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Do dental insurance deductibles carry over?

I have been paying monthly premiums for three years but I have never been to the dentist in that time. My cap is 1500 per year. Does this mean they will now cover the first 4500 since I have not been to the dentist in three years? Or is it a "use it or lose it" scenario. My plan is with Aetna.

Public Comments

1. Use it within the calendar year or lose it.
2. No, your insurance will not accrue the maximum from year to year. It would be wonderful if they did, but then again we are talking about insurance. If you do not use the $1500.00 max within the year the benefits are lost.
3. What you are really referring to here is the yearly maximum benefit, which resets each year. Your yearly deductible is what you pay out of pocket before your benefits kick in--usually about $50/year--and your co-insurance is what you owe if the insurance doesn't cover a procedure at 100%. Hope this helps!
4. Deductibles for dental insurance (and medical, for that matter) are annual. If your 'cap' is $1500, it doesn't mean that if a root canal fee is $1600, Aetna will pay all but $100. A percentage of what they call 'usual and customary' fees will be paid, at 50%. The same is for crowns and dentures. For fillings, it's usually 80% of 'usual and customary', and for exams, cleanings and xrays, it may be paid in full without having to meet your deductible... not all Aetna plans are the same. You should take advantage of your dental insurance and at least go have a check up done... Best of Luck~