Dental insurance enables you, the patient, to cover unforeseen dental expenses, provided you have paid a fixed annual or monthly premium whose amount varies based on location, provider, and the policy. However, insurance does not cover cosmetic oral procedures unless your dentist determines the procedure is medically necessary. Cosmetic dentistry focuses on enhancing your teeth’s aesthetics and your smile’s appeal rather than dental health and function. The procedures rectify stained/discolored teeth, crooked, uneven, gapped, and missing teeth. Please continue reading this blog post to learn about the various cosmetic dental treatments insurance covers.

Dental Veneers

Veneers are ceramic-like caps that your orthodontist can apply or attach to the front area of stained or discolored teeth to enhance their aesthetic appeal. Although most individuals utilize veneers for cosmetic purposes, they also help prevent tooth chips and cracks, which, if left unchecked, can result in tooth decay.

While veneers are minimally invasive and cost-effective for improving a person’s teeth appearance, not all patients are excellent candidates for veneers. An ideal candidate for veneers should not have a history of the following:

  • Poor dental hygiene.
  • Gum disease.
  • Excessive cavities.
  • Serious tooth decay.
  • Serious tooth overcrowding.
  • Habitual teeth clenching or grinding.

The price of dental veneers can depend on the form of veneers your dentist suggests. Traditional dental veneers can range from $925 to $2500 a tooth, and their durability can last from ten to fifteen years. No-prep dental veneers can cost $800 to $2,000 and last seven (7) years.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that brightens your teeth’s shade by removing stains and discoloration. Most orthodontists or dentists perform teeth-whitening procedures to improve a patient’s smile.

With time, your foods and beverages can discolor your teeth. Other factors that can reduce the brightness of your teeth may include poor oral hygiene, enamel erosion, and tobacco.

Some dental insurance plans cater for teeth whitening if a dentist recommends it as a medical necessity.

Some insurance plans also provide coverage of approximately 20 to 50 percent for teeth-whitening oral procedures offered by an orthodontist or dentist. In-office teeth whitening with insurance can cost between $350 and $700. On the other hand, patients with insurance pay an average of $210 to $350 for teeth whitening kits offered by a dentist.

Dental Implants

Dentists use dental implants to replace a decayed or missing tooth. The dental professional places an artificial tooth over a bonelike material infused into your jaw. The supporting pole is created from titanium.

Implants help stop infections from spreading to your healthy teeth and tooth shifting.

There are two types of dental implants, namely:

  • Endosteal implants — Endosteal implants are the standard type of dental implant a patient can receive. During an endosteal placement procedure, the orthodontist can work to fix the implant into your jawbone by drilling a small hole.
  • Subperiosteal dental implants — If the dentist determines that your existing jawbone cannot support the implant because of shallowness or weakness, they could fix it on the bone. The subperiosteal implant placement procedure is similar to that of the endosteal implant. Both provide identical support.

Patients qualify to receive an implant if they have healthy gums and jawbone. Nevertheless, those with a weak jawbone may have it reconstructed before the implant placement procedure.

Patients with chronic ailments, including leukemia and diabetes, experience slow recovery after receiving an implant. You should avoid smoking after receiving an implant to lower your risk of losing another tooth. Smoking also slows the healing process.

Regarding the costs, implants are expensive; they range from $1,500 to $7,500. If your dentist deems an implant a preventative dental measure, your insurance firm can consider covering a certain percentage.

Dental Braces

Although braces are popular among teenagers, adults can also benefit from wearing braces. Different improvements and advancements in dentistry and orthodontics make receiving braces an excellent choice if you want to improve the appearance of your teeth or smile.

Furthermore, braces can help prevent other oral issues, including periodontal diseases and decay. Braces apply steady pressure on your jaws to properly align your teeth for an enhanced smile and bite.

Following technological advances, braces come in various designs, offering multiple options. Depending on your unique oral issue, cosmetic goals, and budget, your orthodontist can guide you in choosing any of the following types of braces:

  • Ceramic or clear braces.
  • Self-ligating braces.
  • Metallic braces.
  • Lingual braces.
  • Invisible braces.
  • Invisalign braces.

