As the year wraps up, many Airdrie residents still have unused dental insurance benefits—and once Dec. 31st rolls around, most plans reset. That means any remaining coverage for preventive appointments, dental cleanings, exams, or restorative treatments disappears. If you want to get the most from your investment in dental insurance, now is the perfect time to schedule your visit at Yankee Valley Dental.

Here’s how scheduling your dental appointments before year-end can save you money and help protect your oral health.

Important Information About Your Dental Insurance Benefits

1. Know Your Yearly Maximum

Most dental insurance plans include a yearly maximum—usually between $1,000 and $3,500—that resets every year. This is the total amount your provider will contribute toward your dental care within that period. If you don’t use those benefits before they reset, they typically disappear. Take a moment to review your plan and see how much of your coverage you’ve used so far, so you can make the most of it before Dec. 31st.

2. Understand Your Plan’s Benefit Period

While many plans follow the standard calendar year (Jan. 1 to Dec. 31), some use a different cycle—such as April 1 to March 31. Knowing your benefit period helps you plan your appointments wisely and prevents you from missing out on coverage simply due to timing.

3. Review What Your Plan Covers

Dental insurance typically divides services into two main categories: basic and major. Basic services include preventive and routine care, such as:

  • Cleanings
  • Fillings
  • Root canals

Major services cover:

  • Crowns
  • Bridges
  • Dentures
  • Other more complex procedures

Some plans cover only basic care, while others include both basic and advanced care. Understanding what’s included in your benefits can help you prioritize treatments before your coverage resets.

4. Check Your Reimbursement Rates

Dental insurance benefit plans often cover a percentage of the cost for each type of treatment. Many plans reimburse around 80% for basic services and 50% for major procedures, though this varies by plan. Knowing these percentages helps you estimate your out-of-pocket expenses and make informed decisions about which treatments to schedule before the year ends.

Make the Most of Your Dental Insurance Benefits

According to many dental care providers, one of the most common frustrations is seeing patients miss out on coverage simply because they didn’t book early enough. By scheduling before the holiday rush, you can ensure you’re taking advantage of all the benefits available to you.

If it’s been more than six months since your last appointment, now is the ideal time to book a:

Dental Cleaning in Airdrie

Professional cleanings are key for removing plaque and tartar that brushing alone can’t reach. Regular cleanings help prevent gum disease, cavities, and bad breath—often at little to no cost with insurance.

Dental Checkup in Airdrie

Routine exams allow your dentist to catch issues early, when treatment is easier, faster, and more affordable. X-rays may also be covered depending on your plan.

Many insurance policies cover these preventive services at 80-100%, making it the smartest way to maximize your remaining benefits.

Use Coverage for Restorative Treatment Too

If your dentist has recommended restorative work—such as fillings, crowns, or root canals—year-end is a great time to complete them. Tackling smaller issues now can prevent larger, more costly problems later.

Many recommended treatments get postponed, but delaying care can allow decay to progress and eventually require more complex procedures. Getting these treatments before Dec. 31st ensures you use your current benefits while protecting your oral health.

Avoid the Holiday Rush

Dental offices experience a surge in appointments during November and December as people try to use up their benefits. Booking now helps you:

  • Secure your preferred appointment time
  • Avoid waitlists
  • Complete treatment before benefits expire
  • Start the new year with a clean, healthy smile

How Yankee Valley Dental Helps You Make the Most of Your Dental Insurance Benefits

At Yankee Valley Dental in Airdrie, the team makes it easy to maximize your insurance coverage. We can:

  • Review what your plan covers
  • Help you understand your remaining benefits
  • Prioritize treatment before the year resets
  • Provide thorough, gentle cleanings and checkups
  • Offer modern restorative care if needed

Whether you’re due for a dental cleaning, need a dental checkup in Airdrie, or want to finish up treatment, now is the ideal moment to schedule.

Don’t Let Your Benefits Go to Waste—Book Today

You’ve paid for your dental insurance all year. Make sure you get the full value before Dec. 31st. Schedule your dental cleaning or dental checkup in Airdrie today!

Contact Yankee Valley Dental to book your end-of-year appointment now and start the new year with a bright, healthy smile.