Use It or Lose It: Maximize Your 2025 Dental Insurance Benefits Before Year-End

Most dental insurance plans operate on a calendar year and reset on January 1st. If you haven’t used all of your 2025 dental insurance benefits, they will likely expire. To avoid losing unused coverage, schedule your dental treatments before the year ends.

Why Your Dental Insurance Benefits Expire

If you're like most patients, you may not realize that dental insurance benefits don’t roll over. Whether you’ve had one cleaning or none at all, anything unused from your 2025 annual limit vanishes on December 31st.

At Avalon Dental Center, we’re reminding patients to use it or lose it before the year ends.

What Happens to Unused Dental Insurance?

Key Facts:

• Most dental plans renew annually on January 1st.

• Unused annual maximums (usually $1,000–$2,000) do not roll over.

• Most plans cover 100% preventive care, but only a percentage of major treatments.

• Deductibles reset annually as well, costing you more next year.

Example: If you only used $200 of your $1,500 annual maximum, you’ll lose $1,300 of unused benefits unless you act now.

Common Benefits You Might Be Wasting

Many people skip the dentist because they feel fine—but dental issues often go undetected without regular checkups.

Covered Services You Could Still Use in 2025:

• Second cleaning and exam

• X-rays and oral cancer screening

• Fillings or sealants

• Crown or bridge work

• Periodontal treatment

• Invisalign or orthodontic consultations

• Tooth extractions or emergency care

Need treatment in stages? Starting now may allow you to split costs between 2025 and 2026, maximizing coverage over two years.

Why Delaying Can Cost You More

Putting off dental work now can lead to:

• Higher out-of-pocket costs after deductibles reset

• More complex treatment if decay or damage progresses

• Increased discomfort or risk of infection

• Losing this year’s insurance value entirely

And if you’ve already met your deductible this year, now is the time to schedule treatments at a lower cost.

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) Also Expire

If you have an FSA, those funds also expire at year-end unless your plan offers a limited grace period or carryover. Don’t leave your pre-tax dollars unused.

Schedule Early to Beat the Year-End Rush

Appointments fill quickly in November and December as patients try to use up remaining benefits.

Tip: Book your cleaning or consultation now so you don’t miss your window.

At Avalon Dental Center, we’ll help you:

• Review your 2025 dental benefits

• Maximize your insurance coverage

• Create a personalized treatment plan

FAQ: Dental Insurance Benefits & Year-End Deadlines

1. When do dental insurance benefits expire?

Most plans expire on December 31st, and unused benefits do not roll over into the new year.

2. What happens if I don’t use my dental insurance?

You lose any unused portion of your annual maximum and will have to pay a new deductible in 2026.

3. Is it worth using insurance for a cleaning or small issue?

Absolutely! Preventive care is usually covered at 100%, and catching small issues early saves money.

4. Can I split treatment between two years?

Yes, starting in 2025 and finishing in 2026 can help you use two benefit periods for more expensive procedures.

5. Does Avalon Dental Center help with insurance paperwork?

Yes. We help patients navigate their dental insurance and submit claims on your behalf.

Don’t Let Your Benefits Go to Waste

You’ve paid for your 2025 dental insurance, so make it work for you! Avalon Dental Center is here to help you maximize your benefits before they disappear. Now accepting year-end appointments for exams, cleanings, and treatments. Call us today at 617-374-9500 or book online to secure your spot before the holiday rush.

No Insurance? Maxed Out Your 2025 Benefits?

We Can Still Help!

At Avalon Dental Center, we believe everyone deserves access to affordable, high-quality dental care — with or without insurance.

If you’ve already reached your insurance maximum or don’t have dental coverage at all, our Avalon Dental Membership Plan is a smart, flexible alternative.

What’s Included in Our Membership Plan:

• 2 cleanings per year

• 2 dental exams + necessary X-rays

• 1 emergency exam per year

• 15–20% OFF most other services

• No deductibles, waiting periods, or insurance hassles

It’s a simple, affordable way to keep your smile healthy — even after insurance benefits run out.

📖 Learn more and enroll today: