It can be somewhat a challenge to cover dental treatments with insurance, particularly cosmetic dentistry. Cosmetic dentistry treatments are not usually covered with dental insurance. This is because they’re not considered medically necessary but a nice-to-have. They only tend to cover some restorative dental procedures. Cosmetic treatments are considered elective.
This guide explains what treatments are considered restorative and elective. This will help give you the best chance of obtaining a dental insurance plan.
The Elective Dental Treatments
The following dental treatments are considered cosmetic (elective):
- Teeth Whitening – Treatment that eliminates the discoloration.
- Dental Veneers – A thin-shaped porcelain material fitted to the front surface of your teeth to transform your smile.
- Scale and Polish – Limits cavities, bacteria and plaque through a check-up with the hygienist.
- Composite Bonding – Resin material used for white fillings to improve the shape and color of teeth.
Some dental insurance plans may cover 50% of the overall cost of cosmetic procedures. However, the cosmetic benefit must be aligned with a medical benefit. For example, if you have a gap in your teeth that is weakening your jawbone and mouth structure, a dental implant would be necessary. This is a medical benefit to strengthen the stimulation of the bone, alongside the cosmetic benefit of restoring a natural-looking aesthetic improvement to aid your smile.
Here are some more situations where dental insurance plans could be covered with a restorative procedure:
- If it is medically urgent due to a damaged or decayed tooth
- If it is medically urgent due to an accident or injury that has affected the jaw or a knocked-out tooth
- Used for other restorative requirements other than aesthetic treatments
The Restorative Dental Treatments
The following procedures would qualify as a restorative form of treatment:
- Dental Implant – Increasing bone stimulation and covering a missing gap with an artificial replacement
- Root Canal – A crown replacement placed on top of a chipped or damaged tooth to restore its functioning
- Bridges – A fixed replacement used to replace missing teeth
- Crowns – A cap that comprehensively covers a real tooth if it is damaged, discolored or chipped
If you’ve completed cosmetic dentistry, read here to learn about positive aftercare routines.
If you’re considering taking out dental insurance, not only does it allow you to claim back the money that’s spent on restorative dental treatment (and elective if eligible), you can also choose your local dentist. You can also claim dental expenses no matter the dentist you choose. This is dependent on the plan that you’re aligned with. Other benefits could include:
- Covering routine check-up and clean appointments
- No pre-examination required
- Accidental and emergency cover
- Oral cancer cover
If you’re looking to take out dental insurance for your oral needs and need further advice, contact us at Sutherland Dental for more information. Our dental team of Sutherland Dentists are always ready to help you in your healthy dental journey.
