When you are examining your budget, you might come across some monthly expenses that are entirely superfluous, like that subscription to a streaming service that you never use. Making the decision to cancel such services is easy. But what about something like dental insurance? Is it worth paying for every month if your teeth are healthy? Yes! Let’s talk about how your policy can actually help you save money.
Preventive Care Is Pivotal
Many dental insurance policies cover 100% of the cost of preventive care, including two cleanings and checkups each year. If you had to pay for those services out of pocket, it would probably cost at least a couple hundred dollars at each appointment. If you haven’t yet attended your second (or first!) checkup of 2021, you can schedule it before the end of the year and probably not pay a dime out of pocket for it.
These appointments are crucial for maintaining good oral health. Even if you have great brushing and flossing habits, you might accidentally be missing a spot or have a dental problem that isn’t yet manifesting any symptoms. Regular checkups allow your dentist to catch such issues before they become difficult — and expensive — to treat.
Save Money on Restorative Care
It’s normal for dental insurance to cover 80% of the cost of fillings and 50% of the cost of more extensive services, such as crowns and root canal therapy. If you had to pay for such services out of pocket, you could end up with a substantial bill. Dental insurance lessens your financial burden.
You have an even bigger advantage if your dentist is in-network with your insurance. Insurance companies have contracts with in-network providers that control pricing, so you can be sure that you are enjoying top-quality care for a reasonable fee.
Using Your Insurance Can Protect Your Overall Health
Did you know that your oral health plays a big role in your overall health? In fact, gum disease is associated with an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, Alzheimer’s, and other serious conditions. Using your dental insurance, especially for preventive care, can greatly reduce the risk that you will develop gum disease.
How to Use Your Policy
Clearly, dental insurance is worth the cost of your monthly premium. But how can you get the most out of your policy? Start by contacting your dental team. They can verify your coverage and help you schedule appointments in a way that saves you the most money. For example, they might be able to schedule major treatments between this year and next so you can use two annual maximums instead of just one. (An annual maximum is your insurance plan’s yearly spending limit.)
Are you using your dental insurance to the full? If not, now is the time to think about how it can support your smile, your overall health, and your budget.
Meet the Practice
Boerne Dental Center is the professional home of three talented dentists. They offer a broad range of services, including preventive and restorative care. Our practice is proud to be in-network with several major insurance policies. Contact us today at 830-249-2045 to learn how we can help you maximize your benefits.