Cosmetic Dentist in Burbank: Using Your PPO Insurance

Magnolia Dentistry accepts PPO dental plans for cosmetic and restorative care in Burbank, including plans from Delta Dental, Aetna, Cigna, MetLife, Guardian, UnitedHealthcare, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of California. Purely cosmetic treatments such as veneers and whitening are usually excluded by dental insurance, but many smile makeovers include restorative work that a PPO plan may help pay for. We'll show you which parts of your plan apply before treatment begins.

Here's how to think about insurance when you're planning a new smile.

What PPO plans usually don't cover

Most dental plans exclude treatment done mainly to improve appearance. That typically includes:

• Porcelain veneers placed to change color, shape or small gaps
• Professional teeth whitening
• Cosmetic bonding for small chips or shape changes
• Gum contouring for appearance

Plans vary, so check the limitations and exclusions section of your benefits summary. Our guide on whether dental insurance covers veneers explains the reasoning in detail.

What a PPO plan may help with

Many people who want a better-looking smile also have teeth that need repair. When treatment is needed for health or function, your PPO plan may help:

• Crowns on teeth that are broken, heavily filled or weakened are often covered as major restorative care.
• Tooth-colored fillings that replace decay or failing fillings are commonly covered as basic care, sometimes at the rate of a less expensive filling material.
• Replacing missing teeth with a bridge or implant may be partly covered, subject to your plan's rules. See our guide to PPO coverage for dental implants.
• Orthodontics, including Invisalign, falls under separate orthodontic benefits, which are often limited for adults.
• Exams, X-rays and cleanings before cosmetic work are usually covered under preventive benefits.

Your dentist recommends treatment based on what each tooth needs, not on what insurance will pay. A good cosmetic plan simply makes clear which parts are restorative and which are elective.

Planning a smile makeover around your benefits

At your consultation, Dr. Liyan Massaband reviews your goals, your teeth and gums, and your bite, then explains the options. We'll show you which steps your PPO plan may help with and which will be out of pocket, and request a predetermination for any covered restorative work.

When a plan includes both restorative and cosmetic steps, it can sometimes be phased, with covered work first and elective work after, or split across benefit years when timing is flexible. Our guide on using your benefits before they reset explains how.

Thinking about a new smile? Book a cosmetic consultation and bring your PPO details. We'll explain your options and how your benefits may apply. Discuss your treatment and insurance options or call (818) 846-9041.

Paying for the elective portion

For cosmetic treatment insurance doesn't cover, many patients use CareCredit or Cherry financing, subject to credit approval. HSA and FSA rules generally exclude purely cosmetic procedures, so check with your plan administrator before using those funds.

PPO plans we accept

We accept PPO plans from most major insurers; see our guides for Delta Dental, Aetna, Cigna, MetLife, Guardian, UnitedHealthcare, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of California. We don't accept dental HMO plans or government-funded programs such as Medi-Cal Dental.

Cosmetic dentistry in Burbank

Magnolia Dentistry is at 2800 W Magnolia Blvd in Burbank, close to Toluca Lake, North Hollywood, Studio City and Glendale. Learn more about our approach to cosmetic dentistry and see real results in our smile gallery.

Questions patients often ask

Will my PPO pay for veneers if I also need crowns?

Your plan may help with crowns on teeth that need them, while veneers on healthy teeth are usually excluded. We'll show you how each part is likely to be treated before you decide.

Does PPO insurance cover Invisalign?

Invisalign falls under orthodontic benefits, which many plans limit to children or cap with a lifetime maximum. Our guide on [insurance for orthodontic treatment](/insurance-for-orthodontic-treatment/) explains more.

Is teeth whitening ever covered?

Rarely. Most plans treat whitening as cosmetic. In uncommon cases, such as whitening a single tooth after a root canal, ask your insurer.

This article is general patient education and is not a diagnosis or a substitute for an in-person dental examination.