How does dental insurance coverage apply to bonding procedures. What factors influence insurance coverage for dental bonding. When might insurance cover the costs of dental bonding.

Understanding Dental Bonding and Its Costs

Dental bonding is a versatile procedure used to improve the appearance and functionality of teeth. It involves applying a tooth-colored resin material to repair damaged, discolored, or misshapen teeth. The cost of dental bonding can vary significantly, typically ranging from $100 to $400 per tooth. Several factors influence this price, including the dentist’s experience, the number of teeth requiring treatment, and the complexity of the procedure.

Why do dental bonding costs fluctuate? The primary reasons include:

• Geographic location of the dental practice
• Extent of damage or discoloration being addressed
• Materials used in the bonding process
• Additional treatments required alongside bonding

Insurance Coverage for Dental Bonding: What You Need to Know

Insurance coverage for dental bonding is not straightforward and depends on various factors. Generally, most insurance providers do not cover cosmetic dental procedures. However, there are exceptions when dental bonding is deemed medically necessary.

When might insurance cover dental bonding? Insurance may provide coverage in the following scenarios:

1. Repairing a chipped or broken tooth to prevent further damage
2. Filling cavities with bonding material
3. Protecting exposed roots due to gum recession
4. Addressing structural issues that affect oral health

It’s crucial to consult with your insurance provider to understand the specifics of your coverage. Some insurers, like Guardian Direct®, offer dental plans that may partially cover major dental procedures, including bonding in certain circumstances.

Cosmetic vs. Medically Necessary Dental Bonding

The distinction between cosmetic and medically necessary dental bonding plays a significant role in insurance coverage. Cosmetic procedures are typically not covered, while medically necessary treatments often receive at least partial coverage.

Cosmetic Dental Bonding

Cosmetic dental bonding primarily focuses on improving the appearance of teeth. This may include:

• Closing gaps between teeth
• Changing the shape of teeth
• Covering discoloration or stains
• Lengthening teeth for aesthetic purposes

Medically Necessary Dental Bonding

Medically necessary dental bonding addresses issues that affect oral health and function. Examples include:

• Repairing fractured or chipped teeth
• Protecting exposed tooth roots
• Filling cavities
• Addressing decay-related issues

Factors Influencing Insurance Coverage for Dental Bonding

Several factors can affect whether your insurance will cover dental bonding:

1. The reason for the procedure (cosmetic vs. medically necessary)
2. Your specific insurance plan and its coverage limits
3. The dentist’s assessment and recommendation
4. Pre-existing conditions and overall oral health
5. Any alternative treatments available

To maximize your chances of insurance coverage, it’s essential to work closely with your dentist and insurance provider. Your dentist can provide documentation supporting the medical necessity of the procedure, which can be crucial in securing coverage.

Navigating Insurance Claims for Dental Bonding

If you believe your dental bonding procedure may be covered by insurance, follow these steps to navigate the claims process:

1. Consult your dentist about the necessity of the procedure
2. Contact your insurance provider to inquire about coverage
3. Request a pre-treatment estimate from your dentist
4. Submit necessary documentation to your insurance company
5. Review the insurance company’s response and coverage details
6. Discuss any discrepancies or concerns with your insurance provider

Remember, even if your insurance doesn’t fully cover the procedure, they may offer partial coverage, reducing your out-of-pocket expenses.

Alternatives to Insurance Coverage for Dental Bonding

If your insurance doesn’t cover dental bonding or you don’t have dental insurance, there are still options to make the procedure more affordable:

• Dental savings plans: These plans offer discounts on various dental procedures, including bonding, for an annual fee.
• Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) or health savings accounts (HSAs): Use pre-tax dollars to pay for dental procedures.
• Payment plans: Many dental offices offer in-house payment plans or partner with third-party financing companies.
• Dental schools: Receive treatment at a reduced cost from supervised dental students.
• Community health centers: Some offer dental services on a sliding scale based on income.

By exploring these alternatives, you can find ways to manage the cost of dental bonding even without insurance coverage.

The Long-Term Value of Dental Bonding

While the upfront cost of dental bonding may seem significant, especially without insurance coverage, it’s essential to consider the long-term benefits:

• Improved oral health: Addressing issues early can prevent more serious problems later.
• Enhanced aesthetics: A better smile can boost confidence and self-esteem.
• Durability: With proper care, dental bonding can last for several years.
• Versatility: Bonding can address multiple dental issues in one procedure.

