How to get the most from your dental insurance before year-end.

Know the four numbers that matter

Every plan is different, but most come down to four terms. You'll find them in your benefits summary — or we can look them up for you.

• Annual maximum: the most your plan will pay in a benefit year. Anything above it is out of pocket.
• Deductible: what you pay before the plan starts sharing costs. Many plans waive it for preventive care.
• Coverage percentages: often described as "100-80-50" — preventive, basic and major care respectively.
• Benefit year: when your maximum and deductible reset. For many plans that's January 1, but some follow a different plan year.

Why timing matters

Unused annual maximums generally don't roll over. If your plan resets on January 1 and you've already met your deductible this year, treatment done before then may cost you noticeably less than the same treatment next year.

Use your preventive visits

Most plans cover two exams and cleanings a year at or near 100%. These visits are the easiest benefit to use and the most valuable — they catch small problems before they become expensive ones.

Finish treatment you've been putting off

If we've recommended a filling, crown or gum treatment, now is a good time to schedule it. Small cavities grow, and a filling today can prevent a root canal or crown later.

For larger treatment, we can sometimes split care across two benefit years — starting now and finishing after your plan resets — so you draw on two annual maximums.

Ask for a pre-treatment estimate

Before major work, we can send a pre-treatment estimate to your insurer. It shows exactly what the plan expects to pay, so there are no surprises. As an in-network office for many plans, we handle the paperwork and bill your insurance directly.

Don't forget FSA and HSA dollars

Flexible Spending Account funds are often "use it or lose it" at the end of the plan year. Dental care such as cleanings, fillings and crowns is generally an eligible expense — a smart way to cover your share of the cost.

Have Denti-Cal or no insurance?

We're proud to accept Denti-Cal, California's Medi-Cal dental program, which covers many services for eligible children and adults. If you don't have insurance, ask about our flexible payment options, including CareCredit and Lending Club financing.

Let us do the homework

Not sure what your plan covers? Call 818.890.1000 or check your plan on our insurance page. We'll verify your remaining benefits for free and help you plan the most cost-effective timing for any care you need.