Cosmetic dental procedures are often sought to improve the appearance of a smile, enhancing confidence and overall aesthetic appeal. While many people assume cosmetic treatments are purely elective and not covered by insurance, some procedures can be covered, depending on their functional benefits. Insurance companies are more likely to pay for restorative, cosmetic, and preventive benefits for teeth and gums.
Procedures like crowns, bridges, or bonding can be cosmetic and restore damaged teeth. Thus, most dental care plans can consider them for partial coverage. Treatments like braces can be considered to fix severe malocclusions that cause dental problems. Understanding which cosmetic treatments are typically covered by insurance can help you plan for a smile transformation without breaking the bank. Exploring these options can be a smart way to improve your smile and take advantage of your dental benefits.
Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments
Cosmetic dentistry has been on the rise and is increasingly considered an essential aspect of dentistry. As more people prioritize the appearance of their smiles, demand for procedures that address the teeth’ functionality and aesthetics has surged. New technologies, materials, and techniques have made aesthetic procedures easier, longer-lasting, and natural-looking.
People today are more conscious of how a beautiful, aligned smile can affect one’s life, socially and professionally. This growing awareness has led to a rise in demand for different cosmetic procedures. With the trend of going for minimally invasive procedures, patients can improve significantly without spending much time in the hospital or recovering.
Cosmetic dentistry deals with the aesthetic aspect of the teeth, gums, and smile. It encompasses a range of procedures designed to enhance the teeth’ color, shape, size, position, and appearance. Some key procedures include:
Dental Implants
Dental implants are one of the most successful and long-term therapeutic procedures for replacing missing teeth, offering functionality and aesthetics. The procedure involves three key components:
- The implant fixture
- Abutment and
- Restoration
The implant fixture is a titanium post that is inserted surgically into the jawbone, in which it forms a chemical bond with the bone through the process of osseointegration. When the fixture integrates with the bone, the abutment is placed and acts as the crown retention component. The final step is restoring the tooth or teeth by placing a crown, a bridge, or a denture to fill the gap, providing a stable, functional replacement for missing teeth.
There are different types of dental implants depending on the needs of the patients who need them.
- Endosteal implants — The most popular one, which is inserted into the jawbone directly
- Subperiosteal implants — Placed under the gum but on or above the jawbone, especially where there is poor bone quality to allow endosteal implants
- Zygomatic implants— Suspended from the cheekbone (zygomatic bone), not from the jawbone, applied in cases of extensive bone loss in the upper jaw
- Mini implants— Less in size in comparison to the standard implants, commonly used where there is a constraint of space or bone
Dental Fillings
Dental fillings are used to treat teeth affected by decay or trauma. Dentists drill out the darkened area and the space is filled with a substance that will strengthen the tooth and make it less vulnerable to decay. Current filling materials include composite resin, amalgam, ceramic, and glass or resin ionomer, and each has its benefits depending on the degree of esthetics, strength, and cost.
The fillings can be costly but are usually often covered by dental insurance as part of preventive care. Prices can be different depending on the material used, specifically:
- Amalgam silver fillings range from $50 to $150
- Composite resin is priced between $90 and $250
- For porcelain or gold-cast fillings, you could be charged between $250 and $4,500
Despite the expense, most insurance policies cover a portion of the cost. However, consult your dentist and your insurance provider to be sure of the amount to be covered.
Dental Bonding
Teeth bonding is another standard cosmetic and reconstructive dental process that can solve many problems with teeth. This technique uses tooth-colored resin to fill, reshape, restructure, and realign teeth.
In a bonding procedure, a dentist places a particular type of resin material on the surface of a specific tooth. This resin is then sculpted and polished to match the adjacent teeth anatomically and esthetically and is thus practically indistinguishable from natural teeth. Dentists commonly use bonding to fix chipped or cracked teeth, gaps between teeth, or uneven teeth.
Dental bonding is a brief process usually done in one sitting. Compared to other treatments like crowns or veneers, it is a relatively noninvasive procedure, and little tooth reduction is generally required. Therefore, bonding can be cheaper and help solve different problems in the mouth and attain a more symmetrical and beautiful smile.
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are thin layers of material specially crafted to fit over the front of teeth for cosmetic purposes. They are used to treat various cosmetic problems, including:
- Discolored teeth
- Chipped teeth
- Irregularly shaped teeth or
- Crooked teeth
Dental veneers are a long-lasting restorative procedure that delivers a beautiful cosmetic result that closely mimics the appearance of natural teeth.
Insurance coverage for dental veneers can vary. Even though veneers are generally used as an aesthetic treatment and are therefore not reimbursable in most cases, insurance may cover a part of the cost if the veneers are needed for functional purposes or if there is a documented medical necessity. For example, if veneers are used to correct a dental issue that affects bite function or overall oral health, they might be more likely to be covered.
The following signs are an indication you may need dental veneers:
- Discoloration — When the teeth are too dark or yellow, and other whitening procedures have not worked, veneers can provide a more uniform and brighter appearance.
- Chips or cracks — Veneers can hide minor defects such as chips or cracks, enhancing the tooth’s look and offering further safeguards.
