Most dental insurance plans run on a calendar-year basis, which means that any unused benefits expire at the end of the year. That's why it's important to schedule your dental appointments and get the care you need before the new year starts.

Here are a few tips for using your dental benefits before you lose them:

• Schedule your routine checkups and cleanings. Most dental plans cover preventive care at approximately 100%, so this is a great opportunity to get your teeth checked for any problems.

• Take care of any outstanding dental work. If you have any cavities, old or broken-down fillings, or other dental work that needs to be done, now is the time to get schedule to have the treatment completed. Your dental benefits can help you save money on these procedures.

• Ask Dr. Tack about any other services you may need. If you're thinking about Invisalign, whitening your teeth, or getting other cosmetic dental work done, talk to Dr. Tack about your options. While your dental benefits may not cover some of these services, you can use your FSA or HSA dollars to pay and save at the same time.

Here are some additional tips:

• Check your annual maximum. Most dental plans have an annual maximum, which is the most money the plan will pay for dental services in a given year. If you're close to reaching your annual maximum, talk to your dentist about scheduling any necessary appointments before the end of the year.

• Use your flexible spending account (FSA). If you have an FSA, you can use the money in your account to pay for dental services. FSAs are a great way to save money on dental care, because the money you contribute to your FSA is tax-free.

By following these tips, you can use your dental benefits to get the care you need and save money on your dental expenses.