My upper front teeth are clearly uneven when I smile, and I have an almost ¼-inch gap between my teeth. Three left teeth look like strays because of their spacing and position. I have searched online for solutions, and it seems that porcelain veneers or braces are my best options. Is that correct? Also, I know that upper-level dental plans offer some orthodontic coverage, but what about coverage for veneers? Thanks for your response. – Darcie from San Diego

 

Darcie,

Thank you for your question. Dr. LeSage would need to examine and x-ray your teeth to determine treatment options, but we will compare veneers and braces and the type of insurance coverage you can expect.

Will Dental Insurance Cover Porcelain Veneers?

Dental insurance usually does not cover porcelain veneers because they are cosmetic treatment. Dental procedures that improve the appearance of your teeth rather than resolve oral health concerns are elective, and insurance will not cover them. Your dentist can give you a pretreatment estimate to submit to the insurance company and help you understand your out-of-pocket costs for porcelain veneers.

Will Dental Insurance Cover Braces?

Most higher-tiered or premier dental plans pay for a percentage of your treatment with traditional braces and clear aligners, like Invisalign. Still, dental insurance does not pay for all your treatment costs. Plans that offer orthodontic benefits have a lifetime maximum for payments toward your treatment. Ask a dentist for a pre-treatment estimate for braces, and your dental insurance company will explain how much the plan will pay and what you can expect for out-of-pocket costs.

How Do Porcelain Veneers and Braces Compare?

Porcelain veneers and braces can straighten your teeth, but how do they compare? Some cases of spacing and misalignment are so complex that they require braces. Still, dental technology offers options for braces with clear brackets and clear aligners, such as Invisalign, which makes braces less noticeable.

Porcelain veneers

• Correct mild misalignment
• Require conservative tooth preparation by removing tiny amounts of enamel
• Transform your smile in a few visits
• Enhance tooth shape, size, and color

Braces

• Correct mild to severe misalignment
• Do not require tooth preparation
• Align your smile in six to 18 months, depending on the complexity of your case
• Reposition teeth without changing shape, size, or color

Request a Consultation

We recommend scheduling a consultation with an advanced cosmetic dentist who provides treatment with porcelain veneers and braces. After a comprehensive exam, the dentist will explain and compare your treatment options and costs. Read our post on other factors to consider before getting porcelain veneers.

Dr. Brian LeSage of the Beverly Hills Institute of Dental Esthetics sponsors this post. He is an accredited Fellow of cosmetic dentistry and among the top cosmetic dentists in Beverly Hills and internationally. See examples of Dr. LeSage’s aesthetic dentistry in his smile gallery.