Cosmetic dentistry can be the picture of hope for people who are far from thrilled with the current state and appearance of their teeth. From whitening treatments to straightening methods, cosmetic dentistry offers a world of options designed to help patients feel better about the way they look. Unfortunately, the one downside to cosmetic dental procedures is that it is rare to find an insurance company that will cover them, leaving most patients in the position of either having to pay out of pocket or kiss their Hollywood-smile dreams goodbye. Dr. Jack Elder is a cosmetic dentist with 30 years of experience under his belt, and according to him, paying for cosmetic dental procedures does not actually have to be such a complicated matter.
When approaching the idea of paying for cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Elder tends to advise his patients not to count on insurance companies to help foot the bill. The fact of the matter is that dental insurance is not likely to cover any procedure that is strictly cosmetic in nature. Your dental insurance company would have a hard time finding a reason not to reimburse you for getting a cavity filled, but they’re not likely to kick in a cent towards tooth bleaching and contouring. And while you could argue that the presence of unsightly teeth is having a psychological effect on your general well-being, your insurance company is more likely to pay for a therapist than pretty porcelain veneers.
Of course, one exception to this general rule is cosmetic dentistry that is prompted by trauma. A dental insurance company is more likely to cover treatment when tooth damage occurs after a sports accident or injury. However, you should be aware that even in such situations, your insurance company might also only cover the least-expensive repair option available. If you have a broken tooth, they might pay for a dentist to fix it, but in a way that is less natural-looking than a more advanced cosmetic option. To save yourself the hassle and aggravation of dealing with insurance companies, you might want to remind yourself that unless you want the bare minimum, you’re better off assuming that any procedure you choose to undergo is going to be paid, in full, by you and you alone.
Of course, every insurance plan is different, so it never hurts to inquire about your benefits before signing up for a specific procedure. However, as a general rule throughout his 30 years of practice, Dr. Elder has come to avoid relying on insurance companies, and for good reason. However, Dr. Elder also likes to stress the fact that just because your insurance won’t pay for something doesn’t mean that you can’t afford it. In fact, it’s a myth that cosmetic dentistry is something that was designed exclusively for the rich. Cosmetic dentistry, like many other “optional services” in life, can be quite affordable depending on how highly it ranks on your list of priorities. If room is left over in your paycheck for new clothing and entertainment, then there should also be room for cosmetic treatments. It’s just a matter of deciding how important a winning smile is to you and taking the steps to get yourself there. In fact, Dr. Elder insists that the majority of his patients are average, working class people who have simply made the necessary commitments to improving their smiles.
Another thing to realize about cosmetic dental procedures is that many dentists offer financing and payment plans in order to make the process more affordable. Dr. Elder understands that it would be difficult for the typical patient to simply plunk down a huge chunk of money in a single lump sum. For this reason, he offers practical alternatives for payment over time, provided that the patient in question has good enough credit to qualify for such programs.
If you’ve been craving a smile makeover but have been holding back due to finances, then talk to your cosmetic dentist before resigning yourself to a lifetime of lackluster teeth. While your dental insurance probably won’t do you much good, you might be pleasantly surprised to learn that some cosmetic dental treatments are actually affordable. You might have to give up that morning latte for awhile, but what’s a little sacrifice in the grand scheme of flawless teeth?
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
