Dental veneers are a popular cosmetic dentistry option for those looking to enhance the appearance of their smiles. However, a common question that arises is whether dental insurance covers the cost of veneers. In this article, we will explore the circumstances under which veneers may be covered by dental insurance, or we will also explore the circumstances in which insurance is not covered.
Veneers Overview
Dental veneers are like special, super-thin covers for your front teeth that make your smile beautiful. They’re long-lasting.
There are mainly three types of veneers.
- Porcelain Veneers: These porcelain veneers are the most common type of veneer. They are long-lasting (10–15 years), stain-resistant, and have a very natural appearance. Porcelain veneers are custom-made for each patient and require some removal of the tooth enamel before placement.
- Composite Veneers: Composite veneers are created from a tooth-colored resin substance and are applied directly to the teeth that match the color of your teeth. This is a more budget-friendly option compared to porcelain veneers, but generally, it has a shorter lifespan and is more susceptible to staining.
- Snap-on veneers are also known as removable veneers or clip-on veneers.
Snap-on veneers are removable, custom-made products that clip over existing teeth to enhance the appearance of the smile, covering imperfections for cosmetic improvement. It is temporary in nature. You can take it out at any time.
When Covered?
Dental veneers are a popular cosmetic dentistry option for those looking to enhance the appearance of their smiles.
Dental insurance typically covers veneers under specific circumstances, primarily when they are considered medically necessary. Here are some examples of situations in which veneers may be covered:
- Restorative Purposes: When they are required to restore damaged teeth. For example, if a tooth is severely chipped, fractured, or weakened due to decay, veneers may be considered a necessary restorative solution.
- Structural Issues: When veneers are used to address structural dental problems that affect the patient’s oral health and functionality, insurance providers are more inclined to offer coverage.
- Trauma or Injury: If a dental injury occurs due to an accident or trauma, veneers may be necessary to repair the damaged teeth. In such cases, insurance may cover the cost of veneers as part of the treatment plan.
- Congenital Conditions: Some individuals are born with congenital dental issues that affect the appearance and function of their teeth. In such cases, insurance might cover veneers as a solution to correct these conditions.
- A bite problem or a fractured tooth that results in discomfort or creates problems while eating
- Etc.
Insurance may cover dental veneers if you can prove they’re required to preserve your teeth.
If you think your veneers might be medically necessary if pre-authorization is necessary for getting overage in your insurance policy, then in this case, you can contact your dentist to initiate pre-authorization for approval of coverage.
However, this process can be complicated. Insurance coverage can differ significantly from one plan to another. One plan may cover veneers; another might completely exclude them. It’s crucial to check your policy’s inclusions and exclusions with an insurance company representative to fully understand your coverage. You can contact your insurance provider and your dentist to get guidance on the coverage.
When Not Covered?
Dental insurance typically does not cover veneers when they are considered purely cosmetic. Cosmetic veneers are those that are used to improve the appearance of the teeth, which is not a medically necessary thing. Here are some examples where veneers may not be covered:
- Teeth Whitening: Veneers are used solely for teeth whitening or for minor cosmetic imperfections like closing small gaps. They are often not covered.
- Elective Cosmetic Procedures: Veneers requested for elective aesthetic enhancements, such as perfecting the shape, size, or color of teeth, are usually considered elective and not medically necessary.
- Preexisting Conditions: Insurance plans may exclude coverage for preexisting cosmetic issues that existed before obtaining the insurance policy.
The overall meaning is that purely cosmetic veneers for aesthetic improvements are usually not covered. Insurance focuses on medically necessary procedures that directly affect health or the quality of life. Coverage varies by insurance plan, so it’s essential to check your own insurance plan by contacting your insurance provider.
However, you can get coverage if it is medically necessary. If you are going to claim insurance for improving the look of your teeth, it’s very likely that your request won’t be approved. On the other hand, if veneers are needed because of disease, injury, etc., insurance will probably cover a portion of the expenses.
Cost?
The cost of veneers varies depending on the situation and condition of the teeth, type of hospital, location, the number of veneers needed, the insurance plan you have, etc.
If you have insurance coverage, the out-of-pocket cost (copay, coinsurance, and deductibles) for veneers depends on the type of insurance you have. For more information, you can contact your insurance provider.
- Composite veneers are usually cheaper than porcelain veneers. The cost of a single composite veneer can range from $250 to $1,500.
