How often will dental insurance pay for crowns?
Asked by: Prof. Destini Larson PhD | Last update: November 5, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (20 votes)
How often does dental insurance cover crowns?
For example, some plans will only pay for a new dental crown every 5 years or a deep cleaning every 36 months. Some procedures will only be covered once in a lifetime. To avoid an expected dental bill, investigate these restrictions in advance.
How many times can you get crowns done?
The tooth's structure can support a new crown. So, if the tooth remains healthy and robust, you can replace the crown many times. Your dentist can suggest alternative treatments if your tooth sustains damage, such as dental implants, veneer, onlays, or Inlays…
Why won't my dental insurance cover crowns?
Most crowns are placed due to tooth decay or damage but occasionally one is placed for cosmetic reasons. Most insurance companies will not cover crowns for this reason.
What is the average cost of a full set of crowns?
Cost of dental crown ranges from $500 to $3,000 per tooth; depending on the type of material. Porcelain crowns typically cost between $800 - $3,000 per tooth. Porcelain fused to metal crowns cost vary between $800 and $1,400 per tooth. Metal crowns (Gold alloy and mix) price between $800 to $2,500.
Dental Insurance and Crowns 9265
What happens if I can't afford a crown?
If you can't afford a crown, it's wise to discuss your financial situation with your dentist. They may be able to work with you to find alternative treatment options or recommend resources for financial assistance, such as dental schools or clinics that offer reduced-cost services.
How to get insurance to pay for crowns?
To cover crowns, you'll first need to meet your deductible. This is the amount that you're responsible for before coverage kicks in. You may also have to pay coinsurance, which is a share of the procedure's cost. After that, the plan offers significant coverage, such as 50% of the cost of the crowns.
Does Blue Cross Blue Shield pay for crowns?
Dental Insurance Coverage on Crowns
Crowns are considered a major restorative service and are classified as Class C Major in your Blue Cross Blue Shield FEP Dental benefits brochure. Discuss with your dentist about sending a treatment plan in for a pre-estimate and call customer service if you have any questions.
How long are crowns guaranteed for?
Dental crown warranties vary in length, typically 5-10 years. Factors impacting longevity include oral hygiene, habits, and overall oral health. Within the warranty, free repairs or replacements are common.
What makes a crown medically necessary?
A dental crown may be needed in the following situations: To protect a weak tooth (for instance, from decay) from breaking or to hold together parts of a cracked tooth.
What age do most people get crowns?
The doctor's advice is to have teeth done at least 18 years old. However, there are some exceptions, under the age of 18 but have had enough teeth and teeth are experiencing decay or chipped teeth, porcelain crowns can still be applied to protect the original teeth.
What is the difference between a cap and a crown?
A dental crown covers the entire tooth above the gum line and requires more preparation of the natural tooth structure. On the other hand, a dental cap only covers a portion of the damaged or decayed tooth and requires less removal of healthy enamel.
Do crowns cost more than implants?
Dental implants will always cost more than a dental crown or bridge. You will likely need to schedule several visits with an oral surgeon, compared to the relatively quick process of placing a crown. Most dental insurance plans cover dental crowns, while not all plans cover dental implants.
How frequently will most insurance companies replace crowns?
Because crowns are expected to last at least 5 years, generally, most insurance companies will cover the cost of replacing a crown after that period.
Do dentists do payment plans for crowns?
Yes, many dentists offer payment plans to help patients spread the cost of treatment over time. These plans are often interest-free (for a specified period) or have low interest.
Why would insurance deny a crown?
Crowns that are to restore and repair lesions due to wear, attrition, abrasion, and abfraction are not typically covered. Most of the time, if the periodontal health of a tooth is impaired, the long-term prognosis of keeping the crown is not good and the chances of insurance denying the claim is strong.
Who pays for a failed crown?
A dentist is generally responsible for a failed crown if the failure results from improper placement, poor fit, or inadequate materials used during the procedure.
How long can I go without my crown?
A tooth can survive for several weeks without a crown. However, this is not advisable as your teeth remain exposed. This could make your teeth sensitive to hot or cold temperatures and cause further damage. If you would not like to use a crown on your tooth, you could use dental veneers as an alternative for crowns.
Are crowns stronger than real teeth?
A dental crown is designed to be as durable as the rest of the tooth and is often 10 to 15 times stronger than natural teeth.
What is the most dental insurance will cover?
- 100% for preventive care including cleanings, exams, and X-rays.
- 80% for basic procedures, such as fillings.
- 50% for major procedures, such as crowns and dentures.
Are dental crowns deductible?
Only medically necessary dental treatments are deductible, such as teeth cleanings, sealants, fluoride treatments, X-rays, fillings, braces, extractions, dentures, and dental-related prescription medications. Cosmetic procedures (like veneers and teeth whitening) and non-prescription medicines are not tax-deductible.
When you can't afford a crown?
Many dentists offer payment plans or financing to help you pay for care over several weeks or months if you cannot afford a dental crown. Please do not let the cost of a crown prevent you from getting care. Your community may have a university dental school or dental clinic to help you get the necessary care.
How long does it take insurance to approve a crown?
Major dental work: Major work may have a three-month to one-year waiting period. Major work generally includes crowns, bridges, and dentures.
What does dental insurance not cover?
Many plans do not cover elective services or procedures deemed cosmetic in nature. This means that treatments like teeth whitening or veneers may not be covered under your dental insurance policy.