Don’t Let Those Insurance Benefits Expire!
A man fills out a dental insurance claim form
2020 IS ALMOST OVER, and that means it’s time to talk about dental insurance. Most dental plans don’t let the benefits roll over into the next year if they go unused. If you haven’t yet taken advantage of all your benefits, then now is the time to do so before they renew!
Is Your Insurance Coverage Compatible?
We accept most Canadian dental insurance plans; your plan might be under Sunlife, Greenshield, Blue Cross or Canada Life. Whether your insurance is through your employer or privately purchased, your insurance will always provide you with a copy of your policy coverage. We highly recommend learning your coverage top to bottom!If you've been thinking of coming in for a cleaning or other treatment but aren't sure if you're covered, just ask our friendly receptionists to send off an estimate! Depending on your insurance company, they can take just 3-5 business days to get back to you! And once you come in and finish your appointment, we simply direct-bill to your plan. Easy!
Common Procedures That Are Covered By Insurance
As we reach the end of the year, many of our patients look to fit in their last cleaning. Typically cleanings are covered under basic preventative care and include 'scaling', 'polishing,' 'fluoride' and/or a general check-up. Each plan has its own limits on the amount of scaling that is covered - some plans cover four cleanings a year while others might cover two over a period of 12 rolling months. Fluoride is a tricky procedure as some plans restrict it to patients below a certain age. However, a good way to make sure you're covered is to read your policy booklet before your appointment. Does your plan cover fluoride? Are there any restrictions on who is covered?Recommended treatment such as fillings and root canals tend to be covered under basic restorative care, and most patients are eligible for coverage up to their annual maximum. Plans can have different coverage for procedures like crowns, retainers and Invisalign - some plans could cover up to 75% of a crown or 50% of orthodontic work.Not sure if you're covered for a procedure? Just call our receptionists and ask them to send an estimate on your behalf!
What To Do Before The Year Ends
Cleanings
Most cleanings can be completed in one visit, depending on the amount of build-up on the teeth and how regularly you attend. Appointments usually take just one hour and your insurance is billed on the day.
Fillings
Most fillings can also be completed in one or two visits. Like cleanings, they are billed on the same day.
Crowns
Crowns are a procedure that can normally take one week to complete. The dentist first prepares your tooth and takes an impression for your crown. After that, you return a week later to have your crown cemented! With insurance, procedures are billed on the day of completion. If your plan renews in January and you wish to use this year's coverage, it means your crown will need to be started and completed before the end of December. If you have your crown started in late December but claimed in January, it will come out of your new, renewed benefits.
Nightguards
A sand timer counts down the days left until the year ends
The procedure for getting a nightguard is the same as a crown. Similarly, you come in for your impressions and return a week later to collect your appliance. It's that easy! Likewise, your insurance claim is also submitted on the day you collect it. (This is the same for other appliances like retainers and lingual wires!)
We Can’t Wait To See You!
We’re always looking out for our patients and want to make sure you’re taking the fullest advantage of your benefits! If you have any questions regarding dental insurance, contact us today and we can help!
Above all, the greatest benefits are to your dental health! So don't let them go to waste!
Would you like to book an appointment? Use the button below to book an appointment.
Want to learn more about dental insurance? We explain insurance benefits in more detail here. *Some dental plans don't allow direct-billing and may require payment upfront. We recommend checking with your provider before coming in so you know you're that covered!
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.