s still available. - Are preventive services fully covered?
In most cases, yes! Preventive services like exams, cleanings, and X-rays are typically covered at 100% by most major dental insurance plans. - What happens if I delay treatment until next year?
Delaying care can increase your risk of cavities, gum disease, or other issues — and you may have to pay a new deductible when your plan resets. Completing treatment now can save both time and money. - Can Sachi & Co. Dentistry file insurance claims for me?
Absolutely. Our insurance and billing team handles all paperwork, submissions, and follow-ups, so you don’t have to worry about the details. - What if I don’t have dental insurance?
We offer flexible payment options and can help you find affordable care that fits your needs. Even without insurance, preventive visits are a smart investment that helps avoid costly dental problems later.
Why Use It Before You Lose It
When benefits expire unused, patients miss out on hundreds (sometimes thousands) of dollars in care they’ve already paid for. Taking advantage of your coverage before year-end not only saves money but also helps maintain long-term oral health.
At Sachi & Co. Dentistry, our experienced insurance and billing team will guide you through every step from verifying your remaining balance to submitting claims quickly and accurately. You can trust us to help you get the most from your plan while keeping your out-of-pocket costs low.
Use it before you lose it! Contact us to schedule your appointment today and start the new year with a healthier smile.