When you have dental insurance, it’s important to make the most of what it offers. For the most part, cosmetic treatments aren’t covered under insurance, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still take advantage of cosmetic treatments that can restore your oral health.
However, your cosmetic dentist in West Cobb says you won’t know for sure until you contact your insurance first. Once you’ve confirmed what’s covered, consider looking over the following treatments. Your insurance company just might aid in payment if you make the case that you need them to maintain your oral health.
Crowns and Bridges
Many people don’t realize that crowns and bridges have the potential to be purely cosmetic, however they are typically the easiest to make the argument for when using for damaged teeth. If you can prove that you need them to support a damaged tooth or cover a cracked tooth, it can greatly increase the chances of getting covered. This is also the case when considering dental bridges, inlays, and onlays.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding makes use of composite resin to fill cracks or chips in tooth enamel. These are typically provided after a dental injury or when trying to cover purely cosmetic damage. This can make it tricky to get covered under insurance. When submitting your insurance, make sure that dental bonding is being used to specifically “repair” your tooth, as insurance companies mainly take this aspect into consideration.
Gum Lifts
Cosmetic gum recontouring is typically reserved for patients removing excess gum tissue to reveal their smile, but it can also help with periodontal issues. For example, it can be performed to remove diseased areas of gum tissue, which is necessary to achieve optimal gum health. Ask your dentist if they’re willing to perform a gingivectomy and mention on your insurance form how it restored your gum health.
Replacement Veneers
Porcelain veneers on their own are almost never covered, but this is because the procedure is entirely cosmetic. If you’ve had veneers placed before and they need replacing, some plans pay for a portion of the cost of replacement. This is because your natural enamel underneath is not sufficient to protect your vulnerable pulp without veneers present. When speaking to your dentist, make sure that it’s classified as a “repair” or “replacement” when filling out your claim.
Preauthorization Helps You Stay Prepared
Since cosmetic dental work is typically not urgent, you can take the extra time to confirm that your insurance company will cover it. Gaining this estimate helps you understand what they’ll pay and how you’ll need to make the difference. It also provides you with leverage in the event that the amount covered changes for any reason.
Need help navigating your dental insurance for typically cosmetic treatments? Schedule an appointment with your dentist in West Cobb today!