Does dental insurance cover cosmetic dental work?
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Dr. Michael Roizen answered:Cosmetic dentistry is the term used to refer to procedures that can make the teeth look better, but may not be medically necessary, so often, these procedures are not covered in dental benefits plans. But before you get so down that the concept of smiling becomes irrelevant, make a quick call to your dental benefits provider. You should be able to get some answers there. And while you’re at it, call your dentist. He or she may be able to offer some lower-cost options that fit into your budget -- and that is truly something to smile about, even if your teeth aren’t perfect!Helpful? 1 person found this helpfulCosmetic dentistry is the term used to refer to procedures that can make the teeth look better, but may not be medically necessary, so often, these procedures are not covered in dental benefits plans. But before you get so down that the concept of... More -
UnitedHealthcare answered:Like medical plans, most dental plans do not cover cosmetic dental work. If you want teeth removed or crowns for cosmetic reasons, you'll be responsible for paying for these procedures and appliances out-of-pocket. The same might be true if you want cosmetic bonding to hide stains, spaces or discolored teeth. A dental plan may cover orthodontics to make bite adjustments. Check your dental benefit package or contact your insurer to find out if you have cosmetic or orthodontic coverage.Like medical plans, most dental plans do not cover cosmetic dental work. If you want teeth removed or crowns for cosmetic reasons, you'll be responsible for paying for these procedures and appliances out-of-pocket. The same might be true if... More -
Dr. Greg Jorgensen answered:Dental insurance is a lot like car insurance, you can pick and choose the coverages your policy will include. In the same way that you can choose "towing" or "glass replacement" as options for your auto insurance, dental insurance companies offer coverage options too (for a price of course!). If your company has purchased your policy for you, it may or may not have chosen to include certain cosmetic procedures. Your best bet is to contact your employer's benefits department and ask about your particular policy or have your dentist's office staff check your benefits for you. Good luck!Dental insurance is a lot like car insurance, you can pick and choose the coverages your policy will include. In the same way that you can choose "towing" or "glass replacement" as options for your auto insurance, dental insurance companies offer... More -
Dr. Yasaman Roland answered:Usually no. You should think of dental insurance as a gift card. It will help with a little bit of dental work but not too much.Usually no. You should think of dental insurance as a gift card. It will help with a little bit of dental work but not too much. More -
Dr. Stefanie Shore answered:Dental Insurance will cover some cosmetic dental procedures but not others. Fixing a chip in a front tooth could be considered "cosmetic" and would be covered by dental insurance to a certain extent. Almost no procedure, with the exception of preventative care, is covered at 100% by dental insurance.
In my practice, I have seen insurance cover part of cosmetic porcelain veneers and bonding, which will help reshape, align and change the color of front teeth. A lot of this depends on the specific insurance plan and the reasons for doing the treatment. It's always a good idea to submit a pre-determination to an insurance plan to see if desired treatments are covered.
Dental insurance will never cover bleaching or tooth whitening. Talk with your dentists about what sort of cosmetic procedures you would like done, and they can give you a better idea of your coverage.
Dental Insurance will cover some cosmetic dental procedures but not others. Fixing a chip in a front tooth could be considered "cosmetic" and would be covered by dental insurance to a certain extent. Almost no procedure, with the exception of... More -
Dr. Saul Miller answered:Dental insurance does not usually provide benefits for cosmetic treatment.
That being said, there can be many necessary services that can improve the patient's appearance. For example, defective fillings in the front teeth may require replacement, and this can provide cosmetic benefit to the patient by eliminating discolored restorations with underlying decay. Also, a tooth or teeth may be discolored, and even weakened, due to large restorations, and a crown (cap) may be indicated to restore and strengthen the tooth. This, of course, can improve the appearance of a tooth or teeth. Even when only one tooth is crowned, if consideration is given to shape, shade and relationship to gum and adjacent teeth, cosmetic improvements can be achieved.
Dental insurance does not usually provide benefits for cosmetic treatment. That being said, there can be many necessary services that can improve the patient's appearance. For example, defective fillings in the front teeth may require replacement,... More
