Can You Use Dental Insurance for Teeth Whitening Services
At some point in our lives, we all desire a brighter smile. Unfortunately, many contend with the embarrassment of teeth discoloration, which may negatively affect self-esteem and social life. Teeth whitening services have long been used to address teeth discoloration and enhance the aesthetic appearance of the teeth. But, can dental insurance be used to cover the cost of teeth whitening services? In this blog, we'll explore the relationship between dental insurance and teeth whitening services.
Firstly, dental insurance has different coverages for different services. Teeth whitening is typically categorized as a cosmetic treatment that primarily aims to improve the aesthetics of the teeth. Many dental insurance providers do not typically cover the cost of cosmetic treatments since they are not necessarily essential health services. As such, individuals looking to have their teeth whitened may need to search for other payment options.
However, some dental insurance may cover teeth whitening services under specific circumstances. For instance, if teeth discoloration is the result of a dental issue, such as a cavity or trauma, the insurance may cover the teeth whitening cost as part of the treatment plan. Likewise, if teeth discoloration has been attributed to medication, genetics, or aging, insurance may still cover the procedure if there are clear signs of teeth damage.
Secondly, some dental insurance providers provide allowance for teeth whitening services that are medically needed. Patients experiencing psychological impairment or significant health problems may undergo teeth whitening to relieve their distress. In such instances, teeth whitening may be considered a necessary treatment to address a deviant psychosocial situation. In which case, some insurance providers may push through with covering teeth whitening services.
Thirdly, some dental insurance providers offer flexible savings accounts or health savings accounts wherein patients can allocate some funds for their dental needs. Patients can use these accounts to cover expenses such as teeth whitening, provided they meet specific guidelines. These accounts usually have yearly limits and are subject to some tax deductions.
Lastly, some dental insurance providers may offer discounts on cosmetic treatments such as teeth whitening, although coverage may vary across states. Discounts are designed to make treatment more affordable to patients, although, again, these only apply if the insurance is covering cosmetic treatment.
Dental insurance plans differ widely, with some covering teeth whitening and others not. Still, some gray areas could make insurance workable for teeth whitening under specific instances like teeth damage from dental flaws and exceptional health issues. Before you get any teeth whitening procedure, you should contact your dental insurance provider to clarify whether or not your plan provides coverage. However, even if dental insurance does not cover teeth whitening treatment, several payment options are available, such as flexible savings accounts, health savings accounts, and discounts. Above all else, make sure you consider the benefits of teeth whitening and how it can elevate your confidence and self-esteem.