How long does dental bonding last? With good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, dental bonding can last between 3 to 10 years. This longevity makes it a cost-effective solution for many dental issues, even when paying out-of-pocket.

Maximizing the Lifespan of Your Dental Bonding

To ensure your dental bonding lasts as long as possible, follow these tips:

1. Practice excellent oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing
2. Avoid biting on hard objects or using your teeth as tools
3. Limit consumption of staining foods and beverages
4. Attend regular dental check-ups and cleanings
5. Address any issues with your bonding promptly

By taking good care of your dental bonding, you can extend its lifespan and maximize your investment, whether it’s covered by insurance or not.

The Future of Insurance Coverage for Dental Bonding

As dental technology advances and the importance of oral health becomes more widely recognized, there’s potential for changes in insurance coverage for procedures like dental bonding. Some trends that might influence future coverage include:

• Increased recognition of the link between oral health and overall health
• Advancements in bonding materials and techniques
• Growing demand for cosmetic dental procedures
• Shifts in healthcare policy and insurance regulations

While it’s difficult to predict exact changes, staying informed about developments in dental insurance can help you make the best decisions for your oral health and financial well-being.

Making an Informed Decision About Dental Bonding

Whether or not your insurance covers dental bonding, it’s crucial to make an informed decision about the procedure. Consider the following steps:

1. Consult with multiple dentists to get different opinions and quotes
2. Research the pros and cons of dental bonding compared to alternative treatments
3. Understand the longevity and maintenance requirements of dental bonding
4. Explore all payment options, including insurance, financing, and alternatives
5. Weigh the potential benefits against the costs

By thoroughly evaluating your options, you can make a decision that best serves your oral health needs and financial situation.

Questions to Ask Your Dentist About Dental Bonding

To gather all the necessary information, consider asking your dentist the following questions:

• Is dental bonding the best solution for my specific issue?
• What are the alternatives to dental bonding, and how do they compare?
• How long can I expect the bonding to last?
• What are the potential risks or complications of the procedure?
• How can I best care for my bonded teeth?
• Can you provide before and after photos of similar cases?
• What is the total cost of the procedure, including any follow-up visits?

Armed with this information, you’ll be better equipped to decide whether dental bonding is right for you, regardless of insurance coverage.

Does Insurance Cover Dental Bonding?

If you have broken, chipped, discolored, or crooked teeth, dental bonding may be able to help improve the appearance of your teeth and strengthen them. But many people struggle to afford even basic dental care and think that procedures like dental bonding are out of reach for them financially. Is dental bonding covered by insurance? Most people have to pay out of pocket for cosmetic dental bonding. Insurance doesn’t often cover cosmetic procedures. However, some insurance providers like Guardian Direct® have dental insurance plans that will help cover major dental procedures like bonding in specific circumstances. 

Does insurance cover dental bonding costs? Dental bonding can be expensive but some dental insurance plans may pay for part of the bonding cost which can make it more affordable. If you have dental insurance that helps pay for bonding you could wind up only paying a small copay to get your teeth bonded.  

How much does dental bonding cost with or without insurance?  

Dental bonding costs vary depending on many factors such as how many teeth you want to have bonded, how experienced your dentist is, and whether your dental insurance will pay for a portion of the bonding. In general, you can expect dental bonding costs to range between $100 to $400 per tooth.¹ It would be great if there was cosmetic dental bonding insurance that would lower that cost, but your dental insurance plan may pick up part of the cost if the bonding is necessary to maintain your teeth.  

Is dental bonding covered by insurance?  

Whether or not your dental insurance will cover the cost of dental bonding depends on several factors. Dental bonding that is cosmetic, like having a gap filled, may not be covered by insurance.  Dental insurance may cover a portion of dental bonding if the bonding is necessary for the health of your teeth.  

For example, if you want to have bonding done because you have a chipped or broken tooth, your insurance company may pay a portion of that cost because it’s considered necessary to keep your tooth from cracking or breaking further and causing you to need more extensive dental work. The best way to know if your dental insurance covers dental bonding is to contact your insurance company.  How much does dental bonding cost without insurance? That depends on what tooth or teeth need to be bonded and other factors. 

What is dental bonding? 

