Future-Proof Your Smile: Leveraging the “Use-It-or-Lose-It” Benefit to Avoid Costly Procedures Later
Brentwood, TN

Consider starting the new year with unused dental benefits that go down the drain. What could that cost you in the long run? Many individuals are missing out on their dental insurance benefit simply because they do not use it before the end of the year. The “Use-It-or-Lose-It” clause makes this even more imperative.

With unused benefits credited back to you every year, not using them could mean missed opportunities and more costly dental treatment in the future.

This blog takes you through how to get the most out of this regulation, saving your pocket while preventing you from shelling out big money for dental treatment in the future.

What is the ‘Use-It-or-Lose-It’ Rule?

The “Use-It-or-Lose-It” policy is an annual, renewable dental coverage. Whatever you do not use within the year, you lose. So, if you fail to schedule routine sessions or required procedures, you lose that for the year.

Some of the most frequent services that fall prey include cleanings, exams, X-rays, and preventive care procedures like fluoride treatment.

The Financial Burden of Skipping Routine Dental Care

Preventive care is a small price to pay when weighed against the heavy, long-term financial burden of neglecting your teeth. Skipping the cleanings and exams can allow small issues, like cavities, to develop into big problems that require expensive treatments.

For example, an untreated small cavity may lead to a root canal. Neglected gum disease can result in tooth removal and other treatments, which are costly. By remaining abreast with routine dental visits, you catch issues early, prior to costly treatment. Investing in prevention today will save you from incurring huge sums in the future. 

How the “Use-It-or-Lose-It” Rule Assists You in Planning for Future Dental Requirements

With the “Use-It-or-Lose-It” policy, the answer is strategic planning. Near year-end, utilize unused benefits to have preventive treatments arranged. Dental cleanings and fillings are often deferred, but addressing them now can prevent expensive procedures like crowns, extractions, or implants.

Another way to maximize your benefits is by covering additional treatments like fluoride treatments, sealants, or even orthodontic consultations. This is especially helpful if you’re considering braces or other orthodontic treatments.

Working your benefits efficiently is such that you’re not paying out of pocket for preventive or early-stage procedures, which will end up costing you less in the long run.

Practical Tips to Optimize Your Dental Benefits

Schedule Appointments Early: Don’t wait. Check your benefits at the beginning of the year to schedule appointments well in advance.

Check Your Benefits: Check your dental plan so that you will know what services are covered and how much of your benefit is remaining. This prepares you in advance.

Talk to Your Dentist: Discuss with your dentist what treatments you should schedule before your benefits renewal. This saves you from long sessions during the renewal period.

Spend the “Use-It-or-Lose-It” maximum today and save on costly dental repairs in the future. Don’t let your benefits go to waste. Schedule a dental visit with our office today and take care of things yourself. Future-proof your smile and avoid the expense of more involved procedures in the future.