Dental Insurance 101: How to Maximize Your Benefits Before They Expire

Use It or Lose It—Smart Planning Can Save Your Smile and Your Wallet

Do you know when your dental insurance benefits reset? For most people, it’s at the end of the calendar year. And here’s the catch: unused benefits don’t roll over.

At Aleris Salem Dental Center, we want our patients to get the most out of their dental coverage. This guide will show you how to maximize your dental benefits, avoid unnecessary out-of-pocket costs, and make the most of your oral health plan before time runs out.

Understanding Your Dental Insurance Plan

Dental insurance works differently from medical insurance. Most plans include:

• An annual maximum (the total amount your plan will pay per year)

• A deductible (what you pay out-of-pocket before insurance kicks in)

• Coverage tiers (usually preventive, basic, and major services)

For example, many plans cover:

• 100% of preventive care (exams, cleanings, X-rays)

• 70–80% of basic services (fillings, extractions)

• 50% of major services (crowns, root canals)

Knowing what your plan covers can help you time treatments and avoid letting valuable benefits go unused.

Why Maximize Dental Benefits Before the Year Ends?

If your benefits reset on December 31st and you haven’t used them—you lose them. That includes:

• Any remaining annual maximum

• Your paid deductible (which resets too!)

• Opportunities to catch problems early through preventive care

Waiting can also lead to higher costs later, as untreated issues worsen and require more complex treatment.

Tips to Maximize Your Dental Insurance Benefits

1. Schedule Preventive Care Early

Most plans fully cover twice-yearly cleanings and exams, so if you haven’t had two yet this year, you’re leaving value on the table. Book your cleaning now at Aleris Salem Dental Center to prevent issues before they start.

2. Use Your Annual Maximum

If you’ve had dental work earlier in the year and haven’t hit your annual max, now is a smart time to complete any pending treatments.

This might include:

• Fillings

• Crowns

• Periodontal therapy

• Root canal treatment

  
  

3. Split Treatment Across Two Benefit Years

If your treatment plan is extensive, we may be able to schedule part of it now and the rest after January 1st. That way, you get the benefit of two years’ worth of maximum coverage.

4. Don’t Waste Your Deductible

Once you’ve paid your deductible, additional treatment is often heavily discounted. If you wait until the new year, you’ll have to meet that deductible again.

5. Check Your FSA or HSA Deadlines

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) often expire at year-end too. Use those funds for:

• Fillings and crowns

• Night guards or retainers

• Periodontal treatments

• Preventive visits

Common Mistakes Patients Make With Dental Insurance

Waiting for Pain Before Booking

Dental issues can progress silently. Don’t wait for symptoms—preventive visits can stop problems before they start.

Ignoring Small Problems

A minor cavity today could mean a root canal tomorrow. Catch it early and treat it while it’s covered.

Missing Cleanings

Cleanings aren't just cosmetic. They’re key to avoiding gum disease and catching decay. Plus, they’re fully covered under most plans.

How Aleris Salem Dental Center Can Help

At Aleris, we make it easy to understand and use your dental insurance. Our front desk team will:

• Verify your benefits

• Help you plan treatments before benefits reset

• Submit claims on your behalf

• Work with FSAs and HSAs

Take Advantage of Your Dental Coverage Before It’s Gone

Dental insurance is a valuable tool—but only if you use it. By scheduling timely treatments and preventive care, you can save money, protect your smile, and avoid unnecessary stress. The clock is ticking on this year’s benefits. Don’t wait until December rush—get ahead now.

📞 Call Aleris Salem Dental Center at (855) 745-0055 or book your appointment online and let us help you make the most of your dental insurance today.