Many people are busy at the beginning of the year. They may be preparing tax documents, making plans to keep their New Year’s resolutions, and more. Despite your busy schedule, however, you should make time to visit your dentist for a dental checkup and cleaning. Let’s talk about how you can benefit from getting your appointment on the books as early in the year as possible.
Maximize Your Insurance
Most dental insurance policies cover two cleanings and checkups each year at 100%. Unfortunately, lots of people do not take advantage of both of those appointments. They may wait until summertime or later to schedule their first checkup, at which point there is not enough time left in the year for them to wait six months and attend their next appointment before their benefits expire. Visiting your dentist early in the year leaves plenty of time for you to plan your second visit later on.
Meet Your Deductible
Most dental plans have a deductible that you must pay each year before your benefits kick in. In a lot of policies, the deductible does not apply to cleanings and checkups. However, if your checkup reveals a minor problem — for example, a small cavity — getting it treated can allow you to meet your deductible ASAP and prevent a little issue from becoming a major threat to your oral health.
Protect Your Smile
Plaque is easy to brush off your teeth, but if you miss even a small spot, it can quickly harden into tartar, which is impossible to remove with at-home oral hygiene tools. Since tartar is a threat to your oral health, you should get it removed regularly — and that is exactly what happens at a dental checkup and cleaning. You’ll get to start the year off with a fresher smile that is at a lower risk of developing problems in the future.
Get Started on New Habits
Are you determined to floss more regularly in 2022? Or perhaps you want to quit smoking, adopt a better diet, or accomplish something else that relates to your oral health. Your dental team is ready to assist you. They can coach you on proper oral hygiene techniques, give you product recommendations, and help you find resources that will be useful as you strive to lead a healthier lifestyle.
Set a Good Example
If you have children, your example is one of your most powerful means of teaching them. When you see your family dentist early in the year, you show that your oral health is a priority. Your children will notice your commitment to your smile, and they will be likely to follow in your footsteps when they grow up.
Have you scheduled your first dental appointment of 2022 yet? If not, now is the time to do so! You’ll maximize your insurance benefits, protect your oral health, and more.
Meet the Dentist
Dr. Erick Anderson is a general and family dentist in Colorado Springs with decades of experience. He is always encouraging his patients to be diligent about preventive care. If you are ready to schedule your first checkup of 2022, our team is ready to help. Contact us at 719-593-0988.