How to Use Your Dental Benefits in 2026: Tips From CarolinasDentist

Dental insurance is one of the most overlooked parts of many benefit packages—and that means a lot of people are paying into plans without taking full advantage of what’s included. If you’ve ever ended the year with unused benefits, unplanned procedures, or last-minute dental rushes, 2026 is your chance to do it differently.

At CarolinasDentist, with 16 locations across North Carolina, we help patients every day make smarter use of their coverage. Whether it’s preventive visits, ongoing treatment, or planning for bigger procedures, our team is here to make sure you get the most from your benefits—without the guesswork.

Start Early in the Year

Many dental insurance plans reset on January 1st. That means any unused portion of your annual maximum from 2025 is now gone—and 2026 brings a fresh opportunity to use your benefits wisely.

Starting early gives you the full calendar year to plan, schedule, and complete treatment at a pace that works for you. Waiting until fall often leads to limited appointment options, treatment delays, or running into benefit limits you didn’t anticipate. A proactive first visit—like a checkup or hygiene appointment—can uncover issues early and allow for strategic planning throughout the year.

Understand What’s Covered and Where to Begin

Most dental insurance plans follow a general coverage breakdown:

100% coverage: Preventive care (cleanings, exams, x-rays)

80% coverage: Basic services (fillings, simple extractions)

50% coverage: Major treatments (crowns, bridges, dentures)

Preventive visits are typically covered in full, so don’t skip those cleanings or exams—even if your teeth feel fine. Skipping preventive care often leads to costlier treatment later.

Not sure what your plan includes? We’re happy to help you review it and explain what to expect, so you can make informed decisions about your care from the very first visit.

Maximize Your Annual Coverage

Most dental plans include an annual maximum—a cap on how much your insurer will pay toward your care each year. If you only schedule cleanings, you’re likely using a small portion of those funds. If you need additional care—like fillings, crowns, or even Invisalign®—we can help you make the most of your benefits.

In some cases, we can phase treatment strategically across the year (or split it between benefit years if needed) to help maximize insurance coverage while keeping your out-of-pocket costs manageable.

Use FSA and HSA Funds Before They Expire

If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA), these funds are often eligible for:

Exams and cleanings

Fillings and crowns

Periodontal care

Invisalign® or nightguards

Cosmetic procedures with a functional benefit

FSA dollars usually expire at the end of the year, so now is the right time to plan any treatments you’ve been delaying. We can provide a written estimate to help you budget your FSA usage for 2026 while avoiding surprises at checkout.

Know Your Network and Membership Options

CarolinasDentist is in-network with many of the nation’s major insurers, which helps reduce out-of-pocket expenses and speeds up claims processing. And if your plan is out-of-network? We can still work with you to file claims and explain costs clearly, so you’re never caught off guard.

Don’t have dental insurance? Our dental membership plan is a smart, affordable alternative. It covers essential preventive care and offers exclusive savings on other services, with no hidden fees or deductibles.

How CarolinasDentist Can Help You Use Your Dental Benefits in 2026

At CarolinasDentist, we make using your dental benefits simple. Our team helps you understand what your plan covers, estimates costs before treatment, and handles claims on your behalf. If you’re using an FSA, HSA, or considering our dental membership plan, we’ll walk you through your options so you can plan your care with confidence. With 16 locations across North Carolina, we’re ready to help you get the most from your coverage this year—without the stress. Contact your nearest CarolinasDentist office to schedule an appointment and start putting your 2026 benefits to work.