As the year winds down, now is the perfect time to schedule your appointment at ABC Dental Chicago
If you have dental insurance, here’s an important question to ask yourself as December approaches: Have you used all your benefits for this year?
For most dental insurance plans, December 31 isn’t just New Year’s Eve—it’s the deadline when your unused benefits disappear forever. At ABC Dental Chicago, we want to help you make the most of the coverage you’ve paid for all year, no matter what time of year you’re reading this .
The “Use It or Lose It” Reality
Most dental insurance plans operate on a calendar year basis, meaning your benefits reset each January 1 . Here’s what that means for you as each year comes to a close:
- Annual maximum: The total dollar amount your insurance will pay toward your care during the calendar year. If you don’t use it by December 31, you lose it .
- Deductible: The amount you pay out-of-pocket before insurance coverage kicks in. This resets every January, so if you’ve already met your deductible for the current year, scheduling care before year-end means you avoid paying it again .
- Preventive benefits: Most plans cover two cleanings and exams per year at 100%. If you haven’t used your second cleaning, you’re leaving free care on the table .
Every year, countless patients unknowingly leave hundreds of dollars in unused benefits behind . Let’s make sure that’s not you.
What Your Dental Insurance Typically Covers
Dental plans generally categorize services into three tiers :
| Service Level | What’s Included | Typical Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Preventive | Routine exams, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments | 80-100% covered |
| Basic | Fillings, simple extractions, gum disease treatment | 70-80% covered (after deductible) |
| Major | Crowns, bridges, dentures, implants, oral surgery | 50% covered (after deductible) |
If you’ve been putting off any treatment—whether it’s that filling, a crown, or a deep cleaning for gum disease—the end of the year is the perfect time to act before your benefits reset .
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): Another Year-End Deadline
Many patients also have Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) through their employers. These accounts let you set aside pre-tax dollars for medical and dental expenses—but they often come with strict use-it-or-lose-it rules that also expire on December 31 .
FSA funds can be used for:
- Deductibles and copays
- Crowns, bridges, and other major treatment
- Orthodontics
- Teeth whitening and other cosmetic treatments not fully covered by insurance
Check your FSA balance as the year winds down, and let us help you put those funds toward the care you need .
Why Schedule Now? December Books Up Fast
Here’s a reality check for anyone thinking, “I’ll schedule it later”: December is one of the busiest months for dental offices .
Patients across Chicago rush to use their benefits before they expire every year, and appointment slots fill quickly. By booking now with ABC Dental Chicago, you’ll:
- Lock in a time that works for your schedule
- Avoid the last-minute holiday scramble
- Start the new year with a clean bill of dental health
Treatments to Consider Before Year-End
Wondering what you should schedule as December approaches? Here are common treatments patients use their year-end benefits for :
- Preventive care: Your second cleaning and exam of the year
- Fillings: For cavities caught at your last checkup
- Crowns and bridges: Major restoration work that requires multiple appointments
- Periodontal treatment: Deep cleanings for gum disease
- Nightguards: For teeth grinding or TMJ pain
- Teeth whitening: A popular way to use FSA funds
How ABC Dental Chicago Helps You Navigate Insurance
At ABC Dental Chicago, we know dental insurance can be confusing. That’s why we make it our mission to help patients understand and maximize their benefits, all year long .
Complimentary Insurance Benefits Checks
When you visit us, we’ll run a complimentary insurance benefits check to review your remaining coverage. We’ll help you understand:
- How much of your annual maximum remains
- Whether you’ve met your deductible
- What treatments your plan covers before year-end
- Any out-of-pocket costs you can expect
Treatment Planning Across Benefit Years
For more extensive treatment—like crowns, bridges, or implant work—we can help you plan strategically. Sometimes it makes sense to start treatment in December and complete it in January, allowing you to maximize benefits across two plan years .
We Work With Your Insurance Company
You don’t need to navigate insurance paperwork alone. Our team will handle the communication with your insurance provider, verify your benefits, and give you accurate estimates before treatment begins .
No Insurance? We’ve Got You Covered
Don’t have dental insurance? No problem. At ABC Dental Chicago, we believe everyone deserves access to quality dental care .
Ask us about:
- Payment plans
- Financing for major treatment
Take Action Before December 31
The clock is ticking on your current year’s dental benefits. Don’t let your hard-earned coverage go to waste .
Here’s what to do today:
- Call ABC Dental Chicago to schedule your appointment before December slots fill up
- Ask about our complimentary benefits check—we’ll help you understand exactly what your insurance covers
- Check your FSA balance and let us know if you have funds to use before year-end
- Bring your insurance card to your appointment, and we’ll handle the rest
Ready to Make the Most of Your Benefits?
Don’t wait until it’s too late. December appointments fill quickly every year, and your benefits won’t roll over into January.
Call ABC Dental Chicago today: (773) 481-2200
Book online
Let us help you protect your smile—and your wallet—before the year ends. Your dental benefits are waiting to be used .
60647, 60651, 60707, 60634. ABC Dental is a Chicago Family Dental Practice.