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Restorative (Minor/Major)

Restorative dental care repairs and replaces damaged or missing teeth. It is divided into two categories: minor restorative, which includes fillings and simple repairs, and major restorative, which covers crowns, bridges, dentures, and complex work.

Plans generally cover minor restorative at higher reimbursement rates (around 80 percent) and major restorative at lower rates (around 50 percent). Waiting periods and pre-determination requirements often apply for major treatments.

Example:

If your plan covers 80 percent for minor restorative and you receive a $250 filling, the plan pays $200 and you pay $50.

What to Watch For:

Major restorative work usually requires pre-approval from the insurer. Submit treatment estimates early to confirm coverage before proceeding.

Related Terms

Recall Interval (Dental)

A recall interval specifies how often you can claim preventive dental services such as cleanings and exams. Common intervals are every six or nine months. Insurers use recall intervals to encourage regular maintenance while controlling unnecessary repeat treatments.

Major Restorative

Major restorative coverage includes complex dental procedures designed to restore the function and appearance of teeth. Examples include crowns, bridges, onlays, dentures, and sometimes implants. These treatments are more extensive and expensive than basic restorative services such as fillings.

Preventive / Basic Services

Preventive and basic services cover routine and common dental procedures that maintain and restore oral health. Preventive services include cleanings, X-rays, and exams, while basic services include fillings, extractions, and simple restorative work.

Orthodontics

Orthodontics covers the cost of correcting tooth alignment and jaw positioning using braces or aligners. In individual and group dental plans, orthodontic benefits are usually separate from preventive and restorative coverage. Most plans apply a lifetime maximum and a waiting period before orthodontic treatment is eligible.

Preventive (Dental Subcategory)

Preventive dental care focuses on maintaining oral health through regular cleanings, examinations, and minor treatments. It helps detect issues early, reducing the need for major dental work later. Services in this category include exams, X-rays, scaling, polishing, fluoride treatments, and sealants for children.

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