Use It or Lose It: Make the Most of Your 2025 Dental Benefits at Excellent Dentistry!

As the year winds down, many patients unknowingly let valuable dental insurance benefits go unused—benefits that could help maintain a healthy smile while saving money. At Excellent Dentistry in Mundelein, IL, we encourage you to schedule your next visit before December 31 to make sure your benefits don’t expire. Most dental insurance plans follow a “use it or lose it” policy, meaning any remaining coverage disappears when the year ends.

Understanding “Use It or Lose It”

Most dental plans renew on January 1 and set an annual maximum—typically between $1,000 and $2,000 per person. Any unused portion of that allowance does not carry over to the next year. If you delay treatment, you’re not only losing out on coverage but also risking your oral health as small issues can develop into larger, more costly problems.

By taking advantage of your benefits now, you can complete needed treatments such as cleanings, fillings, or crowns before the calendar resets.

Why You Should Book Early

The end of the year is always a busy time for dental offices. Appointments fill up quickly in November and December as patients rush to use remaining insurance dollars. Booking now ensures you get the time and care you need—without the year-end rush.

If our team at Excellent Dentistry identifies any issues during your cleaning or exam, starting treatment early gives you time to complete all necessary care before your coverage resets.

Prevention Pays Off

Most dental insurance plans fully cover preventive visits—cleanings, exams, and X-rays—because prevention is the key to long-term oral health. Staying proactive helps you avoid discomfort and costly treatments later. Regular checkups are the best way to protect both your smile and your wallet.

In-Network with Major Insurance Providers

Excellent Dentistry proudly partners with leading insurance companies to help you maximize your benefits. We’re in-network with:

• Aetna
• Ameritas
• Anthem
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Cigna
• Connection/GEHA
• Delta Dental
• DHA
• Guardian
• Humana
• MetLife
• Mutual of Omaha
• Sun Life Financial
• United Healthcare
• United Concordia

Being in-network allows us to file claims on your behalf, minimize your out-of-pocket costs, and simplify your experience. If you’re unsure what your plan covers, call 847-566-7850 and our friendly team will verify your benefits for you.

Why Patients Lose Their Benefits

It’s easy to let coverage slip away without realizing it. Here are some common reasons patients forfeit benefits:

• Skipping biannual cleanings and exams that are already covered
• Delaying recommended treatments such as fillings or crowns
• Assuming unused benefits roll over (they usually don’t)
• Forgetting to coordinate FSA or HSA funds with dental care

Smart Ways to Maximize Your Dental Coverage

• Review your plan: Check your annual maximum and what’s still available.
• Schedule remaining treatments: Complete cleanings, exams, or restorative procedures before December 31.
• Use FSA funds wisely: Many flexible spending accounts also expire at year’s end.
• Ask about treatment timelines: Some procedures require multiple visits—starting now helps you use current benefits effectively.
  

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is an annual maximum?
It’s the total amount your dental insurance will pay for covered procedures during a calendar year. After reaching this limit, additional costs become your responsibility until your plan resets.

2. Do unused benefits carry over?
No. Once the plan year ends, unused benefits disappear.

3. Which procedures are covered each year?
Most plans cover two preventive visits (cleaning, exam, X-rays) per year, and a portion of restorative treatments such as fillings, crowns, or extractions.

4. What does being in-network mean for me?
In-network providers, like Excellent Dentistry, offer negotiated lower fees and simplified claims processing for patients.

5. How can I find out what benefits I have left?
Contact your insurance company or call our office. Our staff can review your plan and explain how much coverage you still have available.

6. What if I need several treatments?
Our dentists can prioritize your care so you complete as much treatment as possible before your benefits reset—often saving you significant out-of-pocket expense.

Schedule Your Visit with Excellent Dentistry Today

Don’t let your 2025 dental benefits go unused. Take a proactive step for your health and your finances by booking your appointment today.

Call 847-566-7850 or visit www.excellentdentistry.net to schedule your next cleaning, exam, or treatment before the year ends.

Start the new year with a healthy, confident smile—because your benefits should work for you, not expire unused.