The thing about dental insurance plans is that you have to actually use the benefits they provide within the year; otherwise, you’ll lose those benefits that you paid for every month. No one likes to see their money wasted, so this year, plan to make the most of your dental plan by setting aside time to see your dentist.
When it comes to health, including oral health, prevention is key. Rather than having to deal with symptoms that worsen over time, you might be able to prevent problems before they even take hold. In other words, there’s no need to wait until you have a toothache or bleeding gums to see your dentist. Professional cleanings can keep your gums healthy and your teeth strong and free of cavities.
Dental care is also about timing. If symptoms have already started, the dentist is probably the last person that you want to see, and you might even be scared to find out what’s wrong. But the sooner you see your dentist, the better, as you might go through less pain and you might be able to receive more affordable care.
Your dental plan probably covers diagnostic and preventive, or D&P, services. These include routine oral health checkups, teeth cleanings, cancer screenings, and x-rays to check for cavities and other ailments. So if you want to nip a problem in the bud and avoid that dreaded root canal, consider setting an appointment to see your dentist on a regular basis, such as every six months or once a year.
Don’t have a dentist yet? Don’t worry. You can use your dental plan this year to find a talented medical professional by searching through your insurer’s list of in-network dentists and dental specialists.
Sticking with an in-network dentist could be another way to really make the most of your plan. That’s because in-network providers will typically be able to give you the care that you need, from diagnostic tests to advanced dental procedures, at a more affordable price. On the other hand, out-of-network dentists may involve higher out-of-pocket costs or they might not be able to provide you with the same level of covered care.
Investing in the right dental insurance could help you save money in the long run because it gives you access to the care you need to prevent problems, or at least halt them before they get worse. So why wouldn’t you want to take the time to actually use your plan this year?
Beyond that, by using your dental plan, you can also start working your way towards paying your deductible. Spirit offers a one-time $100 deductible. Once it’s reached, you’ll never have to pay it again, and your plan will kick into second gear to give you even more coverage. That means you can access even more deals. For example, you might be able to receive the costly dental procedures that you need—or the ones that you may have been putting off—while paying less out of pocket.
Ultimately, with the right dental plan to cover your needs, you could take advantage of the many services that are offered by your dentist to keep your smile looking radiant. It’s a good idea to take a few minutes to look through your policy so you can get to know exactly what’s covered and what isn’t. Then all you have to do is book your appointment to have the peace of mind of knowing that your mouth is healthy.