- Shape and size — Additionally, veneers are ideal for teeth of different sizes since they can be made to a standard size and shape that best suits your mouth.
- Gaps — Veneers can also fill the small spaces between teeth and make the teeth appear more aligned without braces.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are one of the most commonly used and highly effective ways of rehabilitating severely damaged or weakened teeth. A crown acts as a cap that covers a whole tooth, and its primary function is to reconstruct its natural shape, size, strength, and aesthetics. It benefits teeth significantly damaged by decay, trauma, or extensive wear.
Crowns are also beneficial in protecting a tooth that has undergone a root canal, as they help prevent further damage or fractures. They also restore teeth with large fillings and enhance the aesthetics of cracked, chipped, or stained teeth.
Crowns can be made of different materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of porcelain and metal. Porcelain and ceramic crowns are the most aesthetic and, therefore, more suitable for anterior teeth. Metal crowns, including those made from gold or alloys, offer durability and are often used for back teeth where strength is crucial. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns balance strength and aesthetics, making them suitable for visible and less visible teeth.
The choice of material for a crown is based on the tooth’s location, the degree of damage, and the patient’s desire.
Root Canal
A root canal is an endodontic treatment intended for the management of pulp tissue inflammation or the presence of necrotic tissue in the pulp chamber. A root canal is necessary when the pulp is infected due to trauma, deep decay, or multiple dental procedures.
Some clear indications that you will require a root canal include extreme and continuous toothache, especially when biting or applying pressure. Even after the stimulus is removed, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures can also indicate nerve damage. Other symptoms include:
- Gum swelling or tenderness around the tooth
- Change of color of the tooth
- Sensitivity or tenderness in the affected area
- An abscess or pimple-like swelling on the gums that may discharge pus is a sign of an infection needing a root canal.
During the procedure, the dentist first takes some pictures to assess the severity of the case and determine the appropriate treatment. They then numb the affected tooth and surrounding area with a local anesthetic to ensure a painless experience. Then they create an opening in the top of the tooth to access the root canals and pulp chamber. During the procedure, the dentist will remove the infected or damaged pulp tissue and clean and shape the root canals for filling.
After the canals are prepared, they are filled with gutta-percha to prevent future infection. Depending on the situation, the access opening is temporarily or permanently filled. Sometimes, a crown is put on the tooth to regain its functionality and strength, as it may be somewhat compromised during the process.
Simple cases can be treated in one visit, while the more complex ones may need multiple visits to ensure the root canal is adequately cleaned and sealed. Retreatment could also be necessary if a prior root canal fails or is reinfected. Retreatment would involve reopening the tooth and re-treating the canals.
Regular Checkups
Most dental insurance plans include a routine dental check-up as part of the standard package. These check-ups are important for overall dental health and for avoiding possible complications. They usually include comprehensive exams, cleanings, and sometimes X-rays, which are crucial for the early detection and treatment of dental problems.
Coverage for regular check-ups often includes:
- Exams — Most plans cover routine checkups and other examinations, like the dentist’s first and subsequent examinations.
- Cleanings — Prophylactic dental work involves a dental hygienist cleaning teeth and is typically covered twice yearly.
- X-rays — Diagnostic X-rays are usually considered preventive care, except where the needed X-rays are frequent or of a particular type.
Getting Insurance Approval for Cosmetic Dental Procedures
When seeking insurance coverage for cosmetic dental procedures, you must evaluate the dental insurance plan to determine what is and is not included. You should pay attention to the difference between purely cosmetic procedures and those deemed medically necessary, as most policies distinguish the two.
After you clearly understand your policy, discuss your cosmetic requirements with your dentist. They can evaluate your condition and advise on the right course of action. They will then draw up a treatment plan that will include the procedures to be undertaken, the costs of the procedures, and any other documentation that may be required to support the medical need for the treatment.
Your dentist may submit a pre-authorization request to your insurance company with this information. This request involves the therapy plan and any paperwork that needs to be examined. The insurance company will then assess the request and decide whether the procedure is covered.
Following this, you will receive an approval or denial letter from your insurer. This letter will explain the extent of coverage you will receive and the out-of-pocket expenses you will be expected to meet, like copayments or deductibles. This is why it is crucial to know the amount you will be required to pay before going for a particular service.
Once you have received approval and understand the financial responsibility of the treatment, you can proceed to schedule your treatment. Your dentist’s office typically handles claims submission to your insurance company after the procedure, but it is wise to retain copies of all payments and correspondence.
If you have any concerns about the insurance claim or the coverage details, contact the dentist and the insurance company to resolve any issues.
Find a Dentist Near Me
Even if some cosmetic dental procedures may appear too expensive, it is good to understand how insurance can help finance specific treatments. Most insurance plans provide partial or full reimbursement when a procedure is deemed medically necessary. This means you can improve the appearance of your teeth and attend to critical dental care needs. Make time to engage your dentist and insurance provider. Doing so enables you to unlock coverage for treatments that improve aesthetics and oral health.
Proper dental care transforms your smile and boosts your overall confidence and quality of life. At The Lakewood Dentist, we can help with this. Call us at 562-423-1441 for more information.