Cosmetic Dental Insurance

Cosmetic dentistry is one of the most sought after health options these days, but treatment is expensive …. so  it’s little wonder that millions of patients wonder: Is cosmetic dental insurance available?

Well, some cosmetic procedures are covered, but  the insurance companies generally focus on covering the basics like regular checkups, cleaning,  required fillings and extractions and restoration work where a damaged or decayed tooth needs a porcelain crown or inlay.

Cosmetic dentistry, as the name implies, offers patients the chance to get the great looking set of teeth they’ve always dreamed of, through such techniques as teeth whitening, veneers, implants and so on. Because these are “optional” procedures and not required for good dental health, many insurance plans won’t cover them. (Some patients so embarrassed by their teeth that they cover their mouth and avoid social situations argue cosmetic procedures are every bit as necessary as standard dental work).

One notable exception to the lack of coverage for cosmetic procedures is composite or “white” fillings. A few years ago a composite filling was also regarded as a cosmetic procedure. Made of acrylic and glass particles, this tooth-colored material restored teeth to their natural look, but didn’t wear as well as the ugly, but sturdy amalgam or “metal” fillings. Composites performed best in small fillings and weren’t used on back teeth at all.

However, the technology of composites has improved hugely and they now last almost as long as amalgam fillings and are increasingly used in back teeth. Many insurance companies will now cover the cost of composite fillings in their standard dental plans.

Beyond composites, there’s very little coverage out there for cosmetic procedures. However, you do have some options to help pay for get the cosmetic treatment you want:

1. Dental Insurance Plans. Check with your personal or company dental plan to see if any cosmetic procedures are covered in their regular plans. Composite fillings certainly should be – if they aren’t, find another insurance plan! If a cosmetic procedure is the best option for repairing, say a chipped or broken tooth, rather than an expensive crown, your dentist might be able to make a persuasive case to the insurers. Click here to get a free online dental insurance quote.

2. Discount Dental Plans. Discount dental plans are not insurance-based, but work with a list of dentists that have agreed to provide treatment at discounted price. The patient pays a set annual fee and can get savings of up to 40 per cent for basic dentistry and sometimes up to 20 per cent off the price of cosmetic procedures. However, patients must choose a dentist on the list and may have to give up their regular dentist. Click here to get a free online dental plan quote.

3. Dental Financing Plans. These are loans arranged through a bank or credit company much like car loan. Some dental offices can also now arrange financing at very low rates for up to five years for major work. For a few dollars a day you can get the look you want. See your bank or credit company manager.