A comprehensive cosmetic dental insurance policy reduces the out of pocket expenses of patients in need of porcelain veneers, tooth whitening, and other procedures to improve their aesthetic appearance. As with regular insurance, cosmetic dental coverage requires a co-pay which varies depending on procedure and provider.
Dental Work Covered
Cosmetic dentistry covers a broad scope of work. Aside from the previously mentioned, this type of supplemental insurance is necessary for tooth bonding, prosthodontistry, and some oral surgery as well. Dental implants and bridges to replace missing teeth, reshaping and contouring teeth, dentures and cosmetic gum surgery are all services a consumer may consider being prepared for.
Dental work covered by the Blue Shield Blue Cross network, for example, covers any dental visit within the network, and covers 25-50% of the average procedure, charging larger deductibles as the work gets more complicated, but this plan does not cover the previously mentioned services. The plan does cover a portion of non-network visits on a claim-by-claim basis, however; ask if a specific service will be covered before buying an entirely new policy.
Where to Find
Many dentist offices will perform cosmetic dentistry in addition to regular dental work in the same office. Because of this, they may accept the insurance currently on file or have payment plans available. Whitening processes are easy to find where regular dentistry is performed, but cosmetic surgery may require a referral. Other surgeries should be carefully researched, as the patient wants to find a reputable oral surgeon with an impeccable track record.
An example would be work on the ‘temporo-mandibular joint.’ This area may require an operation to correct muscle imbalances or jaw dysfunction. It joins the jawbone and the skull and can be altered by improper maintenance of teeth.
To find a professional for these processes who accepts a specific type of insurance, first locate an oral surgeon close by. The American Society of Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons maintain a directory of members on their website. To locate one nearby, enter the zip code and maximum distance.
Importance of Coverage
Cosmetic dental policies provide coverage for purely aesthetic and health threatening corrective procedures. In many cases, the ability to receive corrective surgery on the mouth will relieve the patient of migraines, neck pain, improper chewing, and even sleep apnea. Improved outward appearance is often an added result of these corrections.
These health issues get progressively worse. Out of alignment teeth will continue to get worse, exacerbating symptoms in the patient. Finding coverage for these expensive operations can be difficult, but other methods of payment are available. Aside from using personal credit to cover the cost, the dentist may offer a financing plan. This is administered through a third party, and as long as the individual has a reasonable credit history, is an easy way to pay for the procedure.
Putting off dental cosmetic work will lead to problems which get worse every day they are not dealt with. By finding insurance of financing options early on, a small problem can be prevented from growing.
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