Fall & Winter Dental Care

Before the year ends: checkups, benefits, holiday smiles and emergency help.

Fall and winter bring their own reasons to see the dentist: a checkup before the holidays, dental benefits that run on a calendar year, winter sports, holiday photos and the occasional holiday emergency. They are listed below in the order most patients need them, and each one links to the page that covers it in full.

Ready to book? Request an appointment below or call (703) 250-5072.

  1. September & October

    Fall checkup & cleaning

    Regular checkups catch problems early, while they are still small. Fall is an easy time to book yours before the holidays fill the calendar.

    Also: Why regular checkups matter · Dental cleaning for all ages

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  2. October to December

    Use your dental benefits before your plan year ends

    Many dental plans cap what they will pay in a calendar year. Our cost and insurance guide explains annual maximums, waiting periods and pre-authorization, and why larger treatment is sometimes phased across two calendar years.

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  3. Any time of year

    No dental insurance? The Shield Prevention Plan

    Shield Dental Care’s own plan covers cleanings, exams and x-rays for a set yearly price. The plan page lists everything it includes.

  4. October to December

    Halloween and holiday treats

    Candy, sweets and holiday foods are not all equally hard on teeth. See which choices are easier on your smile this season.

  5. Winter sports season

    Custom mouthguards for winter sports

    A custom mouthguard is made to fit your teeth and helps protect them during sports. Shield Dental Care makes mouthguards tailored to each patient.

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  6. A good time to ask

    Night guards for clenching and grinding

    If you clench or grind your teeth at night, a year-end checkup is a good time to ask about a custom night guard made for your bite.

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  7. November & December

    Holiday-photo smiles: whitening and cosmetic consults

    Planning ahead for holiday photos? Ask about professional teeth whitening, or book a cosmetic consultation to talk through the options for your smile.

    Also: Cosmetic dentistry · What happens at a cosmetic consultation

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  8. November to January

    Holiday and travel dental emergencies

    A broken tooth or sudden toothache can happen at a holiday dinner or far from home. These pages cover what to do first and when to be seen.

    Also: Emergency dentist in Burke · Dental emergencies while traveling · Emergency dental care guide

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  9. January

    New year, new patient

    Starting the year with a new dentist? See what to expect as a new patient at Shield Dental Care.

    Also: Same-day dental appointments

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