Start Your Year with a Smile: Why You Should Schedule Your 2026 Dental Appointments Now

Dental insurance benefits typically expire on December 31. If you didn’t use your benefits last year, they are likely gone forever. Don’t let that happen in 2026!

If you pay for dental insurance but do not use it, you are losing money. You are also missing out on preventive care. This care keeps your teeth healthy and strong. January is the best time to book your dentist appointments. Do it now before you forget! This ensures you get the most out of your dental insurance this year.

Why Schedule Early?

It is easy to push tasks off until later. But waiting can lead to problems. Here is why you should act now.

Beat the Rush

Many people wait until the end of the year to use their benefits. This creates a rush in November and December. It can be hard to find an appointment time that works for you. By scheduling now, you have your pick of dates and times. You can secure those early morning or late afternoon slots that everyone wants.

Lock in Your Calendar

Don’t worry about making appointments too far in advance. You can always reschedule if something comes up. It is better to lock them into your calendar now. That way, you won’t get busy and forget. Life gets hectic quickly. Having your dental visits on the books ensures your health remains a priority.

Catch Up on Missed Care

Did you miss any appointments last year? If so, schedule an exam and cleaning as soon as possible. Plaque and tartar buildup happen over time. This can cause cavities, gingivitis, and bad breath. Left unchecked, these issues can become serious. A dental cleaning helps you start the new year right. You will leave with a bright smile and healthier gums!

Update Your Info

January is also a good time to update your insurance information. Did you change jobs? Did your employer switch providers? Did you add a new dependent to your plan? Have that info ready when you schedule your next visit. This prevents billing headaches later on.

Understanding Your Coverage

Insurance can be confusing. It helps to know what to expect.

Preventive Care is Key

In most cases, dental insurance pays for all or most of the cost of preventive care. This includes:

• Routine cleanings
• X-rays
• Dental exams
• Fillings

Most plans cover these at 100%. This means you often pay nothing out of pocket for a standard checkup. Using these benefits is the smartest financial move you can make for your dental health.

Major Treatments

Insurance usually covers a majority of the cost for medically necessary treatments. This includes procedures like crowns or extractions. If you need major work, it is best to plan it early in the year. This gives you time to space out appointments if needed.

What is Not Covered?

Cosmetic procedures are different. Things like teeth whitening and clear aligners are often not covered. Elective treatments might also be excluded. Because you are responsible for these costs, it is important to know your policy. Remember, every policy is different. If you have questions about what your provider covers, ask them first. Do this before you agree to a treatment plan.

The Importance of Prevention

At Green Family Dental, prevention is a very important part of what we do. We always encourage our patients to visit us every six months. Why is this frequency important?

Early Detection

The sooner we spot changes in your dental health, the easier they are to repair. A small cavity is easy to fill. A large cavity might need a crown or a root canal. Catching problems early saves you time, money, and discomfort.

Overall Health

Your mouth is the gateway to your body. Oral health is linked to overall health. Gum disease has links to heart disease and diabetes. Keeping your mouth healthy helps keep your whole body healthy.

We Are Here to Help

We want to make your dental care easy and stress-free. We accept dental insurance as well as financing options like Care Credit. We understand that dental costs can be a worry. We will always explain the full scope and cost of any recommended treatments. We will help you choose the best options for your budget.

If you are due for an exam and cleaning, there is no better time than the present! Start 2026 with a commitment to your health.

Give Green Family Dental a call today to schedule your family’s 2026 appointments. Let’s make this your healthiest year yet!