Dental bonding is a procedure where the dentist will use a hard resin to cover your existing tooth. That resin will be shaped and shaded to look like your natural teeth. Bonding can fix a lot of dental problems and make your teeth look straighter and cover up gaps, chips, cracks, and other unsightly tooth problems.² 

When the dentist is bonding your teeth, they will typically place a little bit of film around a tooth to protect it, then they will remove a thin layer of the enamel from your tooth to give the resin something to stick to. Then the dentist will layer the resin, shaping it and trimming to make sure it looks natural.  

Bonding will essentially create a cover made of thin layers on your tooth that will help restore the appearance of the tooth. Bonding can also help strengthen teeth and add some stability to the tooth by bonding it to the teeth around it. Bonding is a popular procedure because it can quickly help improve the appearance of a broken or chipped tooth. The procedure is relatively easy and usually can be done in just one visit to the dentist.³ 

Cosmetic dental bonding insurance  

Dental bonding is typically considered to be a cosmetic procedure because it is primarily used to help improve the look of your teeth and give you your smile back. But, bonding is an effective fix for broken or chipped teeth that will help keep your teeth strong and healthy as well as helping make your teeth look better.  

Bonding is technically a cosmetic enhancement but it’s also used to do a lot more than just fix broken and chipped teeth. Bonding is typically also used to do things like⁴:

• Repair decayed teeth: The resin that is used to build up the tooth can also be used to fill in cavities and help prevent further tooth decay in the tooth.  

• Improve the look of teeth that are discolored or yellow: This doesn’t work if your teeth are discolored just because you haven’t been brushing well enough or often enough. But if your teeth are discolored because you took certain medications as a child or because of other factors beyond your control, bonding can help give you a nice white smile. The resin can be colored to match your existing teeth so that when the bonding is complete it’s impossible to tell that the bonded tooth is different from the other teeth. 

• Close spaces or gaps between your teeth: If you are insecure about a gap in your teeth and want it closed, or if you have a gap in other teeth that you want to get rid of bonding can be used to hide gaps. When bonding is done to hide a gap, especially a large gap, the resin is typically built up and is attached to the teeth on the other side of the gap so that it fits securely and won’t move. Bonding isn’t a replacement for braces or aligners, but if your teeth are otherwise straight and just have a gap that needs to be fixed, bonding may help.  

• Make your teeth look longer: If you grind your teeth or have had other conditions that have ground your teeth down or made them shorter than normal, dental bonding can help them look longer and restore the appearance of your smile.   

• Fix the shape of crooked or misshapen teeth: As people get older their teeth can become worn down and crooked due to overcrowding in the mouth, accidents, genetics, and other factors. One of the most commonly misshapen teeth is often referred to as a “snaggletooth” because the tooth typically becomes rounded on the side but pointed at the bottom. Bonding can help the tooth match all of your other teeth so that it doesn’t stand out.  

• Provide an alternative to amalgam fillings: Amalgam fillings are silver-colored and made from metal which can give some people headaches if they’re sensitive to metals. A resin filling made from the resin used to fuse a bonded front to a tooth can be a safe alternative for people that are sensitive to silver. ⁵

• Protect the root of a tooth: Receding gums can cause a lot of pain. As the gum recedes back further it can expose the root of your tooth. Quick-drying bonding can help solve that problem in the time it takes for the resin to harden.   

Advantages of dental bonding insurance⁶ 

Dental bonding isn’t the only way to fix chipped teeth and other dental problems, but bonding does have some significant advantages. One of the biggest advantages is that it can be done quickly in just one or two appointments and the results are immediate. Some of the other common advantages include: 

• Leaves more tooth enamel intact: Bonding doesn’t require the dentist to remove a lot of the surface enamel of the tooth for the bonding to be secure. That means that your natural tooth will be less sensitive and healthier.  

• Durable, lasting material: The resin used to bond to the tooth during the dental bonding procedure is durable and can last for a long time.  

• Bonding materials can be molded and color-matched to adjacent teeth: Bonding resin can be shaded and shaped to match your existing teeth for a natural-looking smile  

• Can be altered later: Since bonding isn’t permanent, you can have the shape or color of the bonding changed in the future so that it still matches your natural teeth. You also can have more permanent but more expensive fixes done later. 

