The Difference Between Cosmetic and General Dentistry - Is it Covered by Dental Insurance?

By Susan Braden
Published Aug 03 2010

Cosmetic dentists are not officially recognized as a specialty branch of dentistry, but the industry is growing rapidly as people start finding ways to achieve the smile they’ve always wanted. Some dental insurance may cover certain procedures, because general dentists are often able to include cosmetic dentistry experience in their credentials without charging "specialist" prices.

Fundamental Differences

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), there is officially no such thing as a specialization in cosmetic dentistry, but some dentists may advertise their cosmetic work more prominently than their repair and prevention work. Some of this work may actually be covered by insurance. There are usually several differences in the way a general dentist and a cosmetically trained dental provider work. This artistic side of dentistry generally carries these attributes:

• They sometimes use slightly different materials, choosing complex agents with more subtle variations in color and texture. While general dentists will match color shades in procedures like bonding and veneers, the materials they use may not have the capacity to catch some of the subtleties that other agents might.


• They are usually more attuned to how the patient wants to look, whereas a general dentist usually makes educated judgments based on functionality.


• They generally create and add to what already exists, whereas general dentistry primarily diagnoses and fixes something wrong, as well as taking preventative measures.

How to Find Out if a Dentist is Qualified

Your appearance could be permanently altered by certain procedures, so locating a qualified professional is a necessity. Dentists may have a list of extended training courses they have taken on different topics in the field. They should also have a portfolio of work they have done in the past so patients can get an idea of the quality of work they can expect.

Dental insurance plans may cover a few specific cosmetic procedures, especially if the work is performed in a general dentistry office or as an accident-related repair.  For those simply looking to beautify their smile, a discount plan, specifically, may be a helpful option to lower the cost.