Cosmetic dentistry often requires a level of artistry and attention to detail that goes beyond routine care. When insurance networks limit your choices based on cost negotiations rather than quality, you may compromise the results you want for your smile.
At Mesa Dental, we’ve transitioned to an out-of-network model specifically to provide Summerlin patients with unrestricted, quality-focused cosmetic care. Dr. Emily Browner combines science-based techniques with a holistic approach to smile design, creating results without the limitations insurance contracts often impose on treatment options and time spent with patients.
Understanding Out-of-Network Dental Benefits
Most PPO dental plans cover care from both in-network and out-of-network providers, though the coverage percentages differ. In-network dentists agree to contracted fees set by insurance companies, while out-of-network dentists set their own fees based on training, materials, and time required for excellent results.
Your PPO plan typically reimburses out-of-network care at 50% to 80% of the usual and customary rates in your area. You pay the dentist directly and submit a claim for reimbursement. While this requires more upfront payment than in-network care, you gain access to dentists who prioritize quality over volume and can spend adequate time on complex cosmetic procedures.
Many patients discover their actual out-of-pocket difference is smaller than expected. For procedures like veneers at $1,800 per tooth, your insurance may reimburse $900 to $1,440 depending on your plan’s out-of-network benefits. The remaining balance reflects the investment in expertise, premium materials, and personalized attention that create lasting, natural-looking results.
Quality Over Volume in Cosmetic Dentistry
Insurance networks negotiate lower fees by requiring dentists to see more patients per day. This volume-based model works adequately for routine cleanings but creates challenges for cosmetic procedures requiring artistic precision and adequate consultation time.
At Mesa Dental, we schedule consultations to truly understand your smile goals, facial features, and expectations. Dr. Browner uses digital smile design technology to show you predicted outcomes before any treatment begins. We discuss options like no-prep versus traditional veneers, explain material differences, and create treatment plans based on what achieves your desired result rather than what insurance dictates.
The best dentistry is no dentistry, meaning we preserve as much natural tooth structure as possible while achieving your cosmetic goals. This philosophy requires time, advanced materials, and techniques that insurance fee schedules often don’t adequately cover. Out-of-network dentists maintain pricing that supports thorough consultations, quality materials, and unhurried treatment appointments.
Material Quality and Advanced Techniques
Porcelain veneers have survival rates of 94.4% after five years when crafted from high-quality materials and placed with proper technique. The materials we use, the laboratory partnerships we maintain, and the time we invest in each case directly affect your long-term satisfaction and the longevity of your results.
In-network providers sometimes face pressure to use less expensive materials or rush procedures to stay profitable under insurance fee schedules. We select premium porcelain that mimics natural tooth translucency and resists staining. We work with master ceramists who hand-craft each veneer to match your facial proportions and desired aesthetic.
Our SMART mercury removal certification and holistic approach to dentistry demonstrate our commitment to using the safest, most advanced materials and techniques available. These methods often exceed what insurance considers “usual and customary” but provide superior outcomes and patient safety.
Unrestricted Treatment Planning
Insurance companies create coverage guidelines based on necessity codes designed for basic dental care. Cosmetic procedures like veneers, advanced teeth whitening, and smile design often face limitations on the number of teeth covered, materials approved, or techniques allowed.
As an out-of-network practice, we design your treatment based entirely on what creates your ideal smile. If you want to improve eight teeth but your natural bite and facial proportions would benefit from treating ten, we can recommend the optimal approach without insurance restrictions. If your case requires two appointments for proper bonding rather than one rushed session, we schedule what’s needed for excellent results.
This freedom extends to our flexible financing options. We offer in-house payment plans, CareCredit, and an affordable membership program starting at $38 per month that includes cleanings, exams, and 20% off all treatments. These alternatives often provide better value than insurance coverage that limits quality for procedures costing thousands of dollars.
The True Cost of Quality Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry procedures like veneers are growing in demand, with the market expanding as more patients prioritize smile aesthetics. This growth reflects increased awareness that your smile affects confidence, career success, and social interactions.
Comparing costs solely by initial price tags misses the bigger picture. In-network veneers that crack within five years, show visible margins, or look artificial cost more in the long run when you need replacements. Out-of-network veneers that last 10 to 15 years with natural appearance and proper function represent better value despite higher upfront investment.
We provide detailed treatment estimates showing our fees, your expected insurance reimbursement based on your out-of-network benefits, and your estimated out-of-pocket costs. This transparency helps you make informed decisions and submit complete claims to maximize your reimbursement.
Experience Quality Cosmetic Dentistry at Mesa Dental
At Mesa Dental, Dr. Emily Browner brings a quality-focused, fee-for-service approach to cosmetic dentistry in Summerlin. We believe removing insurance restrictions allows us to provide the comprehensive care your smile deserves, combining science-based techniques with a holistic philosophy that treats the whole patient. Our SMART mercury removal certification and commitment to preserving natural tooth structure demonstrate our dedication to your long-term oral health and satisfaction.Many Summerlin residents already invest in quality for other aspects of their lives, and the same principles apply to cosmetic dentistry. You’re not just paying for a procedure but for the skill, experience, and attention to detail that create smile transformations you’ll love for decades. Contact us to learn how out-of-network benefits can work for your cosmetic goals and discover the difference quality-focused care makes.
