Use Your Dental Benefits Before They Reset on January 1

If you have dental insurance, there's a good chance some of this year's benefits are still unused, and on many plans they disappear on December 31. A few minutes of planning in the fall can save you real money and keep small problems from becoming bigger ones.

Why year-end matters

Most dental plans run on a calendar year. That affects three things:

• Annual maximum. This is the most your plan will pay in a year. Whatever you don't use doesn't carry over.
• Deductible. If you've already met this year's deductible, treatment before January may cost less out of pocket than the same treatment in February, when the deductible starts over.
• Preventive visits. Many plans cover two cleanings and exams a year at little or no cost. If you've only had one, the second is still waiting.

Some plans run on a different benefit year, so it's worth confirming yours.

Don't forget FSA and HSA funds

If you have a Flexible Spending Account through work, unused money may be lost at the end of the plan year, depending on your employer's rules. Dental care, including fillings, crowns and orthodontic treatment, is generally an eligible expense. Health Savings Account funds roll over, but they're still a tax-advantaged way to pay for care you need.

Treatment that's worth scheduling now

If your dentist has recommended treatment, the end of the year is a smart time to get it done:

• Your second cleaning and exam of the year
• Fillings for cavities found at your last visit. Small cavities are simpler to fix before they grow.
• Crowns for cracked or heavily filled teeth. If a crown takes two visits, starting early helps you finish within the year.
• Deep cleanings for gum disease, which often need more than one visit. Our post on scaling and root planing explains why.
• Night guards and mouthguards
• Sealants and fluoride for kids

If you have a larger treatment plan, it's sometimes possible to split it across two benefit years, using the rest of this year's maximum now and the new maximum in January. We're happy to help you plan the timing.

How to check what you have left

1. Log in to your insurance company's website or app, or call the number on your card.
2. Look for your remaining annual maximum, your deductible status and how many preventive visits you've used.
3. Or simply call us. Our team will verify your benefits and explain what's covered before any treatment.

Zen Family Dental works with Delta Dental, Cigna, Aetna, MetLife, Guardian, DentaQuest, United Concordia, GEHA and many other plans. See the full list on our new patient and insurance page.

Book early: December fills up fast

Because so many people try to use their benefits at the same time, late November and December appointments go quickly. Booking in October or early November gives you the best choice of times, and room to finish multi-visit treatment before the year ends.

No insurance? You still have options

If you don't have dental insurance, ask about the Zen Family Dental membership plan, and our $199 new patient special covering an exam, digital X-rays and a cleaning. Financing through CareCredit and Cherry can also help spread out the cost of treatment.

Make the most of this year

A quick call now can turn benefits you've already paid for into healthier teeth. Request an appointment online or call Zen Family Dental at (703) 385-2772. We're open Tuesday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.