By Dr. Russell Kelly, DDS – Newport Dental Arts, Newport Beach, CA
As the holiday season arrives in Newport Beach, most families focus on travel plans, gatherings, and Thanksgiving celebrations. But there’s something else that deserves your attention before the year ends—your dental insurance benefits. Every year, millions of dollars in dental coverage go unused simply because patients don’t realize their benefits expire on December 31.
At Newport Dental Arts, Dr. Russell Kelly, DDS and our team are here to help you maximize your dental insurance before it resets. If you haven’t scheduled your end-of-year visit yet, now is the perfect time to take advantage of your remaining benefits before they disappear.
Why Dental Benefits Don’t Roll Over
Most dental insurance plans—including PPOs—run on a calendar-year cycle. Your:
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Annual maximum
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Yearly deductible
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Preventive care allowances
all reset on January 1.
Unused benefits do not carry over, which means if you’ve been delaying treatment, skipping cleanings, or putting off recommended procedures, you may be leaving valuable coverage on the table.
Our team at Newport Dental Arts helps patients understand their remaining benefits and prioritize treatments before the December 31 deadline.
Understanding Your Dental Insurance Basics
Annual Maximums
Most plans offer an annual maximum of $1,000–$2,000. Anything unused by year-end simply disappears. Completing treatment before December 31 helps you fully use what you’ve already paid for.
Deductibles Reset in January
If you’ve already met your deductible for 2025, finishing treatment this year can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs. Waiting means starting over in January.
Preventive Care Is Often Fully Covered
Cleanings, exams, digital X-rays, and fluoride treatments are often covered at 100%. If you haven’t completed both preventive visits for 2025, now is the time.
The Most Cost-Effective Treatments to Complete Before Year-End
Dental Cleanings & Exams
Preventive care is your best defense against future dental problems. Newport Beach families who maintain regular visits experience fewer emergencies and healthier smiles year-round.
Fillings, Crowns & Restorations
If Dr. Kelly has recommended fillings, crowns, onlays, or repairs, completing them now prevents small problems from becoming painful (and more expensive) later—especially with holiday treats and stress.
Invisalign® Aligners
Many insurance plans include orthodontic benefits. Starting Invisalign® in November allows you to maximize 2025 benefits and make progress before 2026.
Night Guards for Grinding
Holiday stress often increases clenching and grinding. Using your benefits now to get a custom night guard can protect your teeth through the season.
Periodontal Care
Deep cleanings, scaling, and root planing are commonly covered services. Treating gum disease early improves whole-body health.
Why You Should Not Wait Until December
December is typically the busiest month in dentistry. In Newport Beach, holiday travel and events make schedules even tighter. Appointments fill up quickly, and lab turnaround times become longer.
Booking in early November ensures:
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You get the appointment time you want
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You avoid last-minute emergencies
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You have time for follow-ups if needed
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You don’t lose unused benefits
Prepare Your Smile for Holiday Photos and Events
The holiday season is full of gatherings and pictures—perfect timing for quick cosmetic enhancements like:
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Cosmetic bonding
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Invisalign® starts
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Veneer consultations
A brighter smile can boost confidence just in time for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, and holiday celebrations.
A Simple Three-Step Plan to Maximize Your Benefits
Step 1: Understand Your Remaining Coverage
Our team will help you review how much of your annual maximum is left and what treatments qualify.
Step 2: Prioritize Necessary Treatment
We help you schedule essential care before benefits expire on December 31.
Step 3: Bridge Treatment Into 2026
For more complex cases, starting treatment now and completing it next year may let you use two benefit cycles.
Your dental insurance benefits are a valuable investment in your health—don’t let them go unused. November is the ideal time to schedule cleanings, complete recommended treatment, and refresh your smile before the holiday season. At Newport Dental Arts, Dr. Russell Kelly and our caring team are committed to helping Newport Beach families get the most out of their benefits and enjoy healthy, confident smiles all year long.
Visit Newport Dental Arts in Newport Beach, CA
Dr. Russell Kelly, DDS
Newport Dental Arts | Cosmetic & Family Dentistry in Newport Beach, CA
📍 Address: 2382 SE Bristol St, Newport Beach, CA 92660
📞 Phone: (949) 752-1210
🌐 Website: https://newportdentalartsoc.com/
