The holiday season in Evanston, IL is filled with celebrations, winter events, and family gatherings — but it’s also your final chance to use the dental benefits you’ve paid for all year. Most dental insurance plans reset on January 1, which means any unused benefits simply disappear.
Every year, many Evanston residents lose hundreds or even thousands of dollars in coverage because they didn’t schedule their dental visits in time. At Winning Smile Dental Group, we help ensure patients get the full value of their benefits before they expire.
Understanding Dental Insurance in a Simple Way
Many patients in Evanston tell us that dental insurance feels confusing or overwhelming. Here’s the simplest way to think about it:
Dental insurance focuses on prevention.
Unlike medical insurance, which steps in for emergencies or unpredictable health issues, dental insurance is designed to help you stay ahead of problems. Regular cleanings, exams, and preventive care are covered generously because they keep your smile healthier — and prevent bigger, costlier issues later.
Most PPO dental plans include:
- Two cleanings per year, often covered at or near 100%
- A yearly maximum (usually $1,000–$2,000 depending on the plan)
- Partial coverage for fillings, crowns, and basic periodontal care
- Limited coverage for major procedures like implants
And the most important part:
Your benefits expire on December 31 and do not roll over.
If you’re unsure what your specific plan includes, our team can review it with you and explain it in easy-to-understand terms.
Why Dental Work Costs What It Does
Dental care can feel expensive, especially if you’re unsure what insurance covers. High-quality dental treatment involves:
- Advanced technology
- Certified dental labs
- Custom-made restorations
- Skilled clinical expertise
- Materials designed to last for years
Insurance helps reduce these costs, but it usually doesn’t cover everything — especially for major or cosmetic procedures. Knowing what to expect ahead of time helps you plan more confidently.
Here are typical U.S. cost ranges for common treatments:
- Dental exam & cleaning: $150–$300
- Dental filling: $150–$350
- Dental crown: $1,200–$2,000
- Dental implant: $3,000–$6,000
Without insurance, these costs increase significantly, which is why maximizing your benefits now can make such a big difference. Winning Smile Dental Group accepts most major PPO insurance plans to help lower your out-of-pocket costs.
How Much Would Dental Care Cost Without Insurance?
Without dental insurance, even routine care becomes more expensive. A cleaning can be several hundred dollars, while restorative treatments such as crowns, implants, or root canals may reach into the thousands.
This is why Evanston families with dental insurance — especially PPO plans — benefit greatly from using their preventive and restorative benefits before they expire. You’ve paid for this coverage all year, and December is your last chance to use it.
Why Major Treatments Cost More (Like Dental Implants)
Some treatments, such as dental implants, involve a more complex process and higher-quality materials. A dental implant includes:
- A titanium post placed in the jaw
- A custom abutment
- A high-quality, natural-looking crown
- Several visits to ensure proper healing and long-term success
Insurance coverage varies widely for implants. However, using your remaining annual maximum before December 31 can significantly reduce your cost. In some cases, planning treatment across two benefit years helps patients get the most coverage possible.
Our team can help map out a timeline that fits both your dental needs and your budget.
Why Now Is the Best Time to Use Your Dental Benefits
Since dental benefits reset on January 1, December is the ideal time to schedule:
- Cleanings and exams
- Fillings before they worsen
- Crowns and restorative care
- Periodontal treatments
- Treatments started earlier in the year
- Care covered by FSA dollars (which also expire)
With many Evanston families trying to schedule before the deadline, appointments fill up quickly. Booking early ensures you can use your remaining benefits before they’re gone.
Our Team Makes Insurance Easy to Understand
At Winning Smile Dental Group, we understand that insurance can feel complicated. That’s why our team works closely with every patient to make the process simple and stress-free. We can:
- Review your coverage
- Explain what benefits you still have left
- Estimate out-of-pocket costs
- Prioritize treatment based on your plan
- Help you make smart, cost-effective decisions
We want every patient in Evanston and the surrounding North Shore community to feel confident about their dental care and how their insurance works — especially toward the end of the year.
Finish the Year With a Healthier Smile (and No Wasted Dental Benefits)
You’ve invested in your dental insurance all year. Now is the time to make sure it works for you. Whether you’re due for a cleaning, have been postponing treatment, or simply want to understand your benefits, we’re here to guide you.
Don’t let your 2025 dental benefits expire unused! Call Winning Smile Dental Group at (847) 869-1272 or schedule your visit online to secure your appointment before December 31.
