Grey Tooth Design with Norco Family Dental on the right

Use It or Lose It: What Happens When Dental Benefits Expire

October 30, 2025
|
Posted By: Dr. BJ Stewart, DMD

If you're like many of us, you're probably not thinking about your dental insurance right now. Here's something that might grab your attention, though: Thousands of dollars in dental benefits expire unused every December 31st. 

At Norco Family Dental in Greeley, CO, we want to help you maximize your insurance coverage and avoid leaving money on the table.

Why "Use It or Lose It?"

Your dental insurance plan likely works on a 12-month basis, offering an annual maximum benefit that's typically between $1,000 and $2,000 per person. But here's the catch: these benefits don't roll over. When the clock strikes midnight on December 31st, any unused portion simply vanishes.

Here's what you may lose if you don't use your remaining benefits in 2025:

  • Annual maximum allowance (often $1,000 to $2,000)
  • Preventive care coverage at 100 percent (cleanings, exams, x-rays)
  • Your deductible resets, meaning you'll pay it again next year
  • Potential treatment costs that could have been covered

Patients with good intentions simply get busy and forget to schedule appointments. Others believe they don't need dental care because they're not experiencing pain. Remember, many dental problems develop silently until they become costly and more complex to treat.

Smart Ways to Maximize Your Benefits Before Year-End

Don't wait until December when everyone scrambles for appointments. Here's how to make the most of your remaining coverage:

  • Schedule your routine cleaning and exam (usually covered at 100%)
  • Address any recommended treatment your dentist has suggested
  • Complete ongoing treatment plans before benefits reset
  • Ask our team to verify your remaining coverage
  • Book appointments for family members who haven't seen the dentist this year

Get the Most from Your Insurance Benefits

As your Greeley dentist, Norco Family Dental makes it easy to understand and use your dental benefits. Our knowledgeable team will check your remaining coverage, explain your options, and help you schedule treatment before year-end.

Don't leave money on the table. Contact Norco Family Dental today to schedule your appointment and make the most of your 2025 dental benefits!

If you have difficulty using our website, please email us or call us at (970) 356-5277
View the ADA Accessibility Statement