Orthodontic care goes beyond creating a beautiful smile – an essential aspect of overall health. If you have dental benefits through your insurance, are you taking full advantage of them? Many dental insurance plans cover crucial orthodontic services, but a surprising number of people fail to use these benefits, missing out on opportunities for preventive care.

As the year-end draws close, don’t let your “use it or lose it” benefits slip away. Most dental insurance plans offer coverage for orthodontic treatments at little to no cost to you. Regular visits to your orthodontist can catch issues early and save you money by preventing more costly procedures in the future. Let’s examine why using your dental benefits for orthodontic care makes sense.

What Is Orthodontic Preventive Care?

Orthodontic preventive care focuses on maintaining the health of your teeth, gums, and bite before issues arise or worsen. This includes regular checkups with your orthodontist, adjustments to braces or aligners, and assessments to ensure that your teeth are moving as planned. Catching any issues early means you can avoid complex treatments later, which can save you time, money, and discomfort.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by the age of 7. However, orthodontic care is beneficial for adults too, as more people are choosing to straighten their teeth later in life. Whether you have braces, Invisalign, or other appliances, consistent visits are essential for tracking your progress and making necessary adjustments.

Why Use Your Dental Benefits for Orthodontic Care?

If your dental benefits cover orthodontic care, it’s in your best interest to take full advantage of them. Here’s why you should make orthodontic visits a priority:

1. Avoid Future Expenses: By maintaining regular visits and adjustments, you can avoid more expensive procedures that may arise from neglected issues. For example, improperly fitted braces can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, or even more complex treatments later.
2. Catch Problems Early: Orthodontic issues can be easier to treat when caught early. Regular visits help the orthodontist monitor your progress and address minor issues before they become more significant.
3. Ensure Healthy Teeth and Gums: Regular orthodontic visits help ensure your teeth and gums stay healthy during treatment. This reduces the risk of oral health issues like cavities or gum disease, which can prolong treatment or damage your teeth.
4. Better Overall Health: Did you know orthodontic care is linked to better overall health? Misaligned teeth can lead to bite issues, which can affect digestion, cause jaw pain, and even headaches. A healthy smile is aesthetically pleasing and can improve your quality of life.

Understand Your Dental Coverage Timeline

It’s important to understand that your dental benefits reset annually, meaning any unused orthodontic care coverage will not roll over into the following year. This is where the “use it or lose it” rule comes into play.

Most dental insurance plans operate on a calendar-year basis, and the unused portion of your benefits for things like exams, cleanings, and orthodontic treatments will expire when the year ends. The last few months of the year tend to be the busiest, as people scramble to use their remaining benefits. Don’t wait until the last minute to schedule your orthodontic visit.

If you haven’t fully used your orthodontic benefits, now is the time to take action. A simple checkup or adjustment can ensure that you get the most out of your dental plan and stay on track with your orthodontic treatment.

Schedule Your Orthodontic Visit Today

If you’re not using your dental benefits for orthodontic care, you’re missing an easy way to maintain your smile and avoid future complications. Beat the end-of-year rush and schedule your orthodontic visit today. You’ll not only save money but also prevent potential dental issues down the road.

Take the time today to schedule your next checkup and cleaning with Smiles ON Orthodontics.