Insurance is a form of financial protection against unexpected events. Depending on the policy, it can cover everything from car accidents to illness. For dental patients, one question that often comes up is whether insurance covers cosmetic dentistry procedures.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at what cosmetic dentistry procedures are typically covered by insurance and which ones are not. We’ll also provide some tips on how to budget for dental care if you’re looking to undergo cosmetic dentistry treatments.
What is cosmetic dental surgery?
Cosmetic dental surgery is a type of healthcare that focuses on improving the appearance of the teeth, gums, and bite. Different procedures that can be considered cosmetic include teeth whitening, veneers, bonding, and enamel shaping. In most cases, cosmetic dental surgery is elective, which means that it is not medically necessary. However, there are some instances where it may be recommended by a healthcare provider, such as to correct a birth defect or to improve function after an injury.
What Does Insurance Cover
There are several different types of dental insurance policies available, and not all of them cover cosmetic procedures. In general, healthcare plans that cover dental procedures will only do so if the procedure is considered to be medically necessary. This means that procedures such as teeth whitening or braces for cosmetic purposes are unlikely to be covered. However, some policies will offer limited coverage for cosmetic dental work that is needed for functional reasons. An example of this would be coverage for braces that are correcting an overbite. It is important to read the fine print of your policy before having any work done to avoid paying out of pocket.
Costs
When most people think of healthcare, they think of medical procedures and visits to the doctor. However, it also includes dental care. While most insurance plans cover basic dental care, many dental procedures are classified as cosmetic and are not covered by insurance. So, how much does a typical cosmetic dental procedure cost? The answer depends on the type of procedure. For example, teeth whitening typically costs between $200 and $600, whereas veneers can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,500 per tooth. As a result, patients often have to pay for cosmetic dental procedures out of pocket. However, many dentists offer payment plans or financing options to make the procedures more affordable.
Risks and Benefits
According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, cosmetic dental surgery is one of the safest healthcare procedures available. However, as with any procedure, there are some risks associated with it. The most common complications are temporary and include bleeding, swelling, and bruising. In rare cases, patients may experience more serious complications such as infection, nerve damage, and scarring. When performed by a qualified healthcare professional, cosmetic dental surgery is an incredibly safe way to improve your smile.
Cosmetic dental surgery can offer a number of benefits for patients. In addition to improving the appearance of the teeth and smile, cosmetic dental surgery can also improve oral health. This also helps with boosting self-confidence and self-esteem.For many people, having an attractive smile is an important part of feeling good about themselves, and it is important to know what your insurance will help with and what they will not. For more information on possible benefits, check out our other article, How Cosmetic Dentistry Can Help Your Career.