After selecting your braces of choice, your dentist can design a personalized treatment plan to enable you to achieve the desired dental outcome rapidly. The approximate brace wear period can be between 18 and 24 months.

Most dental insurance providers pay for this cosmetic oral procedure if your teeth misalignment was through an accident or injury, necessitating wearing dental braces to safeguard your oral health.

The kind of dental braces you select can significantly influence the overall price. Here is an overview of standard braces options costs:

  • Traditional metal — These braces are the most cost-effective option, costing between $3,000 and $6,000.
  • Invisalign — The cost of these braces ranges from $4,000 to $7,400.
  • Ceramic dental braces — This option is more costly than metal braces, costing between $4,000 and $8,000.
  • Lingual braces — These hidden braces attached to your teeth at the back are the most expensive, costing $8,000 to $10,000.

Most dental insurance providers pay for a portion of orthodontic treatment, approximately 50 percent of the total cost, up to a lifetime maximum. The maximum is usually between $1,500 and $3,000. Nevertheless, some plans could have a higher maximum benefit or cover a higher percentage.

Dental Crowns

A dental crown is an artificial tooth-shaped cap fitted over a weakened, broken, or damaged tooth. Dental implants can be made from materials that include:

  • Porcelain.
  • Zirconia.
  • Ceramic.
  • Metal.
  • Composite resin.

You can have a dental crown fused with metal as an alternative to an all-porcelain crown. Your dentist will consider the following factors when selecting the crown material:

  • Your tooth’s position.
  • The color of the nearby teeth.
  • The function of the tooth that needs a crown.
  • The location of the gum tissue.
  • The number of teeth that are visible when you smile.
  • The amount of natural tooth you have left.

Orthodontic or restorative benefits of dental crowns include the following:

  • Safeguarding a chipped tooth.
  • Restoration of chewing ability following tooth pain.
  • Covering a dental implant.
  • Strengthening a weak tooth.
  • Shielding a tooth after a root canal.
  • Restoration of your broken tooth.
  • Disguising a stained or discolored tooth.
  • Securing dental bridges in place.

There are two primary types of crowns, namely:

  • Temporary crowns — These are made of acrylic or composite materials and safeguard your tooth while waiting for a permanent crown.
  • Permanent dental crowns — These are fixed to a patient’s teeth and can last several years.

The dentists create permanent crowns from materials like porcelain-fused-metal crowns, metal dental crowns, including gold and titanium, and all-porcelain or all-ceramic crowns.

Dental crown treatment costs vary depending on your insurance provider, the tooth’s location, and the type of materials. Dental crowns can cost $1,000 to $1,300 without insurance. Many dental insurance plans can cover about 50 percent of the crown’s overall costs. With insurance, you could pay around $500 to $650 following deductibles, coinsurance, or copays.

Root Canal

A root canal is the gap between the root of your tooth and the pulp. A root canal procedure alleviates pain while removing infected matter. The pain could be due to a tooth pulp infection or a damaged tooth. The pulp is composed of nerves and blood vessels.

Root canal issues can occur due to a progression of damage that impacts the outer tooth’s surface, resulting in pain. A root canal can also arise from chips and cracks in your tooth, causing tooth irritation or decay.

Symptoms that demonstrate that you may need a root canal procedure include the following:

  • Tooth darkening.
  • Swelling in your gum.
  • Persistent tooth pain as you bite or eat.
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold drinks.

On average, the cost of a root canal treatment when you have dental insurance can range from:

  • Molar — $300 to $1,200.
  • Front tooth— $200 to $900.
  • Premolar or bicuspid — $300 to $1,000.

With dental insurance, your root canal procedure is covered at the tier specified by your insurance plan.

Dental Fillings

Fillings are made of soft materials that fill your tooth cavity. The filling stops the advancement of cavities, restoring your tooth’s functionality.

Cavities can form on the tooth’s surface because of decay or trauma. Filling the cavities prevents extensive deterioration, which can cause bacteria buildup and an infection inside your tooth. Tooth filling procedure also reduces the need for more invasive oral procedures, like a root canal.

