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December 31, 2025
5 min read

Use It or Lose It? Maximizing Your 2026 Dental Benefits Now

Dr. Ambereen Fatima, DDS, FICOI, FAAIP

By Dr. Ambereen Fatima, DDS, FICOI, FAAIP

Lead Dentist at Innova Smiles Dental

Medically reviewed by Dr. Ambereen Fatima, DDS, FICOI, FAAIP • Last reviewed December 31, 2025
Use It or Lose It? Maximizing Your 2026 Dental Benefits Now

Most dental plans operate on a calendar year, meaning your annual maximum resets on January 1st. Booking early ensures you maximize your coverage, avoid the end-of-year rush, and catch small problems before they become costly.

Fresh Year, Fresh Benefits

Happy New Year! As you make resolutions for health and wellness, don't forget your dental coverage. For many Marlborough families with PPO plans (like Delta Dental, Blue Cross Blue Shield, etc.), January 1st marks the reset of your annual maximum—typically between $1,000 and $2,000 per person.

3 Reasons to Act Early

1. The Full Annual Maximum is Available

If you need significant work—like a crown, implant, or bridge—now is the time. You have your entire annual allowance available to offset costs. Waiting until December often Means scrambling to use remaining dollars.

2. Deductibles Reset

You'll likely have a small deductible (e.g., $50-$100) to meet again. Getting your preventive cleaning or a filling done early in the year knocks this out quickly, so subsequent treatments are covered at higher percentages.

3. Fee Updates

Insurance companies sometimes adjust their fee schedules mid-year or at the start of a year. Locking in your treatment plan now provides financial certainty.

Strategic Planning for Multi-Phase Treatments

For procedures like dental implants or orthodontics (Invisalign/Spark), planning across calendar years can be smart. While we are starting 2026, understanding your long-term plan allows us to potentially split treatment phases to maximize benefits over time if needed.

No Insurance? No Problem

If you don't have traditional insurance, 2026 is a great time to join our In-House Membership Plan. It covers preventive care and offers discounts on treatments, without the hassles of deductibles, waiting periods, or annual maximums.


Let's make 2026 your healthiest year yet. Call Innova Smiles at (508) 481-0110 to secure your appointment.

Take the next step for your dental health

Whether you need a routine cleaning or a complete cosmetic smile transformation, our team in Marlborough is here to help.

Questions? Call us at (508) 481-0110

Innova Smiles Dental serves patients in Marlborough, MA and nearby communities including Hudson, Westborough, Northborough, Southborough, Sudbury, Framingham, Hopkinton, and Shrewsbury.

Dr. Ambereen Fatima
DDS, FICOI

Dr. Ambereen Fatima, DDS

Implant & Cosmetic Dentist

Dr. Fatima is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI) and the American Academy of Implant Prosthodontics (AAIP). With a focus on minimally invasive cosmetic dentistry, she combines artistry with evidence-based medicine.

NYU College of DentistryInvisalign ProviderAACD Member

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