Disadvantages of dental bonding insurance  

• Not permanent: Dental bonding is not permanent, so it’s not going to be a long-term solution to your dental problems. The underlying problems that caused you to want to get dental bonding in the first place will still need to be addressed. Dental bonding can help buy you some time to get ready for more permanent fixes like root canals and crowns or even implants but ultimately you will need to have major issues corrected.  

• The resin or enamel can stain: Over time resin and enamel can become stained by things like smoking, eating, and drinking foods that normally stain your teeth. Once they become stained, typically there’s really no way to remove those stains. other than having the bonding redone.  

• The bonded front can break or chip: Chips and cracks or breakage can occur with a bonded tooth the same way that it could happen with a natural tooth. It may be rare for breakage to occur because of the strength of the resin but it’s possible for chips and breaks to happen. If the bonding that you’ve done breaks or cracks, your dentist will need to fix it for you.  

Dental bonding vs. veneers 

Veneers are another typical option that works in a similar way to bonding. The biggest difference between veneers and bonding is that while a dentist uses thin layers of resin to create volume that can be trimmed and shaped on teeth, veneers are actual thin layers of porcelain that are made to look like teeth and are affixed directly onto the tooth with a similar resin.  

Veneers must be custom fitted for your teeth, so getting veneers can take several dental appointments and you will typically need to have custom veneers made for your teeth. The thin porcelain fronts will be shaped and shaded to exactly match the rest of your teeth. To get veneers, typically you will have to start with a dental appointment where the dentist makes an exact mold of your mouth and teeth. That mold is then sent to a lab where the porcelain fronts will be made to custom fit your mouth. Then your dentist will attach the porcelain veneers to your teeth and use a special light to harden the resin that will help hold them in place.  

Veneers will usually last longer than dental bonding but they serve the same purpose as bonding. Veneers can be more expensive than dental bonding because they are custom-made.⁶

How dental bonding is covered by insurance & insights  

If you need dental bonding to preserve your teeth, Guardian Direct® top-tier and mid-tier dental insurance plans may cover up to 50% of the cost after a 12 month waiting period and you can choose your own dentist from a large nationwide of in-network providers. If you want to learn more about dental bonding, dental veneers, or other cosmetic dentistry you can browse through the Guardian Direct library of articles. This collection of articles was created to provide insights, tips, and information to help you make informed decisions to keep your teeth and gums healthy and get the best possible smile.  

Subscribe

Insights for the people.

Join our new digital insurance community that includes tips, resources and useful information from Guardian Direct.

Sources

1. https://health.costhelper.com/dental-bonding.html, accessed 2021

2. https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-bonding, 2020, accessed 2021

3. https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/bonding/bonding, accessed 2021

4. https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-health-fillings, 2019, accessed 2021

5. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10922-dental-bonding, accessed 2021

6. https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-do-veneers-last accessed 2021

Can You Get Dental Bonding With Insurance?

Cracks, chips, stains, and other cosmetic dental issues can taint any smile. Social gatherings can be a nightmare, your confidence levels can plummet, and you risk developing other dental issues such as tooth infections.

The best part is that we have several treatment options to help turn your smile into a work of art. Others may be pocket-friendly, while others might cost much more. However, dental bonding in Heath, TX, is an option that might intrigue you since it is affordable and gets the job done. But before we check the cost or if dental insurance covers dental bonding, we can get acquainted with what dental bonding is about.

What Is Meant By Dental Bonding?

In a nutshell, dental bonding is a dental procedure that uses composite resin to cover dental flaws. Resin has amazing properties; one of them is that it chemically bonds to the tooth, hence the name.

What’s more, composite resin looks like your natural teeth, so when your teeth are bonded, they will be as good as new.

Our dentist will roughen the surface of your teeth to provide the perfect surface for the resin to adhere to. Our dentist will apply the resin to your teeth and expose it to curing light, which will help them harden almost immediately. Once it is done, our dentist will shape, trim, and polish the resin to restore the appearance of your smile.

Besides dental aesthetics, composite bonding teeth can also strengthen them, adding more stability since composite chemically bonds to the tooth. Bonding is done to fix issues such as cracks, chips, gaps, cover stains, etc.

Dental bonding in Heath, TX, is relatively easy and can be done in a single visit.

Is Dental Bonding on Your Teeth a Good Idea?

