If your dental plan resets on January 1, unused benefits often expire. A little planning in November and December can save money and keep your oral health on track. Here is a clear guide for Aurora patients on how to make the most of your coverage before year end.
Know your plan basics
Start by confirming three details:
- Annual maximum. The total your plan will pay in a calendar year.
- Coverage levels. Preventive care is often covered at a higher percentage than fillings or crowns.
- Frequencies and limits. Cleanings, exams, X-rays, and scaling units have set limits per year.
If you have dual coverage through a spouse or partner, ask about coordination of benefits. This can reduce out-of-pocket costs when plans work together.
Book preventive care you already paid for
Most plans include routine exams, cleanings, and fluoride on a regular schedule. If you skipped a visit earlier in the year, use December to catch up. Preventive care helps you avoid larger bills later by removing tartar, checking your gums, and catching small cavities before they grow.
Tip: If your plan limits scaling units, ask how many you have left. Using them now can prevent bleeding gums and sensitivity from getting worse.
Finish treatments in progress
Temporary fixes are not meant to last. If you started a root canal, crown, or bridge, schedule the final steps before December 31 so the claim is paid from this year’s balance. Delaying a crown after a root canal can lead to cracks or breakage, which is more costly to fix.
Split bigger treatment over two benefit years
If you need several restorations or a combination of crown, implant, or periodontal therapy, ask whether the plan can be phased. Completing part of the work in December and the rest in January may allow you to use two annual maximums. We can often schedule impressions or surgery now, then seat the final crown or perform follow-up care in the new year.
Use remaining orthodontic and major benefits wisely
Some plans have a separate lifetime orthodontic maximum for teens and adults. If your child started braces this year, check if there is a year end payment that can be processed now. For major services that need preauthorization like partial dentures or certain periodontal procedures, submit paperwork as soon as possible. Even if approval arrives in January, a quick December assessment ensures timing is clear.
Check coverage for night guards and sports guards
If you grind or clench, a custom night guard protects new fillings and crowns from fracture. Many plans provide partial coverage every few years. Student athletes in Aurora benefit from custom sports mouthguards that fit better and are more likely to be worn. If either item is on your list, ask whether it is covered and when you last claimed one.
Keep receipts for tax time
In Canada, out-of-pocket dental costs can be claimed under the Medical Expense Tax Credit when they exceed certain thresholds for your family. Keep all receipts for exams, cleanings, appliances, and restorations. If you are self-employed and use a Health Spending Account through your business benefits, submit claims before the plan’s cut-off so they apply to this tax year.
Review CDCP or public program details
If you qualify for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) or another public program, confirm any end-of-year rules, frequency limits, and items that need preauthorization. Bring your approval letter or client ID to your visit so we can verify eligibility and plan the most efficient schedule.
Plan around school and work calendars
Late December fills fast. If you need multiple family appointments, ask to group visits back to back. For teens in Invisalign or braces, year end is a good time to complete refinements or replace lost retainers. If you anticipate holiday travel, book early morning or evening times to avoid conflicts.
Address small problems before they grow
A sensitive tooth, a chipped edge, or a loose filling often signals a bigger issue ahead. December is the moment to investigate while you still have benefits available. Digital X-rays and an exam can confirm whether a simple filling will solve it. Waiting until January can mean a crown or even a root canal if decay progresses.
Consider whitening or cosmetic bonding with a plan
Cosmetic services are usually not covered, but December can still be smart timing. If you plan to whiten, finish fillings first so we can match shades correctly. If a front tooth needs both bonding and a small cavity repair, the restorative portion may be covered while you pay the difference for the cosmetic upgrade.
Prepare for emergencies
Dental emergencies do not follow a calendar. Ask about holiday hours and who to call if you have swelling, pain, or a broken tooth. Saving our number in your phone now can prevent a scramble later. If you have unused benefits, completing a protective crown or replacing a cracked filling before the holidays can lower your emergency risk.
A simple year end checklist
- Confirm remaining benefits and frequencies
- Schedule any overdue exam and cleaning
- Complete treatment already started
- Ask about splitting larger plans across December and January
- Submit preauthorizations now for items that need approval
- Order retainers, night guards, or sports guards if due
- Gather receipts for tax purposes
- Book family appointments before school resumes
- Save the office emergency number
How St. Andrew’s Dental Centre helps you maximize benefits
We make year end planning easy for Aurora families:
- Benefits review. Our front desk team checks coverage and explains co-pays in plain language.
- Written estimates. You know costs before treatment begins.
- Direct billing. For plans that allow assignment of benefits, we bill the insurer directly and you pay only the difference.
- Flexible scheduling. Early morning, evening, and select Saturday times help you finish care before December 31.
- Smart phasing. We coordinate treatment so you can use this year’s balance and set up next steps for January.
Ready to use it, not lose it
There is still time to protect your smile and your wallet before the calendar resets. Whether you need a cleaning, a filling, or the final step of a crown, we can help you make the most of your dental benefits in Aurora.
Call St. Andrew’s Dental Centre at 905-727-4243 or visit us at 2 Orchard Heights Blvd, Suite 33. Book your year end appointment today and head into January with a healthy, confident smile.