It is a sad truth that many dental insurance policies do not cover cosmetic dentistry in general. If you want to have your teeth whitened, the gap in your front teeth closed or the chip in a tooth fixed, you are probably going to have to pay for it yourself. However, if there is a reasonable, medical reason, or it affects your ability to make an income, you may be able to convince your insurance company to pay a portion, or even all of the bill. Here are some reasons insurance will cover your cosmetic dentistry.

The Problem Interferes with Your Ability to Eat

Sometimes, a front tooth can be so out of alignment you cannot bite off your food properly. While you may be able to use your side teeth to tear into your sandwich, it may keep you from chewing your food properly so that it starts the digestion process. This type of problem can also be due to an extreme under or overbite so that your teeth do not meet correctly. Anything that affects the way you eat or chew can affect your overall health.

The Problem Affects Your Speech

The way your tongue touches your teeth, especially your front teeth, is part of making the sounds you use for speech. If your front tooth is chipped, you may not be able to say certain sounds. This can affect your self-esteem and how others see you. This can cause depression or anxiety. Many areas of your life can be affected.

The Problem Keeps You From Getting Job or Promotion

Believe it or not, many potential employers will notice if you have teeth that are chipped, yellow or crooked. When you go to an interview, you may be aware of how the person is watching your mouth and not be able to answer the questions in a proper manner. Some higher paying positions require you do a lot of public speaking or meeting with other company's administrators. Having unsightly teeth may keep your employer from offering you position.

Just because a procedure is generally considered cosmetic, or a luxury, do not assume you are going to have to pay for it out of your pocket. Talk with your dentist, medical doctor and even your boss. If you have enough proof the procedure would be a big benefit to your health or job, the insurance company will look at the problem again. If they still deny it, gather more evidence it is not purely cosmetic and try again. Eventually, the insurance company will see things your way and pay for the work you need done.

For more information about the benefits of some cosmetic procedures, contact a clinic like Dentistry For the Entire Family.