If you are considering dental veneers, you are probably asking yourself – does dental insurance cover veneers? It’s a question we hear a lot at Cedarwood Dentistry, and the answer can be complex. Keep reading to understand more from Dr. Chris Wolberg of Cedarwood Dentistry in Midlothian, Virginia.
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Understanding Dental Insurance Coverage
Dental insurance typically operates within a framework of coverage that prioritizes preventive and restorative treatments. Cosmetic procedures are generally not covered because they are deemed non-essential and dental veneers are often classified as a cosmetic procedure. Insurance plans usually offer coverage for crowns—a procedure somewhat analogous to veneers—but often limit this to one crown every few years. This infrequency significantly influences the overall cost burden for the patient.
“Unfortunately, dental insurance is kind of like a ‘coupon,’ so it has a cap that limits the amount that can be spent annually,” says Dr. Wolberg.
However, dental insurance can help cover the cost of dental veneers for some patients, and at Cedarwood Dentistry, we do everything we can to help our patients get the most coverage they can for any dental procedure we provide.
Dental Coverage for Veneers
Insurance policies may cover composite veneers, as they are often categorized under restorative treatment due to the material used. Patients might find themselves paying significantly less out-of-pocket for composite veneers, with insurance covering up to 80% of the cost if composite veneers are considered restorative treatment.
On the other hand, porcelain veneers are less likely to be covered because they are considered cosmetic. However, there are instances, such as in full mouth recovery cases, where patients could receive partial coverage for porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers may also be covered where a crown would be an acceptable restorative option. These cases are typically due to large fillings in the tooth or a tooth fracture from trauma.
Investment in Dental Health
Despite veneers not being completely covered by insurance, investing in high-quality dental work like veneers can have long-term benefits. And patients who wait to invest in procedures like veneers, which can help protect their teeth in the long-term, may have a harder time restoring their teeth later on if they have been further ground down or damaged by poor food choices.
The durability and aesthetic quality of veneers make them a worthwhile investment. Moreover, the health of one’s mouth is intrinsically linked to overall health and veneers can help protect your teeth and improve your overall oral health.
When it comes to the question, “does dental insurance cover veneers?” one must consider that insurance companies have specific criteria for dental procedures that focus on necessity over aesthetics.
Dr. Chris Wolberg, emphasizes this point: “We advocate tirelessly for our patients, crafting narratives that underscore the functional necessity of veneers, not just their cosmetic appeal. It’s about restoring the full spectrum of the tooth’s integrity and the patient’s quality of life.”
To that end, we provide detailed narratives, photographs, and X-rays to demonstrate the need for treatment.
Pre Authorization for Veneers
The pre-authorization process is crucial for both composite and porcelain veneers. It involves submitting a treatment plan to the insurance company, which then informs the patient and the dental office of the covered amount and the patient’s financial responsibility. This transparency is vital in helping patients make informed decisions about their dental care.
Dental insurance coverage is something we deal with every day, so we’re happy to do everything we can to help you get the veneers you want. We can help you understand the nuances of your insurance policy to thoughtfully guide you through the pre-authorization process and help you make informed decisions about their dental health investments.
If you’re considering dental veneers but are unsure about the investment and the payoff, contact Cedarwood Dentistry for a consultation. We enjoy helping patients feel better about their investment in themselves!