You may require a dental filling if you experience tooth sensitivity when drinking or eating or if your tooth has chips, cracks, or fractures.

During a dental filling appointment, the orthodontist or dentist will examine your tooth to identify the root cause of the issue and administer the proper treatment.

The different types of filling materials include the following:

  • Composite dental fillings — Composite dental fillings are available in various tooth-colored shades to make a restoration less obvious. These tooth restorations are increasing in popularity because of their discreet appearance. They are also durable, but their lifespan does not exceed that of metal fillings.
  • Amalgam fillings — Amalgam fillings last longer than resin fillings because of their strength. The dentist can fix the amalgam dental fillings on your teeth’s chewing surfaces. Typically, amalgam fillings are cost-effective compared to other fillings but appear less aesthetic because of their silver color.
  • Ceramic fillings — Made from porcelain, ceramic fillings are tooth-colored and more resistant to discoloration than composite fillings.
  • Gold fillings — Like amalgam fillings, gold dental fillings are durable. Their popularity has reduced with time, but they are also a good treatment option.
  • Gloss ionomer tooth fillings — The fillings release fluoride on your teeth. The fluoride helps strengthen your teeth and fight bacteria. Compared to other fillings, glass ionomers can last shorter.

To be covered, your dental practice offices can bill the insurance firms directly, or you can pay a copayment after every appointment. Note your dentist cannot offer the exact insurance coverage details or approximate percentage your insurer will cover following the oral procedure. If there are concerns about your insurance coverage, call your employer’s benefits department or consult your insurance provider or the health plan’s third-party administrator.

Gum Contouring

Gum contouring involves reshaping or sculpting a patient’s gum line. The gum line is where your teeth connect to your gums. Contouring involves removing or cutting away excess gum tissue if you have excess.

Patients with inadequate gum tissue can also undergo the procedure to restore portions of their gum tissue.

Gum contouring is a procedure usually for people with receding gums. Receding gum disease happens when the gum drifts away from the teeth, exposing a tooth’s roots. Your dentist can recommend gum contour if any of the following applies to you:

  • The disease can place you at an increased risk of developing cavities.
  • Your teeth are sensitive when brushing or eating some foods, especially hot or cold foods.

Gum receding can result from the following:

  • Brushing too aggressively.
  • Tartar and plaque buildup.
  • Poor oral hygiene.
  • Gum tissue injury or trauma.
  • Smoking.
  • Tongue or lip piercings.
  • Tooth misalignment.
  • Periodontal disease or gum disease.
  • Genetic predisposition.

The gum contouring cost varies based on the amount of gum that requires treatment. The cost ranges from $300 to $3,000. Treating one tooth can cost less than modifying the whole gum line. Other factors that could impact the overall cost of gum contouring include sedation and supplementary treatments. Since contouring can be performed as a cosmetic or restorative procedure, your insurance plan chips in at a certain percentage of the overall treatment cost.

Dental Bonding

Bonding is a procedure a dentist can use to repair and restore chipped, stained, cracked or misaligned teeth. The material used for bonding is often tooth-colored composite resin, which is applied to the ravaged area and hardened with a laser or light. Bonding can correct minor dental problems, is cost-effective, and is fast to perform. The procedure could last an hour.

Bonding enhances your smile’s aesthetics, but your dentist could use it to prevent further tooth damage by sealing the impacted area from bacteria and food debris.

The bonding procedure can cost $100 to $400 per tooth. Consulting your insurance provider can help establish the percentage of the treatment costs they will cover.

Find an Experienced Cosmetic Dentist Near Me

While an enhanced smile is an investment, you might wonder whether dental insurance will cover your cosmetic procedure. Generally, insurance offers partial coverage for cosmetic treatment that dentists deem necessary and preventative. Do not let uncertainty hold you back. At Valencia Advanced Dentistry at Copperhill Smile, we can assist you achieve your dream smile and restore your teeth' functionality. Contact us at 661-775-7717 for personalized consultations to assess your options and learn which cosmetic treatments can be covered under your insurance plan in Santa Clarita.