Is Cosmetic Dentistry Covered by Insurance?

A smile is worth a thousand words — but if your smile is less than perfect, you’re probably not saying what you’d like. Cosmetic dentistry at Alder Advanced Dentistry can fix your imperfections and help make your smile more beautiful, but you may be wondering if cosmetic dental procedures are something you can afford. Learn if and when your insurance may be willing to cover the cost of cosmetic dentistry at our Boulder office.

What Is Considered Cosmetic Dentistry?

While general dentistry focuses on your oral health and hygiene, cosmetic dentistry concerns the appearance of your teeth, mouth and smile. Patients most often seek cosmetic dental services for aesthetic reasons, but cosmetic dentistry may be able to serve a functional purpose in some cases. Our Front Range patients commonly seek cosmetic dentistry treatments for:

  • Crooked teeth
  • Gummy smiles
  • Uneven gum lines
  • Severely worn teeth
  • Chipped or cracked teeth
  • Stained or discolored teeth
  • Missing or poorly spaced teeth

Man Smiling After Cosmetic Dentistry Depending on your needs, Dr. Michael Adler may recommend one of the following treatments:

If you’re looking to correct several issues, Dr. Adler may even suggest a complete smile makeover. This procedure combines multiple treatments to meet your personal goals for a more vibrant smile. You will customize this treatment during a consultation at our Boulder office.

Elective vs. Medically Necessary

If your smile negatively affects first impressions and social situations, you may seek cosmetic solutions to give you more confidence in your appearance. If you choose to get cosmetic dentistry without a specific medical need, your insurance likely won’t cover any of the cost. Elective patients often pay for their treatments out of pocket or finance their treatments through their dentist or a third-party provider. Discount dental plans may be able to reduce the cost of some cosmetic dentistry services.

However, if you’re seeking cosmetic dentistry due to a medical need, your insurance may be willing to cover part or all of the costs. Your condition may qualify as medically necessary if:

  • You have an oral disease or infection
  • Your teeth, mouth or smile was damaged due to accident or injury
  • You have tooth decay or underlying tissues that are being negatively affected
  • You’re seeking treatment for reasons beyond aesthetics, such as to replace missing teeth, correct a poor bite pattern, or improve your ability to eat or speak

Before scheduling an appointment at Alder Advanced Dentistry, be sure to speak with your insurance provider. While we may be able to obtain pre-authorization for your treatment, this does not guarantee reimbursement. We suggest filling out a predetermination form and waiting until your insurer’s medical staff has deemed your treatment necessary before scheduling an appointment. You can also speak with one of our staff members about your financing options.

Cosmetic Dentistry in Boulder

Alder Advanced Dentistry serves patients in Boulder and along the Front Range. Call 303-449-1119 to schedule a free consultation and learn what cosmetic dentistry can do for your smile.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

Tuesday: 8 AM – 12 PM and 1 PM – 5 PM
Wednesday: 9 AM – 1 PM and 2 PM – 6 PM
Thursday & Friday: 8 AM – 12 PM and 1 PM – 5 PM

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