If you’re considering cosmetic dentistry as a way to boost your confidence and improve your smile, likely one of the first considerations you thought of is, “how much will it cost?” If you have dental insurance, you may be wondering if your benefits will apply to treatment, and in turn, make it more affordable. Read on to learn whether cosmetic dentistry is covered by insurance and what you can do to make sure your treatment doesn’t break the bank.
How Does Dental Insurance Work?
It can be hard to wrap your head around how dental insurance works due to the fact that every plan’s coverage is different. Unlike medical insurance, dental insurance serves more of a preventive purpose and has low annual maximums. This is because they mostly cover minor dental treatments and routine preventive care, like checkups and cleanings. With this in mind, it’s a good idea that you don’t rely on your dental insurance plan to cover most or even some of the cost of your cosmetic procedure.
Is Cosmetic Dentistry Covered by Insurance?
The answer to this question can’t be answered with “yes” or “no.” Some cosmetic dental treatments are designed to improve the appearance of your smile in addition to the health and function of teeth. Because of this, there are certain procedures that may be covered at least partially by your dental insurance if they’re deemed necessary to maintain or improve your oral health, like dental bonding or even metal-free restorations. However, a safe rule of thumb to follow is that dental insurance plans do not cover cosmetic treatments.
What are Some Ways to Make Cosmetic Dentistry More Affordable?
If your cosmetic dental office accepts insurance, they’ll likely file a claim on your behalf to make sure that any and all benefits that could be utilized will be. However, in many cases, you can expect to pay for most or all of the cost of the treatment out-of-pocket. If you’re unable to budget to pay for the entire treatment at once, you can always ask your dentist about financing options they offer. In many cases, dental offices will partner with third-party financiers like CareCredit to allow patients to split up the cost of their procedure into smaller monthly payments.
While dental insurance coverage may be a big factor in whether or not you can afford to receive a cosmetic dental treatment, it’s also good to know other payment options available to you. If you feel let down or dismayed by the sight of your smile, cosmetic dentistry can uplift your spirits and your confidence, making it a worthwhile investment for most patients!
About the Practice
At Smile by Design of Virginia Beach, our three dentists have years of experience in providing high-quality cosmetic dentistry, offering everything from in-office teeth whitening and dental veneers to metal-free restorations. We also work with dental insurance and CareCredit to make treatment as affordable as possible for our patients. To schedule a consultation, visit our website or call 757-499-9639.