Cosmetic Dental Insurance Is More Affordable Than You May Think
Cosmetic dental insurance coverage is not included by traditional dental insurance. Dental insurance policies will cover only preventative care and emergency care. They are only required to pay for the least expensive treatment option. Any procedures such as professional tooth whitening, veneers, dental implants, bonding and often orthodontic care are considered to be cosmetic – not necessary for the health and wellness of the patient.
Cosmetic dental care is often sought for cosmetic reasons, but not always. There are many situations when the appearance of the teeth interferes with daily life. Accidents and illness can cause unsightly discoloration or chips which can interfere with self esteem and social acceptance, especially for children. Nevertheless, there is no coverage for cosmetic procedures.
Cosmetic dental insurance is offered through discount dental plans which are not technically insurance policies. Dental providers agree to offer discounts to members of the discount dental plan in exchange for referrals. There are several discount dental networks that will offer significant discounts, usually 15% to 20%, sometimes more, to help offset the cost of cosmetic dental care.
To find a discount dental plan you can search the internet or contact an insurance agent. Be certain that you search the network database for providers in your area. You can often do a search on the plan’s website to find providers. Also check that the network confirms the credentials of the providers in the network for quality assurance at least annually.
If you have a provider that you want to work with, contact the office of your cosmetic dental specialist. If they are not part of the network you are considering, ask if they would be willing to apply. If they already participate in another network, that may be the deciding factor for you. Do your homework before signing up for any plan.
Another benefit of a discount dental network is that there are often additional benefits of membership including discounts on vision care including exams, eyeglass frames, contact lens, and even discounts on CRT and LASIK vision correction procedures. Some plans offer discounts for weight loss programs, hearing screening, and pharmacy discounts.
Supplementing your dental insurance with a cosmetic dental insurance will ensure that you will have some assistance paying for the procedures you want or need that may be excluded from your insurance. Otherwise you may be forced to dip into savings or take out an expensive dental loan.
Related posts: