Short Description
The total amount a dental insurance plan will pay for a specific service or treatment over a patient’s lifetime.
Long Description
A lifetime maximum is the cumulative dollar limit that a dental insurance plan will pay for certain treatments throughout the patient’s life. Once this limit is reached, the policyholder is responsible for any additional costs for that treatment.
Lifetime maximums are commonly applied to services such as:
Orthodontic treatment (braces or clear aligners)
Dental implants
TMJ treatments
Unlike an annual maximum, which resets each benefit year, a lifetime maximum does not renew. Patients should be aware of their lifetime maximum limits and plan treatments accordingly to maximize their insurance benefits.