Should I Use My Dental Benefits Before the New Year?

Dr. Ray T. Chow Dentistry • December 7, 2020

Before we dive into why dental benefits are beneficial to use before the end of the year, we are going to give you a glimpse into what dental benefits are, and why they are important. Dental benefits cover specific issues that are related to teeth and gums, which includes services like, diagnostics, preventative treatments, restorative procedures, oral surgeries, and more. Not all treatments and procedures are covered by benefits though, which is why it is important to contact your insurance and find out everything that is included in your plan and what percentage is covered. You may be curious if dental benefits are worth it, and they are! Dental benefits are important to have because they keep you from spending thousands on dental work.


With the new year less than a month away, it is time to use all your dental benefits, if you have not already done so. Most insurance companies will restart their benefit amounts in January, meaning any money you have not used will be gone. In fact, some studies have shown that only 65% to 75% of Canadians use their full benefits by the time they restart in the new year. This translates to many Canadians wasting their hard-earned money they put towards their benefits on their weekly or bi-weekly paycheques. So, if you have not been to the dentist much this year, now is the time to schedule an appointment with us. 


Why should you use your benefits before 2021?



Maximizing Too Late


Dental issues have the ability to get worse over time if they are not taken care of. It is important to understand what your dental benefits cover, and to make sure you are using them to their fullest. Since most companies will restart their benefits by January 1st, you may lose a large amount of money that you have been putting towards your benefits all year. Therefore, you are going to want to use all your benefits before the year ends to ensure you are not wasting money or going into the new year with dental problems that could have been prevented in 2020. If you go into the new year and have dental problems, you are going to maximize the amount you have right in the first few months of the new year. This could prevent you from taking care of any future problems because you exceeded the amount you had early on in 2021.


Paying Your Premium


If you look at your paycheque, you will notice that there is an amount being taken off each one to go towards your benefits. In Canada, the average couple will spend over $1,500 in premiums a year, which is a lot of money when you have bills to pay, and a family to feed. That is why we recommend getting your teeth cleaned, x-rays done, and a dental check-up regularly. You are investing in your oral health all year long, so be sure to take time to visit us to ensure you are getting your premiums worth.


Overall Health Matters


Did you know that certain oral problems, can lead to overall health problems? There have been studies that have proven how poor oral hygiene can lead to cavities and gum disease, which has been associated with heart disease, oral cancer, and diabetes. Not only that, but smiles are one of the leading insecurities among individuals, which could result in mental health problems in the future. That is why it is crucial to understand that taking care of your oral health is an investment in your overall health. 


Fee Increase


At the beginning of the year, we tend to feel optimistic about all the things we hope to achieve. However, that feeling can become dull when you find out that your fees have increased through your insurance company. Typically, insurance premiums increase based on usage, but not just your usage. The average insurance company will increase premiums based on all their client’s usage, your company’s usage, and your individual usage. So, if you are going to use your benefits, be smart about it and do not just get procedures done for the sake of using your benefits. 


Do not let your money go to waste, schedule your next dental appointment with Dr. Ray T Chow Dentistry so we can ensure you end your year with a healthy and sparkling smile. You will feel much better knowing that your teeth are healthy, and that you have nothing to worry about in the new year.


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