- The cost of single porcelain veneers ranges from $1,000 to $2,500.
- Removable veneers typically cost around $300–$800 per arch.
These are the costs of veneers only; if you have another problem with veneers, the cost can be increased.
Other way to pay for Veneers
Enhancing your smile with dental veneers can be costly. In those cases where your insurance does not provide coverage for veneers, there are alternative means to pay for the cosmetic dental treatment. Some of them are:
- Dental Financing Plans: Many dentists work with third-party financing companies that allow you to pay monthly instead of the full payment at the same time.
- Healthcare Credit Cards: You can apply for healthcare credit cards like CareCredit or LendingClub, which are specifically designed to cover medical and dental expenses. They often come with promotional periods of low or no interest.
- Personal Savings: If you have kept some savings only for health, you can use that money for healthcare or emergencies. You can use those funds to pay for veneers.
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs): If you have an FSA or HSA, you can use pre-tax dollars to cover eligible dental expenses, including veneers.
- Discount Dental Plans: Consider a dental discount plan, which offers reduced fees for various dental procedures, including veneers. You have to pay some money on a yearly or monthly basis to get a discount on a dental procedure, but according to me, it is not value for money for every kind of person.
- Negotiation: Discuss the cost of veneers with your dentist for a discount, especially if you’re getting multiple veneers.
- Personal Loans: You can consider taking out a personal loan from a bank or a lending institution to cover the cost of veneers. Be sure to compare interest rates and terms.
Worth it or not?
The decision on whether dental veneers are worth it depends on individual circumstances and priorities.
However, it is an effective solution for improving the teeth, which makes your smile good.
The cost and irreversible nature of the procedure make it a personal decision based on individual needs and priorities. If veneers are medically necessary, then they are totally worth it. If you want to improve your teeth from a cosmetics point of view, then you should check the advantages and disadvantages before going for veneers.
Advantages
The pros of dental veneers include:
- Enhancement: Veneers can transform the appearance of your teeth, covering stains, discoloration, gaps, and minor imperfections.
- Durability: Porcelain veneers are long-lasting and can provide years of improved aesthetics.
- Gives back Natural Look: Veneers are custom-made for a natural look and fit.
- Minimally Invasive: Minimal-prep veneers require less enamel removal.
- Easy Maintenance: Routine oral hygiene is usually sufficient for upkeep.
- Boosted Confidence: An improved smile can enhance self-esteem.
- Stain-Resistant: Porcelain veneers are less prone to staining.
- Permanent or temporary: You have the flexibility to select either a permanent, traditional veneer or a snap-on veneer that you can easily take off whenever you choose.
- Won’t hurt your gums: While certain dental restorations may cause gum irritation, veneers have a relatively minor effect on the adjacent soft tissues.
Disadvantages
Some of them are-
- Cost: Veneers can be expensive, and they are often not covered by insurance.
- Irreversible: The removal of enamel is irreversible, and you’ll need veneers or an alternative if they need replacement.
- Sensitivity: Some individuals may experience increased tooth sensitivity after veneer placement.
- Maintenance: Veneers require proper care to prevent chipping or staining. Composite veneers are less durable than porcelain veneers.
- Replacement: Veneers may need replacement after a decade or more.
- Not Suitable for Severe Issues: Veneers may not be appropriate for severely damaged or misaligned teeth, necessitating other treatments.
Which veneer is good for me
The best way to find out the best veneers is to discuss them with your dentist; they will suggest them according to your condition and situation. However, you can keep this information as raw data.
| If you want: | You can Try: |
| A permanent , durable solution on your teeth | Porcelain veneers |
| Cheaper, but less durable than porcelain but permanent solution | Composite veneers |
| Temporary veneers (Not permanent) which you can remove it whenever you want to remove it. | snap-on veneers |
Conclusion
Dental veneers are generally considered cosmetic enhancements and are not covered by insurance, but they may be covered when they are medically necessary for your good health. For getting coverage, you can contact your dentist for proper guidance, and you can also review your insurance policy if you can. In some cases, to start coverage, pre-authorization is required for approval or disapproval of policy coverage. A healthcare provider sends a pre-authorization request to the insurance company for approval. Even if it is not covered by insurance, you can go for veneers; it is worth the money for making your smile aesthetic and beautiful. Overall, before doing anything, including getting insurance coverage, veneers, etc., you must contact your dentist.