The end of the year always feels busy, and your oral health can easily fall to the bottom of the list. But delaying your year-end dental appointments could mean missing out on valuable coverage you’ve already paid for. Most dental insurance plans reset annually, and under the “use it or lose it” rule, any unused benefits expire once the year ends.

Taking time now to book your visit ensures you’re using your insurance wisely and protecting your oral health for the months ahead.

The Hidden Value of Preventive Visits

Routine checkups and cleanings do more than keep your teeth polished. They enable your dentist to identify potential problems before they become serious. The American Dental Association notes that preventive care helps lower long-term costs and reduces the need for extensive procedures.

Regular check-ups usually include:

• A complete cleaning to remove plaque build-up
• A complete dental exam
• X-rays, if needed, to find hidden problems

If you’ve been putting off regular treatment this year, scheduling an appointment before December can maximize your dental insurance benefits while keeping your smile healthy.

Why Timing Is More Important Than You Think

This is where the dental insurance calendar comes into play. Most have an annual maximum, what your plan pays in a year, and a deductible that resets each January. If you haven’t maximized your limit, now is the time to spend what you have.

Your dental insurance is designed to pay for preventive and restorative treatment, but most individuals let benefits expire. Only 3% of insured Americans spend their annual maximums each year, according to the National Association of Dental Plans. That leaves the rest of us missing out on benefits—and healthy smiles.

Beat the Year-End Rush

Dentist bookings fill up later in the year. A majority of patients wait too long and remember that they have leftover benefits. Booking now reserves a time that is convenient for you and treatment before the cut-off date.

If you need a cleaning, fillings, or follow-up, booking early means you can finish the year feeling secure and smiling too.

Your smile requires attention throughout the year, but none is more opportune than the present to get the most out of your insurance. At Panther Creek Dental, we help you make the most out of your year-end dental appointment and have your coverage do the work for you, not against you.

Visit Panther Creek Dental Frisco today and schedule your year-end appointment. Let your benefits and your smile get away no more.