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Dental crowns are essential restorative treatments used to strengthen or replace damaged teeth, but they can come with a hefty price tag. The typical cost of a single dental crown falls between $800 and $2,000, depending on the material used and your provider’s pricing. Without a dental savings plan or dental insurance, many patients must pay the full cost out of pocket.
This article breaks down how dental insurance and dental savings plans apply to crowns, helping you evaluate your best options. Whether you already have insurance, are uninsured, or simply want to reduce your dental bill, we’ll walk you through how to compare real plans available through DentalPlans.com so you can make an informed and affordable choice.
Understanding Crown Coverage in Dental Plans
Dental crowns are typically classified as major restorative services in dental insurance policies. Many insurance plans pay for 50% of the cost of a crown after you’ve met your deductible. Know that this coverage usually doesn’t kick in right away – most plans impose a waiting period of six to twelve months before major services are eligible. These waiting periods are standard for restorative care like crowns and other major procedures.
Most dental insurance plans also have an annual benefit maximum (also known as a spending cap), commonly ranging from $1,000 to $1,500. If you’ve already used a portion of this allowance on dental care earlier in the year, the amount available to cover a crown may be reduced or exhausted until your plan resets.
Additionally, some plans limit the type of materials they’ll reimburse for, meaning that higher-cost crown options such as all-porcelain, gold or zirconia may not be fully covered. Pre-existing condition clauses can also complicate coverage for teeth previously diagnosed as needing a crown. Check with your insurance provider and dentist for details on what your insurance does and does not cover.
Comparing Dental Insurance Plans for Crowns
Several dental insurance plans available through DentalPlans.com include dental crowns in their coverage. For instance, the Humana Complete Dental plan covers major services like crowns at 50% after the deductible, with a 12-month waiting period and annual spending cap of $1,500. Similarly, Delta Dental’s PPO Premium Plan includes crown coverage after the deductible, with a 12-month waiting period and an annual cap of $2,000. The Aetna Dental Direct PPO Plan reimburses 50-60% for a crown, with a 12 month waiting period for major services that is waived if you had prior dental insurance and an annual spending limit of $1,250.
These examples reflect broader trends among dental insurance policies. While they can significantly reduce your costs for restorative treatments, they also require advanced planning. If your crown procedure is urgent, the required waiting period could delay treatment. Additionally, once your plan’s annual maximum is reached, you’ll need to pay the remaining costs out-of-pocket.
Comparing Dental Savings Plans for Crowns
Unlike insurance, dental savings plans are membership-based programs that provide instant access to discounted rates on dental care, including crowns. There’s no waiting period, no annual limit, and no reimbursement process. Once your plan activates (typically within three business days of joining), you simply visit a participating dentist and pay the reduced fee at the time of service.
For example, the Careington 500 Series offers immediate savings of 20% on crowns. The Cigna Plus Dental Savings Plan typically reduces the cost of crowns by 50-60%, while the Aetna Vital Savings Plus program provides discounts of 40%-50% on crowns. These plans can be activated in just a few days and are accepted at thousands of dental offices nationwide.
Dental Savings Plans vs. Dental Insurance
The right choice between a dental savings plan and dental insurance depends on your timing, current coverage, and financial situation.
Dental insurance might be the better fit if your employer offers a group plan, and you are past or nearly past the waiting period for major services. It’s also worth considering if you typically only need preventive care such as cleanings and checkups, which dental insurance usually covers at 100% (no additional cost to you).
However, if you need a crown as soon as possible and aren’t currently insured, a dental savings plan can offer immediate discounts without delays. They’re also an excellent choice for those who’ve already used up their insurance plan’s annual maximum or are looking for savings on additional treatments like cosmetic dental care or dental implants.
You can also use a dental savings plan as a supplement to your dental insurance, to reduce the costs of procedures not covered by your insurance and to pay for procedures that exceed your annual spending limit. You cannot combine dental savings plans and insurance to pay for the same procedure, and some insurance companies may have restrictions on supplemental insurance use. Check with your plan provider.
For a quick look at how much you can save on crowns and other dental treatments with a dental savings plan, use the calculator below.
Disclaimer: Savings may vary by provider, location, and plan. All cost averages obtained from DentalPlans.com procedure search tool, and independent research.