Yes, it is. Several things can significantly alter your smile’s appearance but don’t need extensive treatment to rectify. Dental bonding is your go-to option when you have minor issues that you need to resolve in an affordable and timely fashion.

As mentioned earlier, resin chemically bonds to the teeth, meaning that cracked, fractured, or chipped teeth can be strengthened. What’s more, the material is safe, durable, and lifelike. You can go for dental bonding if you want a minimally invasive procedure.

Teeth bonding is a versatile dental procedure and can deal with several cosmetic dental issues simultaneously.

Are Dental Problems Covered in Health Insurance?

We all know that oral health is critical to your overall health. In other words, your oral health is directly associated with the health of other organs and is linked with diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, etc.

But even though we know that your oral health affects your well-being, the two haven’t merged in terms of the insurance. Most companies will not cover dental care as part of the health insurance coverage. The reason could partly be that some dental treatments are quite expensive because of innovations, expensive setups, and lab work.

But under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), health insurance plans may cover dental care only if you are a child. Health insurance will cover dental care if you wish to purchase it for someone under 18 years.

Is Tooth Bonding Covered By Insurance?

Whether or not dental bonding will be covered by dental insurance depends on several factors. If you wish to get dental bonding for gaps or to deal with stains, then there is a chance that dental insurance will not cover the cost. The reason is that most companies will not cover cosmetic dental procedures.

However, if you need dental bonding for functional reasons, you might have a different conversation with your insurance company. For instance, the insurance company might cover part of the cost if you want to get dental bonding done because you have a cracked, fractured or broken tooth.

The insurance company will consider the procedure necessary since it would prevent the tooth from further damage, eliminating the need for extensive dental work.

You can always reach out to your insurance providers and inquire. That is the only sure way to know the percentage of the cost they are willing to pay.

Also, remember there are other parameters that are checked, such as the waiting period determining if the cost will be covered when you need the treatment.

In any case, dental bonding is an excellent treatment. Contact us at Arc 32 Family Dentistry to schedule an appointment.

Is it possible to cure teeth with insurance?

Does the insurance cover dentistry?

Let’s find out what kind of insurance you bought? If this is a basic insurance policy in case “if only there was” – minimal insurance coverage, many exceptions, lack of additional options – then you can’t count on getting free dental services for you. Where are these insurance policies available? As a rule, such insurances come with vouchers to the resort as part of a general tour package.

Consider another example – the popular policy “to get a Schengen visa”. The requirements of the visa center are reduced to the fact that the policy must have a minimum insurance amount of 30,000 euros. Typically, these policies cover emergency dental care. But pay attention to the limits.

Policy exclusions

Generally, insurance companies do not cover non-emergency care. For example, the Arsenal insurance company formulates an exception in the following way – “dental care that does not require immediate intervention (removal of tartar, prosthetics, and so on). “Absolut insurance” does not cover the elimination of cosmetic defects. MAKS insurance company covers only emergency dental care, that is, if an injury or illness requires a solution here and now.

However, despite any exclusion from the insurance contract, in a life-threatening situation, it is necessary to use every opportunity to arrange an emergency transfer of the victim to the hospital closest to the scene of the accident. And after that, the insured or the person accompanying him must immediately contact the service company using the contacts indicated on the insurance policy.

Dental care is covered if…

The plan may cover emergency and urgent dental care. Moreover, the urgency and urgency must be confirmed by the attending physician. That is, due to insurance, it will not be possible to whiten teeth, insert a new tooth, put a crown, carry out preventive cleaning, and so on. Only those things that really need immediate attention are covered.

Are repeated visits to the doctor possible under insurance? Each case is individual, but the visit is more likely to be covered if there is a deterioration in the condition (and not just control over the current state of affairs). The doctor who will take you to the appointment must clearly record the symptoms, since the decision of the insurance company will depend on the opinion of the doctor – to cover the visit or not.

How do insurance companies indicate in the rules what exactly will be covered if the insurance program provides for dental care? For example, the Arsenal insurance company covers expenses in accordance with the dental insurance program, namely: treatment of natural teeth with anesthesia for acute toothache, inflammation of the tissues surrounding the tooth, or destruction (loss) of teeth damaged as a result of an accident, excluding prosthetics . “Absolut Insurance” indemnifies the costs associated with the pain relief treatment of a natural tooth in case of a tooth injury as a result of an accident, as well as the costs associated with the pain relief treatment of a natural tooth and related filling in case of acute inflammation of the tooth and surrounding tooth tissues. MAKS Insurance Company indemnifies emergency dental care caused by injuries sustained in an accident, as well as in the event of acute toothache, within the indemnity limit.

