If you’re unhappy with the look of your smile, there are plenty of options available to help improve it. Cosmetic dentistry in Port Charlotte, FL, can often help fix minor imperfections such as discoloration and gaps between teeth. However, most dental insurances tend to be restrictive when it comes to covering cosmetic treatment.
Because cosmetic dentistry is considered non-essential, it can be difficult to get coverage for your procedure. But that doesn’t mean getting financial assistance for treatment is impossible. If you want more information on payment and insurance options, please visit Payment and insurance.
How Insurance Handles Cosmetic Dentistry in Port Charlotte, FL
Every dental insurance is different. Some policies cover more cosmetic treatment than others, and some provide different benefits based on whether or not your dentist is in-network. Before getting treatment, you can submit a preauthorization to see what kind of coverage you can expect. A preauthorization can give you an estimate of coverage but is not a guarantee. If treatment changes or your policy is altered before your appointment, you could end up with a different result from your official claim.
Cosmetic Dentistry for Restorative Needs
While cosmetic treatment is often used primarily to help improve the look of your smile, that’s not the only use for it. Your dentist may recommend cosmetic options to help restore damage to your teeth. For example, if you have a chip in your tooth, your dentist may recommend dental bonding or porcelain veneers to help protect and preserve it. If cosmetic treatment is used for restoration or prevention, your insurance may cover some of the costs.
It’s important to note, however, that not all cosmetic treatments will be covered. Only treatment performed for restorative needs on a damaged tooth can be considered for coverage. For example, say you’re getting a veneer to help restore a fractured tooth. Veneers often come in pairs to help balance your smile. Your insurance may provide coverage for one of the veneers but is less likely to cover the second veneer.
Fighting a Denial
If your cosmetic treatment should be covered under restorative needs, there is a possibility you may still get your claim denied. When this happens, your insurance company should send you an explanation of benefits that explains why the claim was denied. In many cases, you can resubmit your claim with additional information, such as an X-ray or detailed exam notes, to help get your claim approved.
Additional Financing
If insurance won’t cover your cosmetic treatment, that doesn’t mean you have to go without. Talk to your dentist about your financing options. Many cosmetic procedures can be split into different stages, helping you by paying only a portion of the full treatment at a time. Your dentist may also work with a third-party lender, such as CareCredit, to help provide additional financing options.
If you’re unhappy with the look or feel of your smile, Sun Smile Dentistry may be able to help. Give us a call today at 941-271-0721 to schedule a consultation and learn more about our cosmetic dentistry options.