It’s no secret that most dental insurance companies do not offer coverage for cosmetic dental treatments. After all, they are deemed “elective procedures” because they do not provide ways to improve one’s oral health. Instead, they are designed to enhance appearances and help patients achieve greater confidence. But are there any instances in which an insurance provider will provide some sort of coverage for cosmetic services? Keep reading to find out.
What is the Difference Between Medically Necessary and Elective Services?
When filing a claim with your dental insurance company, they will determine if it is medically necessary, or elective based on the information provided with your paperwork.
Typically, those that are restorative (i.e., dental crowns, fillings, root canals, tooth extractions, etc.) are covered, but those that focus solely on aesthetics are not (i.e., teeth whitening, cosmetic bonding, etc.).
To be medically necessary, you must experience decay or disease, be facing a serious facial injury, or require certain treatment to address the incompleteness or lack of function of a person’s smile.
It is otherwise elective if you simply want to improve your appearance, or you do not have any signs of decay or damage but want some form of treatment.
What Kind of Cosmetic Services are Covered by Dental Insurance?
Believe it or not, some cosmetic dental treatments are also considered “restorative.” This means that they offer some sort of benefit to your oral and overall health. Without this particular service, you may suffer more serious issues down the road that will require your insurance company to pay more for your dental care.
Some of these services include:
- Metal-free dental restorations (i.e., tooth-colored fillings, dental crowns, inlay or onlays, bridges, etc.)
- Crown lengthening because it allows for restorative dentistry so that you can receive a custom crown to protect a decayed or damaged tooth
- Veneers (in certain situations) to conceal broken or cracked teeth
What Other Payment Options Are Accepted for Cosmetic Treatment?
If for some reason your dental insurance company denies your claim and does not agree to pay for your cosmetic treatment, there are other ways to get the financial help you need.
You can apply for CareCredit, which is a third-party financing company that offers individuals an easy-to-enroll program that consists of different plans and no surprise fees. Instead of worrying about paying for the entire treatment amount upfront, you can pay it off in manageable monthly installments. They even have low and no-interest plans available.
Don’t just assume that your cosmetic dental treatment won’t be covered by your dental insurance company. Instead, do your research and talk to the team members at your dentist’s office to discuss ways to get the financial help you need to improve the health and look of your smile.
About the Practice
Indy Dental Group is comprised of multiple dentists who enjoy caring for patients’ smiles. Whether it is for preventive, restorative, or cosmetic reasons, we provide various solutions that can conceal damaged teeth and improve the health of decayed ones. If you want to pursue cosmetic dentistry but worry your dental insurance may not cover it, contact us at (317) 846-6125 to learn how we can help.