What are your plans for New Year’s Eve this year? For most people, it involves spending quality time with loved ones and possibly sharing a kiss with that special someone. Odds are that if you have dental insurance, you can add “losing lots of money” to that list of New Year’s plans as well. Why is that? Let’s talk more about the reason why, and how seeing your dentist in Beverly can save you money.
How to Prevent Losing Money
Your dental insurance plan likely has what’s called an annual maximum, which is the highest dollar amount that the insurance company will pay for your dental care within the calendar year. Here’s a not-so-fun fact: only about 3 percent of all people with dental insurance even come close to meeting their annual maximum.
It’s actually surprisingly easy to meet this amount. Simply visit your dentist twice a year for a routine checkup and cleaning. This way, your dentist can diagnose and treat problems while they’re still small. For example, a tiny cavity is much easier and less costly to treat than a root canal or tooth extraction if you avoid the dentist. Also, regular teeth cleanings keep your pearly whites healthy and prevent plaque from building up on them and causing tooth decay and gum disease. However, if you don’t have dental insurance, there is another way to pay for dental care.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
An FSA is an account that lets an employee get reimbursed for various medical expenses. They are classified as tax-exempt savings accounts, meaning that no employment or federal income taxes are deducted from contributions.
While traditional dental insurance is focused on preventive measures, an FSA may cover anything that prevents OR treats a dental disease. This can include treatments like:
- Teeth cleanings
- Fillings and sealants
- Crowns, bridges, or dentures
- Bonding
- Root canals and tooth extractions
- Treatments for gum disease, TMJ disorder, and oral surgery
Cosmetic treatments, like teeth whitening and porcelain veneers, are unfortunately not typically covered by most dental insurance of FSAs, since it’s a matter of your appearance, not your health.
Much like traditional dental insurance, FSA benefits do NOT roll over into the next year. This means that if you’ve only seen your dentist once this year, now is the perfect time so you can get the care you need and save money while doing it!
About the Author
Dr. Robert Blake obtained his dental degree from Georgetown University School of Dentistry and never looked back. He enjoys dentistry’s mixture of helping people and problem-solving. His practice in Beverly, MA accepts nearly all dental insurance plans and will even file claims on your behalf. To learn more, click here or call (978) 927-3515.