Could Dental Insurance Possibly Pay for Cosmetic Treatments?

Getting things like fillings, cleanings, and checkups covered by your insurance is easy, but what about cosmetic dentistry treatments? Can your dental insurance step in to help you achieve that perfect smile you’ve been dreaming of? The answer lies within your insurance plan.

If you want to learn what to look for to see if your insurance will cover your treatments, continue reading.

Check Your Plan

Somewhere in the pages of text and fine print, you’ll find sections that detail the procedures your insurance is willing to cover. It will list each one as either “restorative” or “elective.” These two terms are what you should keep an eye out for as you read through your plan as they will determine where a particular treatment falls on the spectrum.

Some Types of Restorative Treatments are Cosmetic Dentistry

Insurance loves to save money. Not paying out is how they make a profit, so they are likely to cover preventing damage to your teeth. Preventive services are usually covered 100 percent under most plans for this reason.

Restorative treatments like fillings and crowns are the next best thing to prevention. These are usually performed by your dentist to fix decayed teeth or stop decay from spreading. They can also be considered cosmetic dentistry because they additionally restore the aesthetics of your smile. Generally, these are covered under “minor restorative” treatments at 80 percent, but you’ll need to check your plan to be sure.

Elective Treatments Need to be Proven

Elective treatments are usually not covered under most dental insurance plans. This is a term that constitutes a “want” and not a “need.” These are treatments like dental veneers or teeth whitening. However, there may be some exceptions to this rule.

For example, if you had a tooth in the front of your mouth that needed to be repaired but a crown would cause more harm than good, your dentist could argue for an exception. They would need to submit X-rays and observations to your insurance company asking for the treatment to be covered. This won’t always work, but it is an option available to you.

So, if you’re trying to figure out which cosmetic procedures your insurance will pay for, check your plan. Now that you know the terminology, you’ll be better prepared to have a conversation with your dentist. The smile you desire is within reach, so don’t delay. Make an appointment as soon as possible.

About the Author

At Brush Dental you’ll find caring and talented dental professionals with a wide range of capabilities. Where you need a simple filling or a dental implant, they can create a treatment plan that is customized to your needs. To schedule an appointment, call (469) 723-4000 or visit the website to learn more.