Does Dental Insurance Cover Teeth Whitening? Many people are surprised to learn that dental insurance doesn’t usually cover cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening. However, there are a few exceptions. We’ll take a look at what dental insurance does and doesn’t cover so that you can be better prepared for your next trip to the dentist.
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What is dental insurance?
Dental insurance is a type of health insurance that helps to cover the cost of dental care. Dental insurance can help to pay for dental exams, teeth cleanings, x-rays, and other preventive care. It can also help to pay for fillings, crowns, bridges, implants, and dentures. Dental insurance typically does not cover cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening.
How does dental insurance work?
Dental insurance is designed to help offset the costs of preventive, basic and major dental procedures. Most dental insurance plans are offered through an employer, although some plans are available to individuals.
Dental insurance typically works by reimbursing a percentage of the costs of preventive and diagnostic dental care, such as routine teeth cleanings and X-rays. Coverage for basic dental care, such as fillings, is usually also included in most plans. Major dental procedures, such as orthodontia or wisdom tooth extraction, are usually not covered, or only partially covered.
Dental insurance plans typically have an annual maximum benefit amount that limits the total amount the plan will pay out in a year. Once you reach your maximum benefit amount, you will be responsible for paying any remaining dental costs yourself. Most dental insurance plans also have a deductible, which is the amount you must pay out-of-pocket before the plan begins to reimburse you for any dental care expenses.
It’s important to note that not all dental procedures are covered by dental insurance. For example, most plans do not cover cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening. Be sure to check with your insurer to find out what is and is not covered by your plan before you undergo any type of dental procedure.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental procedure that can make your teeth look brighter and whiter. Many people may be interested in getting their teeth whitened but are wondering if dental insurance will cover the cost. The answer is that it depends on your dental insurance plan. Some plans may cover a portion of the cost while others may not cover it at all.
In-office teeth whitening
In-office teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure commonly performed by dentists in order to make teeth appear brighter and whiter. The procedure involves the use of strong bleaching agents that are not available for home use, and it is completed in one or two office visits. In-office teeth whitening is more expensive than at-home teeth whitening, but it produces faster and more dramatic results.
Dental insurance typically does not cover cosmetic procedures like in-office teeth whitening. However, some dental insurance plans may offer partial coverage for in-office teeth whitening if it is deemed medically necessary. For example, if your dentist determines that in-office teeth whitening is the best way to treat a tooth discoloration caused by an illness or injury, your dental insurance plan may cover part of the cost.
If you are interested in having your teeth professionally whitened, be sure to check with your dentist and your dental insurance plan to see if coverage is available.
At-home teeth whitening
In-office bleaching procedures usually take place over two visits. The dentist will apply a protective gel to your gums and then a bleach to your teeth. As the bleach works, you may feel a tingling sensation. Afterward, the dentist will rinse your mouth and may give you a fluoride treatment to help reduce sensitivity.
You’ll need to use ~custom-fitted whitening trays~ or strips at home for a week or two to complete the treatment. The tray is filled with a bleaching solution and fits over your teeth like a mouthguard. Strips are thinner pieces of plastic that also contain bleaching gel; you wear them for 30 minutes twice a day.
Over-the-counter (OTC) whitening products are also available, but they’re not as strong as what you get from the dentist. They may contain lower concentrations of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide (bleach), so they take longer to work. In addition, OTC treatments don’t come with custom-fitted trays, so they’re not as effective or comfortable.
How to Save on Teeth Whitening
Dental insurance typically doesn’t cover teeth whitening procedures.
Dental insurance
Dental insurance plans vary widely, but most do not cover cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening. Some plans may provide partial coverage for whitening services if your teeth are stained from an injury or as a result of taking certain medications. You can check with your insurance provider to see if teeth whitening is covered under your plan.
If your dental insurance does not cover whitening, there are a number of ways to save on the cost of treatment. Many dentists offer discounts for cash payments or when multiple family members receive treatment at the same time. You can also check with your dental school or local community college to see if they offer discounted rates for teeth whitening services.
Dental discount plans
Dental discount plans are an alternative to dental insurance. With a dental discount plan, you pay an annual fee to get access to discounted rates on dental procedures from participating dentists. Dental discount plans don’t have waiting periods or annual limits, so you can get discounts on dental procedures as soon as you sign up for the plan.
To get started with a dental discount plan, simply choose a plan that’s available in your area and sign up for it. Once you’ve signed up for the plan, you’ll be able to search for participating dentists in your area and get discounted rates on dental procedures.
Teeth whitening coupons
You can find teeth whitening coupons in a variety of places, including online, in newspapers and magazines, and even through your dentist. Many companies offer discounts on teeth whitening products if you purchase them through their website, so be sure to check there first. You may also be able to find coupons for teeth whitening products in the Sunday paper or other weekly advertisement circulars. Ask your dentist if he or she knows of any current specials or discounts on teeth whitening treatments.
