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Does Any Insurance Cover Cosmetic Dentistry?

Does Any Insurance Cover Cosmetic Dentistry?
April 1, 2022

Dental insurance usually covers dental treatments that are medically important, which is different from that of cosmetic procedures. Dental insurance providers consider cosmetic dentistry as an elective. So, few insurance plans provide no coverage for dental treatments at all. However, some insurance providers offer good coverage, which also includes cosmetic dentistry in Concord. Let us get into more detail below.

What Does Cosmetic Dentistry Include?

The following dental procedure is considered cosmetic as per American Dental Association:

1. Professional Teeth Whitening 

A professional whitening procedure involves chemically treating the discolored and stained teeth of the patient. It is also known as in-office teeth whitening.

2. Dental Veneers

Veneers are artificial covers for the visible areas of the teeth. They are manufactured with porcelain material, which appears the same as the original teeth.

3. Gum Contouring (Teeth Shaping)

The procedure involves eliminating the extra soft tissue that covers the teeth. It means this cosmetic dental procedure includes altering the tooth shape using filling to make it look attractive.

4. Bonding

Cosmetic dental bonding procedure includes repairing damaged teeth without requiring dental veneers or other comprehensive dental procedures. An experienced dental professional finishes the entire cosmetic bonding treatment in one appointment.

5. Orthodontia  

This procedure involves addressing the moving teeth due to an injury or accident. Many young kids receive orthodontic care. But it does not mean that an adult cannot get it.

For example, orthodontic braces give a gorgeous smile to adults and teens. It is ideal for those with misaligned teeth that negatively affect their speaking and confidence. Remember, permanent teeth straightening fixes tooth misalignment while preventing further tooth issues.

Contact the dentist in Concord, CA, to determine if your cosmetic dental procedure classifies as medically elective or necessary.

When Does Insurance Cover Cosmetic Dentistry?

Few dental insurance providers sometimes cover 50% of the total price of cosmetic dental procedures. These procedures usually include dental bonding, crowns, and veneers.

A dental examination can help to determine that these treatments are essential in maintaining healthy and strong teeth. Insurance will cover few or all restorative dental procedures. However, it does not cover elective procedures.

Many cosmetic dental professionals use restorative dental procedures like implants, veneers, and porcelain crowns for cosmetic and restorative purposes. But what is the difference between restorative procedures and cosmetic procedures?

Dental insurance providers considered the following as a restorative procedure if:

  • It is medically essential due to injury, decay, disease, or accident.
  • The dental expert uses it for purposes other than aesthetics.

A procedure is qualified as cosmetic when:

  • The underlying tissue or tooth is not decayed, injured, or impaired.
  • It is not medically essential for changing the tooth or doing a cosmetic procedure.
  • The treatment is performed only to improve the aesthetic of the patient’s smile.

Cosmetic Dental Procedures Not Covered by Insurance

Cosmetic dentistry near you makes the patient teeth appear good. In the majority of cases, they are not only helpful in enhancing the smile but also provide oral health advantages.

Many insurance plans will not cover the following treatments:

  • Addressing the vacant spaces between teeth when it is not due to a disease, accident, or injury.
  • Porcelain veneers installation if not medically vital.
  • Professional teeth whitening.

At Concord Dental & Orthodontics, the dental professional will help you understand the information in your insurance coverage. It will help to make the best decision about your oral health quickly.

Cosmetic Dental Insurance that Covers Implants

Without dental insurance, dental implants range from $1500 – $6000 per implant. Unless the patient needs an implant due to an accident, the insurance provider may categorize it as a cosmetic treatment and refuse the coverage.

Dental insurance providers do not cover cosmetic dentistry treatments with no medical necessity. But unique situations fade the line between pure cosmetic dentistry and medically necessary dentistry.

For example, if you require dental treatment since you are involved in a road accident, and you want an aesthetically pleasing outcome? Does this situation qualify as cosmetic dentistry or restorative dentistry? The answer is “both.”

It is because you had a medical requirement for teeth replacement. The situation qualifies it as a restorative dental procedure. But it does not mean that you cannot get a cosmetic outcome.

To know about CarePlus Dental Plans, visit Concord Dental & Orthodontics website today.

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