The holidays are right around the corner, and everyone is busier than usual. The last thing you want to do is take time out of your busy schedule to go to the dentist, but if you have dental insurance and are overdue for a checkup, but doing it now can save you hundreds.

Reasons to use up benefits

Most dental insurance plans have a maximum benefit of $1,000-2,000 per year. It is important to be aware that these do not roll over from one year to the next. Any benefits that go unused at the end of the year are lost.

Most people spend about $50 per month or more for dental insurance, depending on the type and extent of coverage. Not using all of your benefits is like handing as much as $600 or more of your hard earned money to the insurance company. In fact, dental insurance companies make a lot of money from people who let their benefits expire.

Preventing problems

If you have ever had a cavity, you already know that not only can they be painful, getting them filled is also uncomfortable and can be expensive. The pain and expense are even greater if a root canal or other extensive work is needed. Regular cleanings can help prevent problems, and regular checkups can help find problems while they are small, so they can be fixed before they become severe.

Take care of problems

Extensive dental work can easily cost more than your dental benefits will cover in a year. If you have been putting off having some dental work done, the end of the year is a great time to get started. Consider scheduling one appointment before the end of the year to get as much done as your plan will cover, then schedule a follow up for early next year to get the rest done. Whether you just need a checkup and cleaning, a filling, or more extensive work, you’ll be glad you took care of it before it could get worse.

Fee Increases

As costs of materials, labor, and equipment increase, dentists must raise their rates periodically to meet these expenses. This is most often done shortly after the beginning of the year. Making an appointment now will give you the opportunity to take advantage of current rates before they go up.

Don’t forget the family

If there is one thing worse than having to take time out from a busy holiday schedule, it’s having a spouse or child with a toothache due to a cavity. Emergency dental care can be difficult to squeeze in at the best of times, but even harder during this time of year. Some dentists will schedule appointments for the entire family at the same time so everyone can receive cleanings, checkups, and needed care at the same time. Consider making it a family day and enjoy a special family lunch, dinner, or family activity after the appointment.

When your adult teeth come in, it is the last set of teeth you’ll ever have. If you take good care of them through proper brushing and flossing, and regular visits to the dentist, you will be able to avoid the pain and expense of extensive dental work. Isn’t that worth the inconvenience of taking a couple of hours out of your day to see your dentist?

If you are overdue for a checkup and cleaning, take the time to do it now, before your dental insurance benefits expire. Call your pain free dentist at Westside Dentistry today on 07 3278 0580 to arrange an appointment.