Dental insurance can be a worthwhile investment when planning to receive preventive or restorative care, but what about cosmetic treatment? It is widely known that most insurance companies do not provide any form of coverage for services like veneers, teeth whitening, gum recontouring, or dental bonding, but will they make exceptions? Keep reading to find out if you can expect any surprise savings when pursuing cosmetic dentistry.
Why Does Dental Insurance Not Generally Cover Cosmetic Dentistry?
The reason most dental insurance companies do not provide even partial coverage for cosmetic dentistry is that many of the services are considered “elective.” This means there is no indication that receiving veneers, teeth whitening, or another similar treatment is necessary to improve your oral health. Instead, you are choosing to pursue this type of procedure for aesthetic purposes.
Dental insurance is designed to provide financial assistance when a procedure is considered restorative. For instance, if decay, disease, or injury causes problems to your teeth or gums, you will need restorative treatment. If you require tooth replacement or adjustments to your bite, there is a good chance your insurance will help cover some of the cost.
Will Dental Insurance Make Any Exceptions?
There are instances when a dental insurance company will make an exception when it comes to receiving cosmetic dentistry. The paperwork that is sent to the insurer must be filled out correctly for claims processing and approval, so allowing a member of your dental team to handle this is likely to be in your best interest.
Some examples of possible partial coverage include:
- You are experiencing dental decay or damage and need a metal-free restoration to help protect the vulnerable tooth and ensure its functionality moving forward.
- You have a tooth located toward the front of your mouth that is uneven or considered “abnormal,” and it’s posing a problem for your oral health. A cosmetic dentist in Franklin Park can use a veneer or cosmetic dental bonding to repair the issue.
- You have excess gum tissue that has caused an infection to form, so gum recontouring can be used to eliminate the unnecessary tissue and create a healthier oral environment.
It’s always best to think aesthetically about any restorative treatment you need. This will give you a better chance of receiving partial coverage through your dental insurance company while enjoying life with a healthier, more radiant smile.
About Grand Dental – Franklin Park
At Grand Dental – Franklin Park, we know how difficult it can be to get dental insurance companies to pay for certain services, especially cosmetic ones. With aesthetics in mind, our talented dental experts prepare restorative treatment plans so that teeth are not only fully repaired but also beautifully restored. If you need help identifying ways to minimize your expenses when pursuing cosmetic dentistry, visit our website or call (847) 860-7093 to speak to a member of our team.