Does my Health Insurance Cover Cosmetic Dental Work?
A beautiful smile can give you so much more confidence and different cosmetic dental treatments are a great way to ensure you have the perfect smile. But what different treatments does cosmetic dental treatments entail and does your health insurance cover the costs of the treatment?
Cosmetic Dental Treatments
It is easy to think that cosmetic dental treatment is all about teeth whitening or straightening, but that is not the case. According to the British Dental Health Foundation, cosmetic dental treatment can include treatments such as:
Veneers
Crowns
Bridges
Tooth-coloured fillings
Implants
Tooth whitening
Tooth straightening
Cosmetic dental treatments are mostly considered as a non-essential treatment, as the main cause is often to just improve the way your teeth look. Yet, in some instances, your treatment might be considered clinically essential. For instance, if your teeth are so crooked that they make it hard to take care of your dental health or influence your bite, it might be clinically necessary to straighten them.
Health Insurance and Cosmetic Dental Work
Many health insurance providers provide cover for some forms of dentistry. Furthermore, it is possible to find specific dental health insurances to cover your dentistry costs. The NHS will also cover the costs of some dental treatments. But in most instances, cosmetic dentistry isn’t covered, even by a private health insurance. It is important to note that this depends a lot on whether your dentist believes the treatment is clinically essential or not. Furthermore, some providers might cover some of the costs for your cosmetic treatments, but in most instances, you’ll have to pay at least part of the cost. When you are considering getting a health insurance or a specific dental health insurance, you should carefully read the contract to ensure you understand what is covered. If you have an existing insurance, then contact your provider to ensure you understand what is covered and what is not.
How to Pay for Cosmetic Dental Work
Although your insurance might not cover the full cost of the treatment, you might still be able to get help for your treatment costs. It is essential that you discuss the full treatment plan details with your dentist before you start the treatment. You need to know the estimated costs upfront to ensure you are fully aware of what you need to pay. Some dentists might offer you the option of paying for the treatment in instalments. This might be a great way to ensure you don’t need to pay the full cost of the treatment at once. Contact your dentist and discuss the options.
Remember Preventive Care
One simple way to ensure you don’t need cosmetic dental treatment is naturally to look after your teeth. Preventive care and proper dental hygiene can guarantee your teeth stay healthy and look beautiful at all times. Make sure to brush and floss regularly and avoid eating foods that darken your teeth, such as sugary food and coffee. If you are looking to whiten your teeth, then you might also want to check out home treatment kits or ask your dental hygienist to perform a quick polish, which can be a cost-effective way to give you a slightly brighter, white smile.
