Have you ever wondered why dental insurance is separate from medical insurance? While medical insurance is designed to cover the cost of treating health issues after they arise, dental insurance is focused on preventing these problems from developing in the first place. Unfortunately, many people aren’t aware of this, so they end up wasting the coverage they’re paying for with their premiums. If you want to avoid losing money and maximize your dental insurance benefits, then you should schedule a checkup and cleaning with your dentist in Long Beach, NY before the year ends. Here are three reasons why.
1. Preventive Dental Care Helps You Avoid Expensive Treatments
If you’re like most people, you may be tempted to not visit the dentist if your mouth feels fine. However, this could spell disaster for your smile. Cavities, gum infections, and other oral health issues tend to not be noticeable until they’ve progressed to the advanced stages, by which point they’ve caused irreversible damage. Not to mention, you’d require pricier treatment than you would have if the issue had been caught earlier.
That’s why routine dental checkups and cleanings are crucial. Your dentist can spot oral health concerns early on, while your hygienist can remove built-up plaque that contributes to these issues in the first place. Not only do you avoid the need for expensive procedures, but preventive care like cleanings and exams are often fully covered by insurance. Scheduling these visits every six months is an easy way to save money!
2. Oral Health Is Linked to Overall Health
The health of your mouth is a window into your overall well-being. In fact, more than 120 diseases display symptoms in the mouth that your dentist can detect during your routine exam. Additionally, gum disease – which affects an estimated 50% of American adults – has been linked to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and numerous other medical conditions. Regular dental appointments can help you become aware of serious health concerns early on, leading to better general health and less money spent on medical treatments.
3. Your Insurance Benefits Probably Reset on January 1st
Most dental insurance plans start over at the beginning of a new year, meaning you’ll have to pay your deductible all over again before you can access coverage. Also, any unused benefits in your annual maximum will NOT roll over. If you don’t meet this maximum, you’ve essentially paid your premiums for nothing! One easy way to avoid wasting money is to schedule two checkups a year and get any recommended treatments taken care of before December 31st. That way, you can meet or exceed your annual maximum and not leave any unused coverage on the table.
Dental insurance is designed to make your care more affordable, so why not take advantage of that by maximizing your benefits? Not only will you start 2022 with a healthy smile, but also better overall health and more money in your wallet!
About the Practice
At Dr. Glen’s Happy Teeth, we combine cutting-edge dental technology with old-fashioned friendly service to provide stellar dental care for patients of all ages in Long Beach, NY. With a general dentist, a pediatric dentist, and an orthodontist on staff, we can meet all of your family’s oral care needs under one roof! We’re in-network with Delta Dental, but we can also maximize benefits for virtually all dental PPOs. To learn more about how we make dental care affordable, contact us at 516-517-0331.