Ask the Dental Experts

Q: What forms of insurance do you use?

A: Many of our patients have dental benefits. We encourage each of our patients to become familiar with the coverage they have. To simplify the process for all of us, we have adopted the following policies. First, we expect our patients to take full responsibility for the payment of our fees. Our contract is with you, not with your insurance company, and we will happily document all your needs and care received in our office, but we do not accept assignment of dental insurance benefits. We will gladly help you with the process of claims submission. We provide all the necessary information, send any required documentation that is requested by insurers, we respond to any information requests, both writing letters of explanation and even having conversations with insurer consultants to try to help you get all the coverage that you deserve. If insurance coverage is in doubt, we will be happy to submit a "pre-treatment estimate of benefits" to the insurance company.

Second, you should be aware that most insurance plans do not cover certain types of dental treatment. The common examples of these are cosmetic procedures; restoration need due to excessive wear on teeth, dental implant treatment, and procedures where the insurance companies feel a cheaper (not better) option is available. For example, an insurance company may substitute the benefit for a silver filling when a superior tooth colored filling is placed. Coverages are arbitrarily downgraded by insurance companies so that they can pay fewer benefits on your behalf. Our office cannot predict when this will happen.

A new smile can range from $32.00 to $400.00 a month depending on your individual needs. When you come in for your cosmetic evaluation we can be more specific regarding your needs. Cost can vary widely on complex dental care - it is impossible to tell you what your needs are without a thorough examination and appropriate dental x-rays. We do have information available for financing of your dental care, and that also is individualized.