A common question that many patients have when undergoing various dental procedures, and one that’s worth asking about in many cases, is insurance coverage for the procedure in question. There are a number of examples here that may require a little bit of nuance, and the realm of porcelain veneers is a good one to consider.
At Bynum Aesthetic Dentistry, we’re here to offer a wide range of restorative and cosmetic dentistry services to clients around Simpsonville, SC and nearby areas, including porcelain veneers and many other options, such as various dental implants. Here are some basics to consider when it comes to whether your porcelain veneers will be covered by insurance, plus what to be checking on here.
Defining Porcelain Veneers
Firstly, before we can discuss insurance coverage, it’s important to understand exactly what porcelain veneers are and how they work. These are thin shells of porcelain that are bonded to the front surface of teeth, providing a cosmetic upgrade for things like chips, discoloration or other minor imperfections.
They’re placed by bonding them directly onto the tooth structure itself, making them an integral part of your smile going forward. They can improve the color, shape and overall appearance of teeth in a highly effective manner.
Insurance Coverage Basics
Most dental insurance plans contain some form of coverage for restorative or cosmetic procedures, whether that’s full coverage or only partial. However, porcelain veneers fall into a bit of a gray area – while they are technically considered restorative because they can improve tooth structure, they are also largely seen as cosmetic for the purposes of insurance coverage.
This means that while some plans may cover a portion of porcelain veneers, many will not cover them at all. You’ll need to check with your specific plan or with our team about what’s covered and what isn’t.
Other Points to Consider
A few other factors to keep in mind when it comes to insurance coverage for porcelain veneers:
- Adhesive bonding: Some plans may cover the porcelain veneer itself, but not the adhesive bonding agent used to hold it in place. This is another important detail to check.
- Existing tooth issues: In some cases, a patient may have existing dental issues like decay or gum disease that need to be addressed before veneers can be placed. In these cases, the treatment for these issues may be covered by insurance, but the veneers themselves may not.
- Accidents: In certain situations, insurance may cover the placement of porcelain veneers if they are needed due to a specific accident or trauma – for example, if you chip your front tooth and need a veneer to restore it.
The best way to determine if your dental insurance will cover porcelain veneers is to review your plan or speak with our team. We can help walk you through the details and give you a better understanding of what to expect in terms of coverage for your specific situation.
At Bynum Aesthetic Dentistry, we’re here to help with any and all questions related to your dental health, including insurance coverage. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment. We look forward to hearing from you!