October 1st marks the beginning of the last quarter of 2015.  We’ll let that sink in for a moment.  Now begins the rapid descent into the end of the year.  Colder weather, busy social and school schedules, gift, party and travel and plans for the holidays, that push to complete projects at work before the close of the year.

DON’T PANIC – we’re not quite there yet.   Take a deep breath.  Late September through early October is that sweet spot between the haze of summer break and the craze of the encroaching holiday season.

3 Reasons You Should Take Care of Your Smile RIGHT NOW

Before you have to dive into that end-of-the-year downward spiral, let’s talk teeth for a minute.  We’ve got 3 great reasons to make a plan to take care of your smile RIGHT NOW.

Employer and Work Dental Benefits Belong to YOU – Use ‘Em or Lose ‘Em!

If you have dental or flexible spending benefits through your employer, chances are the benefit year is also the calendar year.  Almost every benefit or insurance plan has a use-it-or-lose-it policy.  

That means if you have not used all of your flexible spending dollars or insurance benefits by the end of the year, *POOF:* they’re gone.  See you later, Alligator.

Most dental insurance providers think “Rollover” is just for dogs these days.  Don’t lose the benefits YOU paid for.  Most preventive services like x-rays, dental check-ups, and cleaning visits are covered 100% by dental insurance plans, or require only a co-pay.  Do you have a dental treatment plan that’s gathering dust in your junk drawer?  Go ahead, get it out.  Let’s take care of that smile, shall we?

On a related note, your employer may be contacting you to select your benefit plans for the next year, or you may have to take the reindeer by the horns and do it yourself.  Either way, we’ve got your back.  Er, your teeth.  

Check out our super-useful three-part primer all about dental insurance:  The Different Types of Dental Insurances and Discount Plans; How to choose the best plan for you,  and Questions to ask your dental provider to get the best value from your plan.

The Holiday Rush Isn’t Only at the Store

You may be OK standing in a 4 hour line around the block on Black Friday, but your time is too valuable to waste it trying to schedule or complete your dental treatment appointments at the last minute.  At 1st Family Dental, we offer extended hours including evenings Saturdays, and even Sundays to help you get the treatment you need and get back on with your life.  

Some dental procedures like root canals, dental implants, and dental bridges require more than one office visit to complete.  Make sure your smile is fit, healthy and ready for those holiday photos and office party candid shots.  Start your treatment NOW and be done before you can say “SELFIE!”  

Cooler Heads Prevail When the Weather Gets Cold

Late November and the entire month of December is one of the busiest times of the year in the dental industry for two reasons:

1. Many folks are trying to use their benefits and complete treatment before the end of the year, and  
2. There are just more dental emergencies during and after holidays.  Sometimes it’s an unexpected toothache, but many times, it’s a known issue such as a cavity that was put off until later and became a bigger problem, at the worst possible time.

We’re open on Sundays and our existing patients can take advantage of 24/7 emergency support from a real, live dentist on-call.  But who wants to spend their holiday with a toothache or other dental emergency?  Let’s face it, it’s a rare person who really wants to come in for necessary dental treatment.  We know, and we don’t take it personally.   It’s nearly impossible to think at all, much less think rationally when you have a dental emergency.

Cold weather can also be tough on natural teeth as well as dental restorations like bridges and crowns.  Constant heating and cooling can make them more vulnerable to wear and tiny cracks that can lead to bigger issues down the road. Regular dental check-ups and x-rays are the best time to detect issues and address them before they address you.

So make that cool, calculated decision to take care of yourself and your smile BEFORE the end of the year sneaks up and bites you.  You can call us toll-free and speak to one of our friendly customer support professionals.  Or, if you’re super busy, or super introverted and don’t feel like talking,  we’ve got online appointment booking just for you.  

Here – you can do it RIGHT NOW.  Did you do it?  You feel better already, don’t you. 🙂