A member asked:
Does a dental bridge count as cosmetic dentistry? i'd like to get a dental bridge to cover the gap i've had for years where two teeth are missing. my insurance won't cover any cosmetic procedures though. is a bridge usually considered to be cosmetic or no
47 doctor answers • 82 doctors weighed in
Dr. Peter Certoanswered
Dentistry 31 years experience
A : A bridge is not considered a cosmetic service.
Have your dentist send out a pre-determination of benefits first, so you know how much it will cost and to make sure you have the coverage for the procedure.
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5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Ahmad Eslamianswered
Periodontics 46 years experience
Dental bridge: Not necessarily. Since it's being done to replace a missing tooth and restore function then it's functional. Of course, it also depends on the wording on your insurance policy as well.
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5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Alan Zweiganswered
Prosthodontics 47 years experience
A : A fixed partial denture is not cosmetic. There are very real reasons why missing teeth need to be replaced.
Be careful though when dealing with insurance companies. Even though this is not a cosmetic procedure insurance companies are clever and may not cover the bridge if the teeth were lost prior to your being covered by the present policy.
You don't necessarily have to get the procedure pre-authorized-although it won't hurt. Just make sure the dental office researches your benefits thorougly.
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5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Lance Timmermananswered
Specializes in Cosmetic Dentistry
Because : Because it is addressing a functional issue, it is not considered cosmetic. While the result will look pretty, it is replacing missing teeth so not considered cosmetic. There may be some rules imposed by your insurance, like materials used, so looking onto details will help. Your dental office should be able to help.
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5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. John Dovgananswered
38 years experience
Maybe: If you had a bridge there already and the bridge is older than 5 years (some insurance companies have up to 10 years), and it is being replaced due to recurrent caries. This is simply a replacement bridge the answer is no, it is not considered cosmetic. If however, you have had the gap for years the answer would be yes. Insurance companies should not dictate your treatment choice.
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5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Bryan Siegelmananswered
Periodontics 41 years experience
No: Jule, replacing a missing tooth is not considered cosmetic. Under the provisions of your insurance this should be covered. Things that are considered cosmetic are procedures that change the shape and color of a tooth or teeth. Replacing missing teeth is a separate category.
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5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Arman Dayananswered
Cosmetic Dentistry 35 years experience
No: A bridge should not be considered as a cosmetic procedure. Consider dental implants instead of a bridge though.
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5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Brian Dorfmananswered
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 21 years experience
No : Missing teeth is not cosmetic, it is functional and should be covered. If you have implant coverage that will be a better option than a bridge because it is a lifetime fix.
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5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. John Thaleranswered
Prosthodontics 43 years experience
No: If you are missing teeth then this is not cosmetic, but functional. It may also improve your appearance. Your insurance may only cover a removable partial denture, not a fixed bridge. A possible better option is implant treatment, if you are a candidate, which eliminates cutting down the teeth on either side of the missing teeth to make the bridge.
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5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Robert Tupacanswered
Specializes in Prosthodontics
No: Tooth replacement, by means of a bridge or other ways, is a dental health issue, and typically covered by dental insurance.
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5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Maryam Chianianswered
Dentistry 31 years experience
Dental bridge: A dental bridge to replace missing dentition is really not considered a cosmetic procedure by the insurance companies. You should be able to get some coverage. Look into that.
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5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. James Vitoanswered
Prosthodontics 39 years experience
No: Check your dental insurance coverage. While implants are not a cosmetic procedures most nsurance companies do not cover dental implants or cover the with very little coverage.
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5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Mark Venincasaanswered
Dentistry - Cosmetic 37 years experience
It depends: Although a bridge is not considered a cosmetic procedure, insurance most likely will not pay to replace the teeth if they were missing prior to the start of this current dental insurance plan. If the teeth were removed while with this current employer then the insurance surely should provide benefits for a bridge.
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5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Sharon Perelman commented
undefined 31 years experience
The insurance company often refers to this as a missing tooth clause.
