Paying For Cosmetic Dental Procedures
Cosmetic dentistry can be the picture of hope for people who are far from thrilled with the current state and appearance of their teeth
. From whitening treatments to straightening methods, cosmetic dentistry offers a world of options designed to help patients feel better about the way they look. Unfortunately, the one downside to cosmetic dental procedures is that it is rare to find an insurance company that will cover them, leaving most patients in the position of either having to pay out of pocket or kiss their Hollywood-smile dreams goodbye. Paying for cosmetic dental procedures does not actually have to be such a complicated matter.
When approaching the idea of paying for cosmetic dentistry, most dentists tend to advise their patients not to count on insurance companies to help foot the bill. The fact of the matter is that dental insurance is not likely to cover any procedure that is strictly cosmetic in nature. Your dental insurance company would have a hard time finding a reason not to reimburse you for getting a cavity filled, but theyre not likely to kick in a cent towards tooth bleaching and contouring. And while you could argue that the presence of unsightly teeth is having a psychological effect on your general well-being, your insurance company is more likely to pay for a therapist than pretty porcelain veneers.
Of course, one exception to this general rule is cosmetic dentistry that is prompted by trauma. A dental insurance company is more likely to cover treatment when tooth damage occurs after a sports accident or injury. However, you should be aware that even in such situations, your insurance company might also only cover the least-expensive repair option available. If you have a broken tooth, they might pay for a dentist to fix it, but in a way that is less natural-looking than a more advanced cosmetic option. To save yourself the hassle and aggravation of dealing with insurance companies, you might want to remind yourself that unless you want the bare minimum, youre better off assuming that any procedure you choose to undergo is going to be paid, in full, by you and you alone.
Of course, every insurance plan is different, so it never hurts to inquire about your benefits before signing up for a specific procedure. However, as a general rule it is better to avoid relying on insurance companies, and for good reason. However, the fact that just because your insurance wont pay for something doesnt mean that you cant afford it. In fact, its a myth that cosmetic dentistry is something that was designed exclusively for the rich. Cosmetic dentistry, like many other "optional services" in life, can be quite affordable depending on how highly it ranks on your list of priorities. If room is left over in your paycheck for new clothing and entertainment, then there should also be room for cosmetic treatments. Its just a matter of deciding how important a winning smile is to you and taking the steps to get yourself there. In fact, the majority of patients are average, working class people who have simply made the necessary commitments to improving their smiles.
Another thing to realize about cosmetic dental procedures is that many dentists offer financing and payment plans in order to make the process more affordable. Many dentists understand that it would be difficult for the typical patient to simply plunk down a huge chunk of money in a single lump sum. For this reason, they offer practical alternatives for payment over time, provided that the patient in question has good enough credit to qualify for such programs.
If youve been craving a smile makeover but have been holding back due to finances, then talk to your cosmetic dentist before resigning yourself to a lifetime of lackluster teeth. While your dental insurance probably wont do you much good, you might be pleasantly surprised to learn that some cosmetic dental treatments are actually affordable. You might have to give up that morning latte for awhile, but whats a little sacrifice in the grand scheme of flawless teeth?
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
The world of technology is constantly changing. Ask anyone who went out last month and spent a fortune on the newest computer
All About Modern Dental Technology
on the market, and hell probably tell you that his machine is already outdated. Of course, one of the greatest things about technology is that it is often used as a means of making significant improvements to the healthcare field. Thanks to digital imaging and laser techniques, people can benefit from a variety of treatments that are minimally invasive and, most importantly, far less painful than the procedures of old.
When it comes to dental care, new technology can often translate into better options and treatment for patients. Given the often squeamish nature of patients stuck in the dental chair, the fact that so many dental procedures have become less invasive and unpleasant means that more people are able to get the oral care that they need without letting fear or discomfort get in the way. As a cosmetic dentist who is constantly keeping tabs on the latest advances in oral technology.
So how is technology working to improve dental care? For starters, its making things go a whole lot faster. Instead of sending materials off to laboratories and waiting for a courier system or mail service to get them there, dentists can now email x-rays and photographs and communicate with laboratories at a much more rapid pace. For patients, this can translate into less waiting time for corrective dental devices and fewer lags in multi-step treatment programs.
On the aesthetic end of things, advances in technology have made the world of cosmetic dentistry a lot more high tech. From specialized cameras to instruments that can record and analyze tooth shading, technology is taking some of the guess work out of cosmetic dentistry and allowing dentists to provide patients with accurate, top-notch services. Technology is also driving more and more people to seek out cosmetic dental procedures. Whereas patients might have shied away from formerly-unpleasant treatments considered to be simply elective, nowadays, theyre more likely to view cosmetic dental work as a relatively painless means to an end. Even the simply "irritating" aspects of cosmetic dentistry are, as a whole, quickly becoming a non-issue. For example, technology now enables dentists to create virtual models of patients teeth instead of subjecting them to those gunk-filled mouth impression plates; a vast improvement in the minds of those who dont enjoy the sensation of gagging intermittently while their dentists take a mold. Finally, technology in the world of oral care is allowing dentists to perform procedures more effectively. From clearer x-rays to 3D imaging, techniques such as implant placement and tooth extraction are becoming easier and safer for dentists to perform.
While some people seem to simply repel technology, a good dentist should be willing and able to embrace technology in order to use it to better serve his patients. After all, we live in a digital age, with cell phones and email and web access on the go. We might as well use whatever we can to our teeths advantage.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
by: Jack Elder
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