Before the Ball Drops: 3 Dental Fixes You Still Have Time For

The last few weeks of the year always bring a feeling of momentum. Holiday events are stacking up, family gatherings are happening back-to-back, and everyone is preparing for a fresh start as the calendar turns. But while you’re planning celebrations, shopping, and tying up loose ends, there’s something else quietly ticking toward midnight: your dental benefits.

Most patients don’t realize that when the New Year arrives, unused insurance coverage expires. Deductibles reset. FSA funds often vanish. And any treatment you’ve been postponing instantly becomes a January expense — usually at a higher cost.

The good news? You still have time to take care of high-priority dental treatments that will help you start the new year healthier, more confident, and financially ahead. At Sterling Dental Center, these are the three most impactful fixes we recommend completing before the ball drops.

1. Cosmetic Enhancements to Enter the New Year with Confidence

Holiday photos, celebrations, and year-end gatherings put your smile front-and-center. If you’ve been thinking about refreshing your smile, these final weeks of the year are ideal.

Professional Whitening for a Noticeably Brighter Smile

A brighter smile is one of the fastest and most dramatic cosmetic improvements. Professional whitening uses clinically approved concentrations of hydrogen peroxide that break apart deep-set stains formed by chromogens — the dark pigments found in coffee, tea, red wine, and aging enamel.

 According to the American Dental Association, professionally supervised whitening is the most effective and safest way to lighten teeth, providing significantly better results than store-bought kits.

Dental Bonding to Fix Chips, Gaps, and Uneven Edges

Dental bonding is one of the most precise and artistic procedures in cosmetic dentistry. A tooth-colored resin is sculpted carefully onto the enamel and hardened with a special curing light. This technique allows us to repair chips, smooth rough edges, close small gaps, and reshape imperfect teeth in a single visit.

 The result is a natural, seamless enhancement that instantly refreshes your smile without extensive preparation.

Porcelain Veneer Planning or Smile Refinements

Even if the full veneer process takes time, beginning the planning phase in December allows you to use expiring benefits or FSA funds toward diagnostic imaging, impressions, or preliminary work. These early steps set the foundation for a beautifully balanced smile in the new year.

2. Crowns and Restorations Before Seasonal Stress Makes Problems Worse

If you have a tooth that has been cracked, heavily filled, or causing sensitivity, now is the moment to protect it. The combination of holiday foods, temperature changes, and increased stress chewing can worsen dental issues quickly.

A crown functions like a protective shell over a weakened tooth, restoring its strength, stability, and ability to withstand normal chewing forces. Many patients don’t realize how vulnerable a compromised tooth can be during the holiday season. The mix of hot drinks, cold winter air, hard holiday treats, and increased stress clenching can cause small cracks or worn-down areas to worsen quickly. When a tooth isn’t properly supported, even normal eating can lead to deeper fractures, sensitivity, or sudden breakage. A well-designed crown reinforces the tooth and prevents these issues, allowing you to enjoy your meals and celebrations without worrying about discomfort or damage.

Waiting can turn a simple restoration into a much bigger, more expensive problem:

• A small crack can reach the pulp and require a root canal
  
  
• A fragile filling can break during chewing
  
  
• A chipped cusp can escalate into a tooth fracture
  
  
• A compromised tooth can become painful during travel
  
  

Completing a crown or restoration now prevents emergencies during one of the busiest times of the year — and allows you to use any remaining insurance benefits before they reset on January 1.

3. Overdue Exams & Cleanings — Your Last, Best Use of Benefits This Year

If you haven’t had your routine exam or cleaning in the last six months, this is the single most important appointment to schedule before benefits expire. Preventive care protects both your smile and your wallet.

A professional cleaning removes plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing alone cannot eliminate. Plaque naturally begins to harden into tartar when it sits on the teeth for too long, and once it does, it becomes firmly attached and can only be removed by a dental professional. Tartar buildup can irritate the gums, contribute to inflammation, and increase the risk of periodontal disease and tooth decay. Regular cleanings help prevent these issues and keep your smile healthier and more comfortable throughout the year.

A year-end exam also helps identify issues early — before they become painful or costly. Patients who maintain consistent dental checkups tend to experience fewer emergency treatments throughout the year, especially after the holidays when untreated problems often worsen. (Source:NIH)

Most insurance plans cover exams and cleanings at or near 100%, making this the most financially beneficial way to use your remaining 2025 dental benefits.

Finish the Year Strong and Start the New Year with a Healthy, Confident Smile

As the year ends, treatments become more valuable — both clinically and financially. Once the clock strikes midnight:

• Insurance maximums reset
  
  
• Deductibles reset
  
  
• FSA funds may expire
  
  
• Treatment fees can shift
  
  
• Small dental issues can escalate
  
  

Taking advantage of these last weeks means greater savings, fewer surprises, and a healthier start to the new year.

Whether you want a brighter smile, need to protect a tooth with a crown, or are overdue for an exam, December is your opportunity to make meaningful improvements that carry into 2026. At Sterling Dental Center, we’re here to help you enter the new year with confidence, comfort, and a smile you love sharing.

Schedule Your Year-End Dental Appointment Today

Don’t wait — the final days of December fill up quickly, and we want to make sure you receive the care, comfort, and attention your smile deserves before the year comes to a close.

Contact Us Today:  703-348-1705
Visit Our Website:  www.comfortfirstdentalsterling.com

Step into the new year with confidence, comfort, and a healthier smile — one that carries you into 2026 looking and feeling your very best.

Excellence in Care. Confidence in Every Smile.

— The Sterling Dental Center Team