Feb 22, 2013
Dr. April Ziegeleanswered
Cosmetic Dentistry 26 years experience
Not cosmetic: Dental bridges, while they make a big lifestyle and cosmetic improvement, are not considered a cosmetic procedure by dental insurance. Make sure you ask your dentist for a metal free bridge, since its in your smile zone!
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5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Michael Dolbyanswered
Cosmetic Surgery 30 years experience
No: A bridge is not usually considered cosmetic. It may very well have a cosmetic result, but if your missing teeth and a bridge would correct that problem, then an insurance company would categorize this just as they do a crown or any major procedure. You should be entitled to your full benefit.
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5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Steven Hartanswered
Cosmetic Dentistry 47 years experience
Insurance clauses: Many dental insurance plans have exclusions that allow them not to cover procedures that they usually covered. In other words you may have coverage where the insurance company may pay for bridges to replace teeth. However, sometimes they will not agree to pay if the teeth were extracted prior to you're being covered with their insurance plan.
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5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Louis Sterlinganswered
Prosthodontics 39 years experience
Probably not : Check your contract but replacement of teeth (front or back) is usually not considered cosmetic.
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5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Richard Reinitzanswered
41 years experience
No: However, your insurance may not cover this procedure as it may be considered a preexisting condition but this is not a cosmetic procedure.
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5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Matthew Teichanswered
Dentistry - Cosmetic 36 years experience
Fixed bridge: Fixed bridge is not considered cosmetic. But you might have issue with a pre existing condition. Your insurance company will only cover tooth replacement if your had the teeth removed while covered under a insurance. Plan.
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5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Douglas Tavenner, jr.answered
52 years experience
Consider Implants: A bridge required the cutting down of the teeth that are on each side of the missing teeth. An option would be to not cut them down by having a dental implant placed where the missing teeth are and then build a crown on each of these implants. This way, they are separate (not connected) from each of the teeth next to them. More costly however the better long term results are worth it.
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5.2k viewsReviewed Aug 26, 2021
Dr. Joseph Greenberganswered
Specializes in Prosthodontics
Not if teeth missing: If teeth are missing this is considered a functional replacement prosthesis.
Yes, if well done it can also be quite esthetic!
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5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Babak Jouharianswered
Prosthodontics 26 years experience
Missing teeth: Missing teeth is a dental problem, not only diminishes function could also affect the integrity and health of other teeth also.
(movement of other teeth close to the space of missing ones for example). Look into implant dentistry for the space too, it could be a better option than a bridge.
Cosmetic dentistry is when we change teeth purely for cosmetic reasons.
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5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Navdeep Virkanswered
22 years experience
Nope: If your insurance doesn't have a missing tooth clause it will be covered.
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5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Glenn MacFarlaneanswered
Cosmetic Dentistry 38 years experience
BRIDGE IS FUNCTIONAL: A bridge to restore a space from lost teeth is first and foremost to restore function. Your insurance company can not deny you reimbursement for a bridge unless they have a pre-existing clause before you received the benefit (teeth extracted ptior to your policy start date). They may offer only a removable denture but who wants that. Implants are the best solution if you have the bone support.
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5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Glenn MacFarlane commented
Cosmetic Dentistry 38 years experience
Provided original answer
Implants may be a bit costly but it is a long term investment. You may qualify for financing to make it worth your while.
Apr 6, 2013
Dr. I. Jay Freedmananswered
Dentistry 45 years experience
Ownership?: You have already received good information, but i feel it is important to recognize that your dental insurance benefits would probably not even come close to covering the expense for a quality bridge. You may want to investigate replacement by dental implants, which is normally less invasive and your dental insurance may help pay if they would cover an alternative benefit. Ask your dentist to help.
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5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Marielaina Perroneanswered
Cosmetic Dentistry 28 years experience
If the tooth....: Was missing before beginning your insurance coverage they will most likely not replace it. Your best bet is to contact your insurance company for your plans specifics.