Compare insurance prices on TravelFrog!

Travel insurance

Ask for a price

Dental insurance in Germany

How can you reduce the cost of dental treatment in Germany by taking out additional private health insurance?

Dental health insurance

In Germany, dental treatment is covered in whole or in part by regular health insurance. For every acute problem, there is likely to be a procedure that falls under a regular insurance policy. For example, preventive examination or tooth extraction in case of partial destruction is free.

But when it comes to modern methods of filling, prosthetics, alignment and other expensive services of German dentists, medical insurance often leaves the patient alone with his wallet. To close the difference between the actual price and payment of state insurance allows additional private insurance for dental services.

Examples of the cost of dental services in Germany and the amount of payment of state funds.

Procedure	Estimated cost	How much does medical insurance take over
Keramik-Inlay / Ceramic filling	1000€	50€
Keramik-Krone / Ceramic crown	1100€	180€
Keramik-Brücke / Ceramic bridge	2500€	420€
Implantat + Krone / Implant with crown	4000€	420€
Wurzelbehandlung / Root canal treatment without confidence	750€	0€
Zahnreinigung / Professional teeth cleaning	80-180€	0€
Kieferorthopädie Brackets	5000€	2500€

Public health insurance pays part of the cost of dental care. For example, for a simple filling, the cash register allocates 50 €, which is enough for a black silver amalgam, which is practically not used anywhere else. You will have to pay extra for a white plastic filling if the doctor does not want to forgive part of the costs. The limit for front teeth is higher.

Each dental problem has a “standard” of treatment and a price covered by government insurance.

What does the krankenkassa pay for

• Dental check-up twice a year.
• Tartar Removal – Yearly.
• Individual preventive measures for children 6-18 years of age.
• White plastic fillings for front teeth.
• Other amalgam fillings.
• Extraction of a tooth.
• Root canal cleaning.
• Conventional x-ray.
• Periodontal treatment.
• Orthodontics for serious medical conditions.
• Partial payment for a crown.

What the State Treasury does not pay

• Professional cleaning.
• Enamel restoration.
• Oral hygiene.
• Bacterial analysis.
• Replacement of intact fillings.
• High-quality fillings – gold, ceramics.
• Treatment of a tooth without confidence in safety.
• Additional cost of modern methods of treatment and diagnostics.
• Orthodontic briquettes and other procedures for aesthetic reasons.
• Dental prostheses, implants.

German dentists are required by law to first offer the patient a service included in the national insurance list. It is forbidden to hide that there is a free treatment option. However, in addition, the physician may offer two types of alternative treatments and services not covered by conventional insurance:

1. Gleichartige Zusatzleistung – standard treatment, but with additions, such as white fillings where the cash desk only pays for amalgam.
2. Andersartige Zusatzleistung – an alternative method, for example, an implant instead of a standard bridge.

Important: the dentist is obliged to inform about the cost of an additional procedure, explain the risks and separate the necessary from the additional.

Dental prosthetics in Germany

When the need for a dental implant arose, I thought hard. It was about several thousand euros in the simplest case. I went to a dental prosthetics clinic and asked for a rough estimate of how much the procedure would cost.

National health insurance pays 60% of the cost of standard therapy. Those who regularly visit a dentist in Germany and participate in the bonus program of an insurance company will be paid 10-15% more. The chosen method of prosthetics does not matter. The standard treatment for a “hole” in a row of teeth is a metal bridge, which means damage to the teeth adjacent to the fallen one. There is no desire to spoil healthy teeth. And an implant with a ceramic crown in Germany costs 3000€. The cash desk pays the same amount in the case of a bridge or prosthesis – 396€. For the bridge, you will have to pay personally only 264 €, but for the implant – 2674 €. The difference is gigantic.

An alternative is treatment abroad. But it is difficult to find a good doctor who will not cheat when he finds out that the patient has arrived from Germany and will never contact him again.

Additional private dental insurance in Germany

The way out is to conclude an additional private insurance for dental treatment in Germany Zahnzusatzversicherung . It is not simple. There are a lot of offers on the market, but there are plenty of pitfalls.

