There is a common misconception that visiting the dentist requires emptying your bank account and spending your hard-earned dollars on every impression, cleaning, and dental procedure. However, this could not be further from the truth! With dental insurance in Kittanning, you can use your benefits to your advantage, effectively saving money in the process and improving your oral health. Read on to learn why taking proper care of your teeth and gums will allow you to spend more of your time and money on family and friends instead of losing valuable funds and walking away each year with a less-than-stellar smile.
What Can Happen If You Don’t Visit the Dentist?
Whether it’s time, money, fear, or just plain apathy that is keeping you from visiting the dentist, there are many potential problems that can develop over time. Hopefully, you’re practicing good oral hygiene at home, but even if you do, there are certain times when only a professional’s instruments will work. Rescheduling or canceling an appointment will only put you closer and closer to developing serious oral health problems that require extensive time and money to fix.
Some of the most common issues that can develop as a result include:
- Tooth decay
- Cavities
- Gum disease
- Bad breath
- Oral cancer
- Tooth staining
Why Using Your Dental Benefits is Essential
Using your dental insurance to take better care of your smile is one of the greatest investments you can make. Not only because it adds a layer of security should you require expensive treatment, but for the following reasons:
- Your benefits don’t roll over – While every plan is different, most are set up to be good for a single calendar year. This means you have 12 months to use your policy to take better care of your oral health. Once midnight on December 31 arrives, you lose any unused funds, as they are returned to the insurance company, and your plan renews.
- Your insurance will pay once you’ve met your deductible – Most dental insurance policies have a low deductible, so once you’ve met this designed amount, your insurer will begin to pay more for the services you receive. If you need a root canal and there’s still time in 2021, don’t wait to start the process, as you’ll be expected to meet your deductible again in 2022.
- Your preventive care helps you avoid future problems – Depending on your plan, you may likely receive two free dental checkups and cleanings each year. By scheduling these visits, you’ll prevent future oral health problems and mitigate the potential for oral cancer.
If you are still struggling to pay the remaining balance after filing your claim with your insurance carrier, you can always apply for flexible financing to make your financial situation much easier. Your dental team will help you identify ways to take advantage of your dental insurance plan as well as any additional payment plans to help you stay within your budget.
About the Author
Dr. Ray Voller is a dentist in Kittanning who earned his dental degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine in 1980. Since then, he has earned a certificate in orthodontics from the United States Dental Institute and Fellowship and Mastership awards from the Academy of General Dentistry. He and his team at Voller Dentistry are dedicated to helping you maximize your insurance benefits so you can feel confident and beautiful with your new smile. Visit our website or call (724) 543-4948.