Can Dental Insurance Do Anything for Cosmetic Dentistry?

Perhaps you’ve wondered about giving your smile a makeover but worry about having to pay for it completely out of pocket. This leads many people to ask whether their insurance ever covers cosmetic dentistry. In many cases, dental insurance will cover some cosmetic dental work, but this usually depends on whether the work is considered elective or restorative. Here’s a brief guide to what kinds of cosmetic dental work your insurance might cover.

Cosmetic Dental Treatments Can Be Considered Restorative

Dental insurance providers almost always cover restorative dental treatments. This usually means things like fillings and crowns, but it can sometimes extend to dental implants depending on the plan. In many cases, restorative treatments can play a crucial part in improving the appearance of the smile. For example, crowns and composite fillings remove or cover the visible signs of dental injuries or tooth decay. If your dentist is using restorations to address physical damage to your teeth, it is more likely that your insurance will cover them.

Elective Treatments Are Not Usually Covered

In some cases, a patient seeks a dental treatment that isn’t necessary for health purposes. This would probably include things like teeth whitening or treating healthy teeth with porcelain veneers to alter their shape. However, there are certain exceptions, like if the patient has some type of irregularity that can be repaired with a veneer or cosmetic binding. Your dentist will most likely be required to provide the insurance companies with case notes, photographs, or X-rays as proof of the procedure being necessary.

A Smile Makeover Can Include a Combination of Treatments

Every smile is unique, and so are the treatments that are used to make smiles prettier. During the planning process for a course of cosmetic dental treatment, your dentist will outline your options and explain what is and what isn’t covered in your benefits package. In many cases, patients require a combination of elective and restorative treatments to achieve their ideal smiles. This means that insurance providers may pay for a significant part of their cosmetic work if it can be classified as restorative.

While insurance companies don’t usually finance cosmetic procedures, certain conditions can require one to cover part of a smile makeover. Consulting with your dentist can help you understand what sort of treatment plan makes sense for you.

About the Author

Dr. Proshat Shahrestany earned her dental doctorate from the UCLA School of Dentistry in 1999 and continues to further her education with courses on topics such as Invisalign Clear Braces, extractions, and cosmetic dentistry. She is a member of the California Dental Association, the American Dental Association, and the San Fernando Valley Dental Society. Her office in Studio City, CA offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. For more information on getting cosmetic dental treatments, contact the office online or dial (818) 760-0200.