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4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Andrew Killgoreanswered
Cosmetic Dentistry 18 years experience
Insurance games: It may not count as cosmetic dentistry, but check carefully about a missing tooth clause that would keep you from getting a benefit.
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4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. William Williams commented
Dentistry - Cosmetic 48 years experience
Insurance is not insurance...it is a benefit program with a cap on benefits determined by whoever pays the premium. Many are limited by terms of the contract. Look at the small print for exclusions. A bridge is never a cosmetic service. A bridge is always a functional service. The gotcha clause may be as mentioned, the missing tooth clause whereby the tooth was removed before the insurance policy took effect, making you ineligible for the benefit.
Sep 9, 2013
Dr. James Andersonanswered
Dentistry 21 years experience
No: A dental bridge is not considered cosmetic--but your insurance might have a missing tooth clause which would prevent them from covering it. Call your insurance company and tell them the truth. They can tell you if it is a covered or not.
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4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Reena Guptaanswered
Dentistry 21 years experience
No: Bridge would be considered as major treatment and fall under prosthodontics..Some insurance do have a missing tooth clause that means would cover bridge only when extraction was done within a certain period of time.
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4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Marc Gainor commented
Dentistry - Cosmetic 42 years experience
Although the closure of missing tooth gap will improve appearance it is NOT considered a cosmetic procedure. It is viewed by insurance as a replacement of missing teeth, which is a prosthetic procedure that will improve function (as well as cosmetics).
Oct 4, 2013
Dr. Jerry Huanswered
25 years experience
Function: If you're missing a tooth, it is partial edentulism with functional deficit, not esthetics. Insurance generally has a 5 year replacement rule, so if you never had anything for the "space", you have a good chance insurance will cover.
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4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Steven Corbenanswered
Dentistry - Cosmetic 42 years experience
Usually not cosmetic: Usually replacement of missing teeth are not considered cosmetic. A person needs all their teeth to function and chew properly. Ask your dentist to check with your insurance company for you. This is a very simple thing to do.
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4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Stephen Gordonanswered
45 years experience
Not usually cosmetic: But. If the teeth were not removed while covered by your insurance (maybe they were removed many years ago) then typically a bridge would not be covered. Either way, if the teeth on each side of the space are perfect or do not have large fillings or crowns, then please consider dental implants to replace your missing teeth as a bridge will need to be replaced ;the supporting teeth could decay.
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4.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Neil McLeodanswered
Prosthodontics 51 years experience
It's all cosmetic: All good restorative dentistry should be considered cosmetic. That does not mean that it is just for show, rather that it is all engineered to function well, and compliment the surrounding tissue, so that nothing stands out or draws attention to the repair. You should be able to close your "gap" and have it look good. Don't forget about the implant alternative.
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4.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Scott Bobbittanswered
Dentistry 34 years experience
Not "cosmetic": But nobody practices "ugly tooth dentistry!" but that won't stop a dental plan's denial of coverage. They often include a "missing tooth" clause, where, by contract, they don't have to pay anything toward the replacement of teeth missing prior to origination of the plan. In many cases, my preference, hands down, is implants. Don't know your age, but an average bridge will only last 12-15 yrs...
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4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Alexander Gamberanswered
Dentistry 15 years experience
Not usually: Bridges are not usually considered cosmetic. You are replacing missing teeth needed for chewing up food. You may want to consider implants as they don't require the preparing of adjacent teeth for restoration. Just something to think about! good luck!
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4.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. John Calvertanswered
Dentistry 38 years experience
Not usually: Dental insurance companies consider cosmetic dentistry to be procedures that are optional to enhance the look of a smile or a front tooth. A bridge whether in the front or back of the mouth would not be considered an optional cosmetic procedure. Having said that, insurance companies find all kinds of reasons for not covering various dental procedures. Many have a pre-existing missing tooth clause.
