Dental insurance makes it easier to pay for the treatments you and your loved ones need to enjoy healthy, complete smiles for a lifetime to come. An insurance policy will usually only cover the services that are necessary for oral health — which excludes many (but not all) of the cosmetic treatments you may want in order to achieve beautiful pearly whites. Keep reading to learn more about what dental insurance may cover from your cosmetic dentist in Castle Rock.
Dental Insurance and Cosmetic Dentistry
Many cosmetic dentistry services are purely elective, meaning you choose to have them done to improve the appearance of your smile. Dental insurance does not cover elective procedures that are not required for your continued oral health. However, there are some cosmetic treatments that ARE often eligible for some dental implant coverage. These include:
- Invisalign, the clear aligner orthodontic treatment that straightens teeth without the need for visible metal hardware
- Metal-free restorations like dental crowns
- Tooth-colored fillings
- Gum contouring after gum disease
- And others
Your dentist’s office can usually help you determine what your dental insurance will cover when they perform a verification of benefits.
Are Dental Implants Covered by Insurance?
Dental implants are often considered a cosmetic treatment by dental insurance. This means that, despite the fact that implants are well-known for often being the best method of replacing teeth, they are still, sometimes, not covered by dental insurance. However, some portions of the treatment may be covered through an insurance policy, like the dental crown, bridge, or denture that is affixed to the dental implants.
How to Make Cosmetic Dentistry More Affordable
Just because your dental insurance does not provide coverage for cosmetic dentistry does not mean you have to rule out making aesthetic improvements to your smile. Patient financing through groups like CareCredit can help you make smaller, more convenient payments on your bill at the pace that suits your budget best. Some dental practices also offer periodic discounts on certain cosmetic procedures — be sure to ask about any offers on cosmetic dentistry during a consultation with your dentist.
A beautiful smile is priceless, and that means it’s worth the financial investment. Learn more about the cost of your desired cosmetic treatment by getting in touch with your dentist this month.
Meet the Dentist
Dr. L. Blaine Kennington is an experienced cosmetic dentist and dental implant expert. He is a founding member of the American Dental Implant Studies and maintains membership in a number of dental organizations. To learn more about cosmetic dentistry and how it can fit within your budget, you are invited to contact the office at 360-274-9100.