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 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.
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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.