As the year is coming to an end, there is a lot to look forward to! However, you may also have a long to-do list of tasks to complete before the holidays roll around. If your family has a dental insurance plan, you should add your child’s next dental visit to the list. By addressing issues before January, you can set your child’s smile up for success in the new year while maximizing your benefits. Continue reading to learn what benefits you could be missing out on if you put off your child’s visit.
What Is Including in a Dental Insurance Plan?
Every dental insurance plan looks a little bit different, so it is always best to confirm benefits with your dental team or insurance provider ahead of time. Here are some of the benefits that are often included for children in family dental insurance plans:
• Two Dental Cleanings and Checkups: It is recommended that children attend two dental visits per year – ideally placed about six months apart. During this visit, their hygienist will carefully clean away stubborn plaque and tartar from the teeth. Their dentist will examine their entire mouth for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other abnormalities. This way, if any issues arise, they can be addressed right away before becoming serious.
• Fluoride Varnish: Fluoride treatment is a great way to prevent tooth decay in kids. This is a quick, painless varnish that is painted over the teeth and left to sink into the enamel for about 20 minutes. Then, it is rinsed away.
• Dental Sealants: Dental sealants are another preventive care treatment that can help to reduce cavities in children’s permanent molars and pre-molars by up to 80%! This sealant is painted onto the teeth and cured with a light to solidify the material. This gives kids a longer-lasting protection against decay and can last for several years.
• X-Rays: Dental X-rays are needed from time to time to check on how the teeth are forming and erupting. They also help dentists detect issues that cannot easily be detected with the naked eye.
Why Should You Schedule Your Kids’ Dental Visits Before the Year Ends?
If you have dental insurance for your family, you likely already know that you lose out on unused benefits by the end of the calendar year. Your annual deductible is the amount of money that you need to pay out of pocket every year until you can start to take advantage of your benefits. Every January, this amount resets. If you have already met your deductible for this year, the smarted thing to do is schedule any necessary visits before you are responsible for paying your deductible again.
If your child hasn’t had both of their dental checkups this year, now is the perfect time to set up an appointment for them. This way, you can maximize your benefits while keeping your child’s smile healthy and happy!
About the Author
At The Dental Specialists Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Nelson Hui and Dr. Adam Preece work together to treat children in the Garland community. If your child hasn’t had their two dental checkups yet or they have an oral health issue that needs to be resolved, now is the perfect time to schedule an appointment. To learn more about dental insurance or talk to one of our team members, visit our website or call (972) 364-7472.