As the year wraps up in Marietta, GA, many residents begin reviewing their health plans, holiday schedules, and end-of-year to-dos — but one thing often gets overlooked: dental benefits. If you haven’t used all of your preventive or treatment coverage this year, now is the time to act. Most dental insurance plans reset on January 1, and any unused dental benefits simply disappear.
At Hart Family Dentistry, we see this every year. Patients realize too late that they’ve missed out on cleanings, exams, or much-needed treatment because they didn’t know their dental benefits expire. This guide will help you understand how your coverage works and how to make the most of it before time runs out.
What “Dental Benefits” Actually Mean for You
A lot of people in Marietta feel unsure about how dental insurance works, and that’s completely normal. Here’s the simple version:
Your insurance gives you a set amount of coverage each year — usually enough to fully cover two cleanings and exams, and partially cover fillings, crowns, and other essential care. This yearly allowance is your dental benefits.
But there’s a catch:
👉 If you don’t use your dental benefits by December 31, they expire.
They don’t roll over into the next year. They don’t accumulate. They simply reset.
That’s why December is such an important month for your oral health.
Why Using Your Dental Benefits Matters
When you skip preventive care or delay treatment:
- Small cavities can grow
- Old fillings can weaken
- Gums may begin to show signs of inflammation
- Sensitivity can worsen
- And you may end up needing more complex care later
Your dental benefits are designed to help you prevent these problems — and to make recommended treatment more affordable while your coverage is still active.
Using what you’ve already paid for means saving money now and avoiding bigger issues later.
Why December Is the Ideal Time to Book Your Visit
The end of the year is a perfect chance to check in with your dentist and finish the care you might’ve postponed earlier in the year. Many Marietta patients use December to:
- Schedule their second cleaning
- Finish a filling or crown
- Treat lingering tooth sensitivity
- Address cracks, pain, or problem areas
- Use remaining FSA/HSA dollars
- Start care they didn’t realize insurance still covered
Even better, for larger treatments, some patients begin one step in December and complete the next in January — effectively using two benefit years to reduce their out-of-pocket cost.
What Happens If You Don’t Use Your Dental Benefits?
It’s simple:
If you don’t use your dental benefits, you lose them.
On January 1:
- Your annual maximum resets
- Any unused coverage disappears
- You start the year back at $0 of used benefits
- Delayed treatment may cost more
- Emergencies become more likely
It’s easy to forget about dental care during the holidays, but skipping it may mean giving up valuable coverage you’ve already paid for.
How Hart Family Dentistry Helps You Make the Most of Your Benefits
At Hart Family Dentistry, we want your insurance to work for you — not against you. Our team helps patients every day by:
- Checking remaining dental benefits
- Explaining what’s covered in simple terms
- Prioritizing treatment before benefits expire
- Coordinating appointments during busy schedules
- Helping families understand how insurance covers children
- Working with many major PPO plans
We take care of the details so you can focus on staying healthy and prepared for the new year.
Start the New Year With a Healthy, Confident Smile
Your smile deserves attention before the year ends — and your insurance is there to help. Using your dental benefits now ensures you start the new year with a clean slate, a healthier mouth, and peace of mind.
If you’re not sure what your plan covers or whether you still have benefits left, we’d be happy to look into it for you.
📞 Call Hart Family Dentistry at (770) 926-8371 or book your year-end appointment online today.
Let’s make sure your dental benefits work for you — before the year runs out!