Insurance didn’t cover any of it for me, which was a bummer. They kept calling it “cosmetic.”
I get frustrated about that too, but I heard if veneers are for fixing damage (like after an injury), sometimes insurance will help? Not sure how often that works though. The “cosmetic” label feels so arbitrary when it’s something that really affects confidence.
Yeah, the “cosmetic” label can be such a catch-all. I’ve seen insurance step in for trauma cases, but it’s rare and usually takes a ton of paperwork. Honestly, feels like if you chip a tooth playing hockey, you’re golden... but if it’s genetics, good luck.
Not sure I totally agree about trauma cases always being easier with insurance. I cracked a molar years back—wasn’t from a fall or anything dramatic, just years of grinding. Insurance still fought me tooth and nail, said it was “wear and tear” and not “trauma.” Took months of back-and-forth, and honestly, it felt like they just wanted me to give up.
But you’re right about the double standard. My neighbor’s kid broke a front tooth skateboarding and got it fixed up fast, barely paid a dime. Meanwhile, folks like me dealing with genetics or slow damage get told it’s “cosmetic” and not “necessary.” Feels backwards sometimes. Teeth are teeth—why does the reason matter so much? If you can’t chew or smile without feeling self-conscious, that’s real enough in my book.
And the paperwork... don’t even get me started. I’ve filled out more forms for dental claims than for anything else in my life.
Teeth are teeth—why does the reason matter so much? If you can’t chew or smile without feeling self-conscious, that’s real enough in my book.
Couldn’t agree more. Insurance loves to split hairs over “trauma” vs “wear and tear,” but in the end, you’re still left with a busted tooth and a stack of paperwork. I had a similar battle after years of clenching wrecked my premolars. They called it “maintenance,” not a fix. Meanwhile, a buddy chipped his front tooth on a beer bottle, and it was covered before he even got home. Makes no sense. The hoops they make you jump through are wild.
Man, the insurance gymnastics are unreal. I ground my teeth down from stress (thanks, life), and they basically shrugged—“That’s just you being you.” But if I’d faceplanted off a scooter, suddenly it’s a crisis. Makes you wonder who writes these rules... probably someone with perfect teeth.