{"id":380,"date":"2024-02-09T03:01:27","date_gmt":"2024-02-09T03:01:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.chaskadental.com\/blog\/?p=380"},"modified":"2024-03-12T03:02:45","modified_gmt":"2024-03-12T03:02:45","slug":"dental-insurance-and-cosmetic-dentistry","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.chaskadental.com\/blog\/dental-insurance-and-cosmetic-dentistry\/","title":{"rendered":"Special Circumstances: How You Can Get Partial Coverage for Cosmetic Dentistry"},"content":{"rendered":"
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You\u2019ve heard over and over again that dental insurance<\/a> does not cover cosmetic dental treatments. Since they are elective procedures that are not required to achieve better oral health, many companies will not pay for these kinds of services. However, what you may not realize is that there are special circumstances that can occur \u2013 ones that can have you receiving partial coverage for aesthetic-based care. Keep reading to discover when your dental insurance company will make the exception and offer some financial reprieve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Why Do Dental Insurance Companies Not Generally Pay for Cosmetic Care?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It all comes down to whether a procedure or service is \u201cmedically necessary.\u201d Does it improve a person\u2019s oral health? If so, you\u2019ll likely receive some form of coverage. However, if it is only used to improve the appearance of a person\u2019s smile, this is considered \u201celective,\u201d leaving you to find another way to pay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dental insurance companies generally offer coverage for preventive and restorative dentistry because of how these specific services (i.e., dental checkups and cleanings, X-rays, gum disease treatment, dental fillings, dental crowns, root canal treatment, etc.) are used to address a specific problem that can have a negative effect on a person\u2019s oral and overall health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which Cosmetic Situations Are Considered Exceptions for Insurance Coverage?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are, however, instances in which a dental insurance company will agree to pay for some portion of a cosmetic dental service. It must be documented in a way, though, that the insurance company sees the \u201cneed\u201d for treatment to improve a person\u2019s smile and oral health. This is why it\u2019s important to have a trusted member of your dental team complete this paperwork.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of the exceptions that dental insurance companies will make when it comes to covering cosmetic treatments include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n