Choosing to improve your smile is a big decision, so it’s natural to want to learn as much as you can about your treatment beforehand. Of course, one question that’s bound to come up is cost. Many people who are interested in cosmetic dental services choose to forgo transforming their smiles because they’re worried the toll on their wallet will be too high. If you’re looking for ways to make your treatment affordable, you may be asking yourself “Does dental insurance cover cosmetic dentistry?” The truth may surprise you!
What Does Dental Insurance Typically Cover?
First, it’s important to remember that every dental insurance policy is slightly different. There are a bevy of plan details to consider, including deductibles, annuals, exclusions, and more. However, most dental insurance companies follow a general pattern of coverage that looks something like this:
- Preventive care, like fillings and checkups, is usually covered at 80-100%
- Minor restorative care, like crowns, is usually covered between 50-80%
- Major treatments, such as root canal treatment, are usually covered by 50% or less
Dental insurance is focused on treatments and services that are medically necessary. Unfortunately, this means that elective services that only improve a tooth’s appearance are not usually covered by dental insurance.
Will Dental Insurance Cover Cosmetic Procedures?
If the treatment you’re interested in has no bearing on the health of your teeth or gums, it’s likely that dental insurance won’t cover it. However, there are several cosmetic treatments that may be medically necessary and therefore partially covered by insurance, such as:
- Tooth-colored fillings: Fillings are typically covered under preventive care or considered a minor restoration, and this includes tooth-colored fillings!
- Metal-free crowns: Crowns are essential for protecting and restoring broken or weakened teeth. Insurance will typically cover aesthetically pleasing metal-free crowns at the same percentage as traditional metal, silver, or gold crowns.
- Dental implants: Dental implants are widely considered to be the best way to replace missing teeth. Some dental insurance policies offer coverage for dental implants, and even those that don’t will usually cover associated costs, such as the consultation or part of the restoration.
- Crown lengthening/gum recontouring: Gum recontouring removes excess gum tissue. This is often used to improve the appearance of teeth hidden by the extra tissue, which isn’t covered by dental insurance. However, if the excess gum tissue needs to be removed because of gum disease, gum recontouring may be partially covered as periodontal disease treatment depending on the details of your plan.
Making Your New Smile Affordable
Even if your dental insurance won’t cover the treatment(s) that you’re interested in, your new smile can be affordable! Many dentists accept third-party financing options such as CareCredit. These companies offer a variety of payment plans that can break up the cost of your treatment. This way, you can get the service you want and pay for it gradually over time, often with little to no interest!
If you’re concerned about the cost of cosmetic dentistry, be sure to talk to your dentist about financing options. They’ll help you discover the best way to achieve the smile of your dreams without breaking the bank!
About the Practice
Coco Dental is proud to offer personalized, high-quality dentistry for smiles of all ages. Dr. Sujal Patel, DDS is focused on combining clinical excellence, reliable care, and the customized solutions your smile deserves to ensure every treatment yields optimal results. Dr. Patel and his team provide a wide range of cosmetic dental treatments and would be happy to review the details of your insurance to ensure your benefits are being maximized. To see how affordable your cosmetic dental treatment could be, feel free to contact them online or at (972) 818-5649.