Cosmetic dentistry may be a great option if you’re looking to improve your smile, but before you commit to a procedure, check your dental coverage. Your dental insurance plan may not cover many cosmetic procedures, which could result in unexpected bills.
What is cosmetic dentistry?
According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, it’s “dentistry aimed at creating a positive change to your teeth and to your smile.”
Cosmetic dentistry primarily deals with enhancing the appearance of a person’s smile, teeth, and overall facial aesthetics. It involves elective procedures aimed at improving the color, shape, size, alignment, and overall visual appeal of the teeth and gums.
Common cosmetic procedures include teeth whitening, dental veneers, dental bonding, dental implants, dental crowns, and orthodontic treatments* like braces or clear aligners. The primary goal of cosmetic dentistry is to achieve a more aesthetically pleasing smile.
*Some orthodontic treatment may be “medically necessary,” and this type of orthodontic may be covered. Additionally, some plans include orthodontic services without requiring them to be deemed, medically necessary. As always, check the details of your specific plan.
Common types of cosmetic dentistry procedures
Cosmetic dentistry offers a variety of procedures designed to enhance the appearance of your smile. Some common types include:
Teeth whitening: Also known as teeth bleaching, this procedure lightens the color of your teeth and removes stains and discoloration.
Dental veneers: These thin, custom-made shells are bonded to the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance. Veneers can correct the color, shape, size, or length of teeth and are often used to cover chipped, stained, or misaligned teeth.
Dental bonding: In this procedure, a tooth-colored composite resin is applied to the teeth and sculpted into shape. It’s commonly used to repair chipped, cracked, or discolored teeth, as well as to close gaps between teeth.
Dental implants: Implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically placed into the jawbone to support replacement teeth, such as crowns or bridges. They provide a stable foundation for replacement teeth and are a long-lasting solution for missing teeth.
Dental crowns: Crowns, also known as caps, are custom-made covers that encase damaged or decayed teeth to restore their shape, size, strength, and appearance. They can be made from various materials, including porcelain, metal, or a combination of both.
Orthodontic treatments: Orthodontic options, such as braces or clear aligners, are used to straighten misaligned teeth and correct bite issues. They not only improve the appearance of the smile but also contribute to better oral health and function.
Note: Some orthodontic treatments may not be considered cosmetic. Refer to your specific dental insurance plan for exact details regarding orthodontic treatment coverage.
Gum contouring: Also known as gum reshaping or tissue sculpting, this procedure is used to reshape the gum line to improve the appearance of a gummy smile or uneven gums.
Cosmetic dentistry is different from general dentistry
Some people are surprised that cosmetic dentistry is not the same as general dentistry.
General dentistry encompasses a broader range of preventive, diagnostic, and restorative services aimed at maintaining oral health and addressing common dental issues.
General dentists are typically responsible for routine dental care, such as dental cleanings, fillings, root canals, gum disease treatment, tooth extractions, and overall management of oral health conditions.
Unlike cosmetic dentistry, which focuses primarily on appearance, general dentistry emphasizes the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of dental diseases and conditions that can affect oral health and function.
Does dental insurance cover cosmetic dentistry procedures?
Typically, dental insurance doesn’t cover cosmetic dentistry procedures. This is because they’re considered elective treatments aimed at improving the appearance of the smile rather than addressing a dental health issue or restoring function.
Note: Some procedures, such as crowns, implants, or orthodontia, may have some coverage under your dental insurance plan. Please refer to your plan details for more information.
Dental insurance is primarily designed to cover treatments that are necessary for maintaining oral health and preventing dental diseases.
At Delta Dental of Colorado, we emphasize preventive dental coverage and share in the costs of other procedures. As part of this structure, percentages and the treatment categories may differ from plan to plan. Click here to find out what your dental insurance usually covers.
If you’re hoping to schedule a cosmetic procedure, it’s important to talk to your dental insurance provider before going through with treatment. While cosmetic procedures aren’t usually covered, sometimes they can be an optional addition to your benefits if you or your employer chose to buy a specific dental plan.
*Updated May 2024