Learn a simple rule: burning houses do not insure!

When the dentist says that he will have to fork out, it is too late to conclude an insurance contract. This type of insurance does not cover sick and missing teeth if the dentist has already recommended a treatment method and entered a treatment plan into the patient’s record. If more than three teeth are missing, it becomes much more difficult to conclude a contract. Immigrants often do not know the nuances and fall for a simple patient divorce scheme, which, unfortunately, German dentists do not disdain. Divorce for money looks like this:

• The dentist calculates the amount of treatment, eg 5000€, and recommends taking out suitable private supplementary insurance.
• Patient looking for insurance without saving on monthly premium. Tariffs with maximum coverage are selected, without waiting time. Paying 50€ for two years is “only” 1200€, the benefit is obvious. And no one reads the text of the contract in small print.
• After signing the contract, the patient goes to the doctor and happily declares that he is ready for the most expensive procedures.
• Dentist starts treatment. When the work plan is completed by 60% and there is no way back, the first invoices are issued.
• Patient submits bills to insurance in hopes of getting paid.
• But the insurance company sends a request to the attending physician and it turns out that the house was already on fire. And according to the terms of insurance, the gaps existing at the time of the conclusion of the contract are not covered. Yes, the font where it is written is small, but it does not change the essence.
• Payments are rejected, but the contract cannot be terminated before two years.
• The doctor can do nothing except complete the planned course of therapy.
• The patient, if there is no money, is left to take a consumer loan so as not to spoil the credit history by delaying payments on the dentist’s bills.
• The insurance company receives high contributions, the doctor – a fee, the bank – interest, and our hero – it’s good if the implants are of high quality. Already lucky!

In order not to get into this situation, additional private dental insurance in Germany must be concluded in advance, choosing the tariff wisely.

First you need to decide which services of a German dentist are needed. If we are talking about annual teeth whitening, using good modern materials in fillings, at the moment everything is fine with the teeth, there is no need for expensive insurance. For 10-15 € per month, private insurance is included, which will cover such services without any problems.

If you think you will have a crown or bridge in the future, you will have to carefully evaluate the proposals. The main thing is to understand when the insurance pays for the treatment and what percentage of the cost is covered.

The first question is easy enough to deal with. Usually, the conditions of insurance explicitly state that, for example, it is impossible to use insurance in the first 8 months. Then until the end of the first year, the coverage is a maximum of 1500€, for the second year – 2500€ and so on. Dental insurance does not start immediately, it covers a fixed amount of treatment costs per year and the amount of coverage grows over time. A good reason to take out insurance when everything is still in order with your teeth, which allows you to pay low monthly premiums.

It is more difficult to figure out exactly how much the insurance will reimburse, having received an invoice from the client for paying for treatment. Often, insurance companies operate as a percentage of the dentist’s bills or the standard price of the procedure. Let’s say 50% coverage of the reference amount is offered. If the client receives a bill for the bridge of 1000€, then 396€ will be paid by public insurance, another 198€ by additional private insurance, and the rest is paid out of pocket. Which, of course, makes life easier, but does not completely solve the problem.

It is easier to choose from tariffs that pay a percentage of the bill for treatment. There are also options when the percentage is reimbursed from the balance unpaid by ordinary insurance.

Another potential trap is the dependence of the monthly fee on the age of the client. It may turn out that now insurance is affordable and covers a lot, but in a few years you will have to pay more, and the contract will become unprofitable.

How to take out dental insurance in Germany

Additional private insurance for dental treatment in Germany can be taken out by contacting an insurance broker directly. This method is the best in my opinion. For an ordinary migrant, many clauses in the contract will remain incomprehensible without detailed explanations from a specialist. It is better to ask questions and find out all the details of interest.

Our insurance services

Our insurance broker helps to insure in Germany in Russian with an individual approach to the situation of each client. Complete the questionnaire to find an insurance contract. The service is completely free.

QUESTIONNAIRE

The process ends with the signing of the contract. The contract is sent by mail or email in the form of a pdf file. In the latter case, the contract must be printed, signed and sent to the specified address. After a while, a certificate of insurance will come. We send contracts by email and SMS. For convenience, we accept an electronic signature on a tablet or smartphone. Insurance contracts are digitally stored in the mobile application.

The certificate can be shown to the dentist.