Finding employment can be rough. Not only do you want a job that will pay you a decent wage, but it wouldn’t hurt to get some other benefits like medical and dental to keep your healthcare costs down as much as possible. However, you need to be aware of the limitations of your insurance policies. For instance, do you know whether cosmetic dental services are ever covered by your dental insurance? Get a better understanding of what you can expect and how to afford the smile you want.
What Treatments Are Usually Covered by Dental Insurance?
When it comes to dental insurance, coverage applies to necessary procedures. Treatments that fix cavities and gum disease, restore damaged teeth, and repair harm are considered required to keep smiles safe and healthy, and so are basic dental cleanings and checkups. As a result, your insurance company will contribute anywhere from 50 to 100 percent of the total cost, drastically reducing your out-of-pocket expenses.
Cosmetic dentistry, such as teeth whitening, veneers, and cosmetic bonding, is not generally included in dental insurance benefits, which means you as the patient are responsible for paying the entire amount yourself. Some exceptions exist, but these more inclusive plans come few and far between.
Why Doesn’t Dental Insurance Typically Cover Cosmetic Dentistry?
Although you can receive restorative treatment, such as a crown or denture, with a better cosmetic outcome and still be covered, typically cosmetic procedures are performed purely for aesthetic purposes. In other words, they are considered elective or optional, not essential.
For example, a substantial crack in your tooth enamel puts your tooth at serious risk of further damage and infection, so it must be treated with a covered dental crown. However, if the crack barely affects the surface, it may not be deemed necessary to fix. You may still choose to address it with a veneer, but don’t count on your dental insurance to help pay for it.
What Other Financial Alternatives Are There to Dental Insurance to Save Money?
Although dental insurance comes to mind first as the best method to save on your dental expenses, it is not the only way. In fact, even if you don’t have insurance benefits through your employment, you can still enjoy a happy, beautiful smile. Some dental practices offer an in-house membership plan in which you receive the preventive care you require as well as a discount on other services, including cosmetic procedures, supposing you pay in cash on the day of service. For those who wish to pay for their treatment in time, you may apply for flexible financing, dividing the price into easier monthly payments.
Before you decide about cosmetic treatment, double check your dental insurance policy. Although not likely, it may include benefits for these optional types of procedures—you never know! Once you do find out, you can make smarter choices and not be surprised by the bill at the end.
About the Practice
Williamsburg Dental is unlike other practices in Lincoln. With six locations spread throughout the city, you’ll always have one of our offices nearby and accessible to you. We are proud to be in-network with most PPO dental insurance plans and maximize your benefits to your advantage. We also offer a membership plan exclusively for Williamsburg Dental patients. Regardless of whether you have dental insurance or not, we’ll make it easier and less stressful to pay for your ideal smile. Call one of our offices or contact us online to schedule an appointment.