The cost of a crown with insurance depends on the type of crown, the dental plan and provider chosen. Generally, the cost can range from nothing (if it is covered by the policy) to several hundred dollars. The exact amount will vary based on factors such as co-pays, deductibles and coverage limits. It is best to consult your dentist or health insurance provider for an accurate assessment of your potential cost.
Contents:
Overview of Crown Costs
It can be confusing to understand the total cost of getting a crown when insurance is involved. After all, there are different costs depending on the type of crown that you get, as well as where you decide to get it done. In order to gain an understanding of what your potential out-of-pocket expenses could be for a crown, read on for an overview.
The base cost of getting a crown will range anywhere from $1,000 – $3,000 depending on if you opt for ceramic or porcelain material and other factors such as whether the dentist is able to perform the entire procedure in one appointment (onlay/inlay) or will need multiple visits (overlays). If your dental office uses advanced technology like CEREC CAD/CAM systems then this could further drive up the price due to additional materials and man hours required.
When considering your insurance coverage plan it’s important to look at both what services are covered and at what percentage rate they are covered so that you can make an accurate estimate of how much money you will end up having to put down before any work begins. Usually oral health plans provide for 50%-70% coverage once deductibles have been met; however exact details can vary wildly between providers so always double check with your carrier directly before making any commitments with a clinic regarding procedures.
Types of Dental Crowns
When it comes to dental crowns, there are a variety of materials that can be used. This includes porcelain, metal alloys, gold, and even zirconia. Depending on the type of material used for the crown, prices can vary greatly. For instance, porcelain and zirconia are typically more expensive than other materials due to their esthetic properties and durability. Metal alloy crowns are usually less expensive but still maintain an adequate level of strength and quality. Gold is among one of the most pricey options due to its rarity as a precious metal and its ability to maintain a gleaming look over time.
The cost for any type of crown will also depend on the individual’s insurance coverage. Insurance companies have different benefits when it comes to covering certain types of procedures such as crowns so it’s important to check with your provider before making any decisions regarding getting one put in place. Generally speaking however, insurance companies do tend to cover at least some portion of the cost associated with crown placement or replacements depending on which procedure is being done and how extensive the treatment might need to be in order for them to do so properly.
A patient’s financial standing can also play an important role in determining what type of dental work they may be able or willing to undergo at any given time since some treatments may be too costly under certain circumstances no matter how much money an individual has available for use towards these types of services. Consulting with a reputable dentist is always recommended before making any commitments regarding getting a new dental crown placed since they will likely have access to information about current pricing trends within their particular field that could potentially provide additional assistance during this decision-making process.
Benefits of Use with Insurance
In order to get the best value for a crown, those who have dental insurance are in luck. Coverage options can vary depending on the type of plan, but there are many advantages associated with using insurance when it comes time to pay.
One of these advantages is cost savings. With an insurance plan, individuals will only have to pay their personal out-of-pocket expenses related to getting a crown or other procedure done. Depending on the plan’s structure and one’s own deductible amount, this could be anything from a minimal co-pay all the way up to covering almost all costs related to the service being provided by the dentist’s office.
Another benefit of taking advantage of dental coverage is that much of one’s teeth health needs can be taken care of at once, including routine checkups, cleanings and cavity filling procedures as well as more specialized treatments such as orthodontics or restorative work. Having comprehensive coverage ensures that any issues addressed by visiting one’s dentist can potentially qualify for full or partial reimbursement from their provider instead of having to find alternative payment methods.
Utilizing insurance may give some added peace of mind when going through costly tooth and gum care treatment plans. Knowing that financial protection is available helps many feel less stress when making tough decisions about where they receive care and what services they obtain as part of their overall health maintenance program.
Steps to Determine Cost of Crown using Insurance
Once you have determined that a crown is the best option for restoring your teeth, the next step is to understand what it will cost with insurance. Every insurance provider has different coverage and deductible policies that can drastically change the amount of money you’ll pay out-of-pocket. To determine how much of your crown restoration costs your insurance company may cover, it’s important to review the following steps:
First, contact your insurer to confirm whether or not they provide coverage for dental crowns. Ask any questions about their policy on this type of procedure and be sure to take notes on anything they share which could be beneficial in calculating total costs. It’s also a good idea at this stage to make sure preauthorization has been granted by your insurer if required.
The next step is gathering information from both the dentist and insurer so you can get an estimate of total cost before the procedure begins. Request itemized estimates from both parties so there aren’t surprises when everything is said and done. Remember, most insurers have limits to what percentage of tooth restorations are covered under their policies. Knowing these percentages will help in creating realistic expectations for maximum coverage amounts based on types of materials used for crowns such as gold, porcelain fused metal or all ceramic/porcelain material used for fabrication. This level of detail helps ensure there won’t be any shocking financial surprises after services have been rendered.
Potential Additional Expenses
When it comes to getting a crown, cost is often an important factor. In addition to the cost of the dental procedure itself, there are additional costs that could be incurred when claiming insurance coverage. Knowing ahead of time what out-of-pocket expenses might be will help with budgeting and planning for the eventuality.
One major expense related to getting a crown could be professional tooth whitening services before and/or after the procedure. Though these may not necessarily have to be completed in order for successful completion of the crown, they can go a long way towards improving your smile. Professional whitening from a dentist or hygienist is more effective than home kits and tends to last much longer, making it worth its cost in many cases.
Another expenditure one should prepare for is extra visits made on top of their regular checkups. Since crowns require quite a bit of preparation prior to placement as well as followup afterwards – such as checking fitment and bite – those living far away from their dentist might find themselves incurring extra travel costs if frequent visits need to be scheduled for care. If needed or desired, special accommodations may also need to be considered so that needs like meals or lodging are met during multiple appointments over several days outside one’s normal area of residence.
How to Choose a Provider that Accepts Insurance
Finding the right provider to craft your crown with insurance can be a time-consuming process. There are a few steps you should take when searching for one that accepts insurance payments. First, do your research and find out what policies providers in your area offer, whether it is through word of mouth or online resources such as local websites and search engines. Make sure to read reviews from previous customers to ensure they have a good reputation in the industry and provide quality care.
Contact the provider and get detailed information on their coverage plans and how much they cover on crowns specifically. Many times providers will list their payment policy up front so you can make an informed decision if their plan fits into your budget and needs. Also ask what other services or products they provide, such as fillings or dentures so you can receive comprehensive treatment at this location.
Ask any questions you may have about the procedure before scheduling an appointment or signing any paperwork so there aren’t any surprises during the visit. Making sure all of your questions are answered upfront allows for greater peace of mind that you are making an educated decision on which provider is best suited for meeting your individual dental needs.
