Making the Most of Your Coverage Before It Resets
As the year comes to a close, many patients don’t realize they may be leaving valuable dental benefits unused. Most insurance plans limit how much they will cover during a benefit period—and once December 31 arrives, any remaining benefits typically expire. At The Winning Smile Dental Group, we want families across Jackson, Madison, Clinton, Flowood, Brandon and other areas of Mississippi to understand their coverage and get the most out of the insurance they’ve already paid for.
Using your benefits now can reduce your out-of-pocket costs, prevent bigger dental problems, and help you begin the new year with a healthier smile.
What Happens When You Don’t Use Your Benefits?
Most dental insurance plans include an annual maximum, which is the total dollar amount your insurance will pay toward covered dental services within a benefit year. According to insurance education resources, unused portions of this maximum do not roll over. If recommended care isn’t scheduled before the end of the year, the remaining coverage is lost.
Your deductible also resets at the start of the new benefit period. Delaying treatment can result in higher costs later—small cavities and signs of early gum disease can progress into issues requiring crowns, root canals, or extractions. These services use more of next year’s benefits and often increase personal out-of-pocket expenses.
At The Winning Smile, we can review your plan’s remaining benefits and help you schedule your care before your coverage resets.
What Services Are Typically Covered?
Most insurance companies divide dental services into three categories: preventive, basic, and major. MedlinePlus emphasizes the importance of seeing your dentist regularly to help prevent dental problems before they become more serious.
Preventive Services
Preventive care services are often covered at or near 100% because they help stop small problems before they become expensive, complex concerns. These preventive services include:
- Cleanings & Exams
- Routine X-rays
- Fluoride treatments
- Sealants for children
Basic Services
Basic care services are usually covered at a moderate percentage after the deductible is met. These basic care services include:
- Tooth-colored fillings
- Simple extractions
- Early gum disease treatment
Major Services
Major procedure services are covered at a lower percentage and use more of your annual maximum, which is why addressing dental issues early is financially beneficial. Major procedures include:
Can You Use Dental Benefits for Cosmetic Treatment?
Dental insurance focuses on medically necessary treatment—not elective cosmetic procedures. Educational materials from insurers note that medically needed crowns, fillings, exams, periodontal therapy, and other health-related treatments are typically covered.
Cosmetic procedures such as whitening and veneers placed for appearance only are usually not covered.
However, some procedures offer both health and cosmetic benefits. For example:
A crown used to restore a cracked or decayed tooth is often covered because it protects structure and function—even though it also improves aesthetics.
A veneer placed solely to change the look of a healthy tooth typically is not.
If you’re unsure whether a procedure is covered, The Winning Smile team can request a detailed benefits breakdown and explain your options.
How to Check Your Remaining Dental Benefits
The easiest way to understand your benefits is by reviewing your Explanation of Benefits (EOB). MetLife resources explain that an EOB outlines:
- What the dentist charged
- What your plan covered
- How much the plan paid
- What portion is your responsibility
It is not a bill—just a clear snapshot of how your benefits were applied.
Most major insurance providers also offer online portals that allow you to check:
- Your annual maximum
- How much you’ve used
- Remaining preventive visits
- Claim history
You can also call the member services number on your insurance card and ask the following questions:
1. “What is my annual maximum?”
2. “How much have I used?”
3. “Do I have any remaining cleanings or exams this year?”
At The Winning Smile, our friendly team can access this information for you and help you plan your remaining benefits wisely.
Affordable, In-Network Care Near Jackson, Madison, Clinton, Flowood & Brandon Mississippi
Insurance education resources highlight that using an in-network dentist typically means lower negotiated fees and more predictable out-of-pocket costs.
The Winning Smile makes care even more accessible with:
- Five convenient Central Mississippi locations
- Morning, evening, and Friday appointments
- An in-office savings plan for patients without insurance
- Flexible financing options, including Cherry payment plans
- A comfortable, judgment-free environment with noise-cancelling headphones, neck pillows, and modern technology
Whether you need preventive care or recommended treatment, our team is here to help you make the most of the benefits you have left.
FAQ About Dental Insurance Benefits
What does “annual maximum” mean?
It’s the total amount your insurance will pay for covered dental services during a benefit period. Once you reach this limit, remaining treatment becomes your responsibility.
Do unused benefits roll over?
Most plans do not roll over unused benefits. Once the benefit year ends, any remaining coverage expires.
Why are preventive services covered at a higher percentage?
Insurance companies prioritize preventive care because it reduces the risk of more expensive treatment later.
What if I don’t have insurance?
The Winning Smile offers an in-office savings plan that includes cleanings, exams, X-rays, and 15% off additional treatments.
Where Can I Use My Dental Benefits Near Jackson, Madison, Brandon, Clinton, or Flowood?
The Winning Smile Dental Group proudly serves Central Mississippi with five convenient locations:
Jackson: 4505 I-55 North Frontage Rd. #2, Jackson, MS 39206
Madison: 1896 Main St. Suite B, Madison, MS 39110
Brandon: 1350 W. Government St., Brandon, MS 39042
Clinton: 104 Clinton Center Dr., Clinton, MS 39056
Flowood: 4802 Lakeland Dr., Flowood, MS 39232
Make the Most of Your Dental Benefits with The Winning Smile
There’s still time to take advantage of your remaining benefits before they expire. Whether you need a preventive visit or you’re completing recommended treatment, our compassionate team is here to help you enjoy a healthier and more confident smile.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment at one of our 5 convenient locations across Central Mississippi. Let’s start the new year with a fresh, healthy, winning smile!
