Most dental insurance plans reset on January 1st, which means any unused benefits from 2026 will expire at year’s. If you have untreated dental issues or have been postponing care, now is the time to schedule appointments and make the most of your coverage before those benefits disappear. Your annual maximum, deductible, and unused preventive care visits don’t roll over into the new year.
At Spring St. Dental, we help patients in Bastrop and surrounding communities maximize their insurance benefits before year-end. Our team files claims with all insurance providers on your behalf, verifies your benefits before treatment, and provides detailed estimates so you understand your coverage and out-of-pocket costs. Whether you need preventive care, restorative treatments, or have been considering cosmetic improvements, we can help you use the benefits you’ve already paid for through your premiums.
Understanding Your Annual Maximum and Deductible
Dental insurance plans typically include an annual maximum, which is the most your plan will pay for covered services in a calendar year. Most plans offer between $1,000 and $2,000 in annual benefits. Once you reach this limit, you’re responsible for 100% of additional costs until the new year begins. If you haven’t used your full annual maximum, you’re leaving money on the table.
Your deductible is the amount you must pay before your insurance coverage begins. Most dental plans require you to meet your deductible each calendar year before they begin paying for primary services. If you’ve already met your deductible in 2026, completing additional treatment before year-end means you won’t need to meet another deductible for that work.
Preventive Care Benefits That Expire
Most insurance plans cover preventive services at 100%, including routine cleanings, exams, and X-rays. These benefits typically allow for two dental visits per year. According to the American Dental Association, regular dental examinations and good oral hygiene can prevent most dental disease. If you’ve only visited the dentist once in 2026, you may still have a second preventive care visit available before December 31st.
Preventive services also include fluoride treatments and oral cancer screenings. Taking advantage of these benefits now protects your oral health and can prevent more serious issues from developing. Waiting until January means you’ll need to restart your benefit count, which could delay the care you need.
Planning for Major Dental Work
If you need significant dental treatment, strategic timing can help you maximize benefits across two calendar years. For example, if you need dental crowns or other major restorative work, you might schedule diagnostic work and initial procedures in December 2026 and complete the treatment in January 2026. This approach allows you to use two separate annual maximums for one treatment plan.
Major services such as crowns, bridges, and root canals typically receive 50-80% coverage once you meet your deductible. Completing this work before year-end makes sense if you’ve already met your deductible and have remaining benefits available. Our dental team can provide a detailed breakdown of your coverage and help you develop a treatment timeline that works with your insurance plan.
How to Make the Most of Year-End Benefits
Taking action before December 31st requires understanding your remaining coverage. Here are the key steps to maximize your 2026 benefits:
- Contact your insurance provider: Review your benefits summary to understand what coverage remains available for 2026 and calculate how much of your annual maximum you’ve used.
- Check your deductible status: Determine whether you’ve met it, as it can significantly affect your out-of-pocket costs for additional treatment.
- Schedule a comprehensive exam: A thorough evaluation can identify issues that may benefit from treatment before benefits reset.
- Consider orthodontic coverage: Some plans include separate lifetime maximums for orthodontic treatment, like clear aligners or traditional braces.
- Review FSA or HSA balances: Most Flexible Spending Accounts follow a use-it-or-lose-it policy, and dental care is a qualified expense.
Even if you don’t have specific concerns, using your remaining preventive benefits helps ensure you maintain optimal oral health and take full advantage of the coverage you’ve already paid for through your premiums.
Understanding Out-of-Network Benefits
Many patients worry about visiting an out-of-network provider, but most PPO insurance plans still provide significant coverage for out-of-network care. The main difference is that out-of-network benefits may reimburse at a slightly lower percentage than in-network providers. However, the quality of care and personalized treatment you receive often outweighs the slight difference in coverage.
We help you understand exactly what your insurance will cover and what you’ll be responsible for paying. This transparency allows you to make informed decisions about your dental care without surprise bills. Many of our patients consistently tell us the exceptional care they receive is well worth any difference in insurance coverage.
Schedule Your Appointment at Spring St. Dental
The end of the year approaches quickly, and dental schedules fill up as more patients realize their benefits are expiring. Don’t let your 2026 dental insurance benefits go to waste. Our team provides superior dental care while building lasting relationships with each patient, focusing on restoring, enhancing, and preserving your oral health through advanced, conservative techniques.
We understand that navigating dental insurance can feel confusing, which is why we handle the claims process for you and provide clear explanations of your coverage. Whether you need preventive care, restorative treatment, or have questions about your benefits, we’re here to help you make the most of your insurance plan. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and maximize your 2026 dental insurance benefits.