Will My Dental Insurance Ever Cover Cosmetic Treatment?

You want to boost your smile’s appearance and get rid of the stains, chips, cracks, and misshapen teeth. You’re tired of being embarrassed each time you talk to someone and want to put yourself out there to make new friends and connections. The only thing holding you back is knowing which treatments are available and how much they will cost. Does dental insurance ever cover cosmetic dentistry? Although the answer is usually no, a dentist is here to share a surprising fact that may have you calling to schedule a consultation right away.

Why Do Most Dental Insurance Companies Not Cover Cosmetic Treatment?

The explanation most dental insurance companies give as to why they do not provide full or even partial coverage for cosmetic dentistry is that they are deemed “elective procedures.” Because they focus solely on the aesthetics of a person’s smile, they in no way serve a medical purpose. Essentially, these services will not improve a person’s oral health in a way that is “medically necessary.”

Are There Exceptions to This Rule?

Before you assume that your pursuit of a more beautiful smile is out of the question, you’ll be pleased to learn that there are indeed exceptions to this rule. For example, say you need to repair a damaged or decayed tooth that is at risk of worsening and negatively impacting your oral health. You need a dental crown to fix the problem, but you prefer to avoid the use of metal because of its visibility. You can request a metal-free restoration, which your dental insurance will be more likely to cover.

The same can be said for dental implants and veneers. Although many dentists and patients view dental implants as restorative options, many insurance companies are now beginning to see the necessity for these permanent prosthetics. Not only can they rebuild your smile, but they can help to enhance it by filling in the gaps.

How Can I Know if It’s Covered?

The only way to know if your dental insurance will agree to pay a portion of the cost is to either call and ask or have a member of your dental team do so on your behalf. This may be preferable simply because they better understand the language and more clinical explanations required to receive approval from insurance companies.

It is important that all paperwork be filled out correctly to ensure that the insurance company has what they need to review the recommended treatment and be inclined to approve coverage.

While certain treatments are highly unlikely to be covered (i.e., teeth whitening or veneers solely for aesthetic purposes), there are alternative options to make paying for these services less cumbersome. But if your sights are set on a procedure that could be deemed medically necessary, don’t give up hope on receiving financial assistance from your insurance company.

About the Author
Dr. William Twohig is a skilled dental professional who believes in high-quality care and affordable services. As a holistic dentist in Weyauwega, he provides cosmetic treatments as viable options for anyone looking to improve the look of their smile. He and his team will also help to maximize dental insurance benefits and receive approval should you need treatment but are unsure of your coverage. Visit our website or call (534) 429-5965 to find out how we can help.