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4.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Fernando Juliaoanswered
Dentistry 32 years experience
Other factors..: A bridge is not cosmetic, but there may be a 'missing tooth exclusion' , where ins. Co. Will not pay for a bridge if "missing-teeth" were prior to having dental coverage. Dental insurance can be frustrating , have your dentist submit a prea-authorization to ins.Co.
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4.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Michael Greenanswered
Dentistry 11 years experience
Dental Bridge!: Most dental insurance companies have bridges as a covered benefit and they are usually covered under the major treatment category, not cosmetic dentistry! some insurance companies will not cover a bridge if the teeth were extracted before the insurance coverage started! i would pre-authorize if i were you!
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4.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Daniel Wolteranswered
Dentistry 32 years experience
It Shouldn't Be: A bridge is indicated to replace a tooth/teeth which are missing. So, that's not cosmetic...It's functional. A bridge needs strong teeth on either side of the gap to hold it in place, so it's not always possible. If a bridge is needed in the front of the mouth, where it is easily visible, your insurance company may try to classify that as cosmetic...But, it isn't. Replacing teeth is functional.
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4.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Robert Devinanswered
Dentistry 49 years experience
Bridge cosmetic?: Yes it is cosmetic, But if you had teeth there while under Insurance before you lost them, then maybe they will cover this benefit. Best
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4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A Verified Doctoranswered
Dentistry 45 years experience
Not cosmetic: Most of the time a dental bridge (fixed partial denture) is not considered cosmetic. It is replacing teeth that were removed or may not have ever been there. If a tooth was never there and missing it might be a little tougher to get the insurance to cover it since they will call it a pre-existing condition. Your dentist should be able to help you with the insurance company.
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3.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Robert Schwartzanswered
Cosmetic Dentistry 43 years experience
Dental Bridge: A dental bridge can be just as cosmetic as any other tooth enhancement or replacement such as implants, veneers or partials. If there are teeth missing, irrespective of their cosmetic effect, the insurance co. should cover the treatment. You may need to send in a pre-treatment estimate to get approval, but there is a possibility they would approve it, but it depends on your company's plan.
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2.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Kevin Nailanswered
Dentistry 13 years experience
Dental bridge: A bridge to replace a missing tooth/teeth is not considered cosmetic dentistry. Your dental insurance will absolutely pay for this unless they have a specific missing tooth clause that prevents you from replacing teeth that were missing prior to getting your dental insurance. The dental office you go to should be able to verify if you policy has a missing tooth clause or how much it will cover.
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2.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Robert Chinanswered
Dentistry 44 years experience
Bridge: A bridge is not just a cosmetic, but functional replacement. Ck your insurance coverage, a bridge would be allowed if the missing teeth were taken out while covered by your current insurance plan. Some plans will allow a removable replacement. Have a complete treatment plan developed by your dentist and ck your coverage and submit a predetermination before you start treatment.
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2.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Aalam Samsavaranswered
Dentistry 37 years experience
Depends: If the only reason any dental work is done is cosmetic and not because it is failing due to break down or decay insurance companies consider it a cosmetics otherwise no
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2.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Debra Rosenblattanswered
Dentistry 40 years experience
Bridge usually cover: A bridge is considered a functional dental appliance with limitations on replacements depending on the insurance. The usual is five years. The insurance companies, may deem porcelain, cosmetic depending on the location. If possible, for cosmetic reasons, I would go with an e-max anterior bridge or a zirconia posterior bridge. Implants and single crowns are also an option.
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2.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Stephen Calendine commented
Dentistry 36 years experience
Your insurance will cover part of the bridge cost if they have a pre-existing clause...meaning...if a tooth was lost when you weren't covered by the ins. co., they will cover for a bridge if your plan has a "pre-existing" clause in it for missing teeth. It's not considered cosmetic
May 24, 2015
Dr. Mark Birnbachanswered
Cosmetic Dentistry 50 years experience
Dentistry: Have your dentist write a letter to the insurance company describing the need to replace the missing teeth in order to return your mouth to proper form and function.
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2.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Aug 26, 2021
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