Are crowns covered by dental insurance?

Since medically necessary crowns are considered a major restorative procedure, most dental insurance plans cover 50% of the cost. Some plans, such as Aflac dental insurance, may offer increasing coverage if you maintain your plan for several years. However, you must also meet your plan’s deductible before coverage starts. Furthermore, you may have to pay the remainder out of pocket if you reach your annual maximum. You may have to pay the total cost out of pocket if you only want a crown for cosmetic reasons.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Crowns?

Q: How dental crowns work?

Dental crowns are custom-made caps designed to permanently replace weak, damaged, or decayed teeth. These devices fit snugly over the target tooth, restoring its appearance and function. They help you eat and speak normally while preventing further damage and decay. Plus, they restore your smile by mimicking natural teeth. Dentists can make crowns with various materials, each offering benefits and considerations

If your tooth is weak, cracked or decayed, a dental crown can help restore your smile. While this procedure can be expensive, dental insurance for crowns can make it more affordable. Aflac's network dental insurance covers dental crowns and many other services, while our supplemental dental insurance offers cash benefits for eligible costs that your network plan doesn't cover. Read on to learn how dental crowns work, how much they cost and how to find dental insurance that covers crowns.

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Key Takeaways

Dental crowns cost between $800 and $2,500 without insurance,¹ depending on the materials used, your tooth’s location, and whether you need additional dental procedures.
Dental insurance plans often cover around 50% of the cost of dental crowns.
Aflac’s network and supplemental dental insurance can help cover dental crowns and other dental care expenses.

What is a dental crown?

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that fits over a damaged or decayed tooth to repair its shape, strength and appearance. Your dentist may recommend a dental crown to:

Repair a cracked or weakened tooth
Protect a tooth after a root canal
Cover a large cavity
Support a dental bridge
Improve the appearance of discolored or misshapen teeth

A dental crown can restore your ability to chew and speak comfortably and improve the appearance of your smile. It can also protect your teeth from developing more serious and expensive issues in the future.

What are dental crowns made of?

Dental crowns can be made from a variety of materials. Depending on the location of your tooth, your dentist may use:

Ceramic or porcelain, which resembles natural teeth, making them a popular option for front teeth.
Metal, such as gold or other alloys, which are often used for molars because of their durability.
Porcelain fused to metal, which combines a strong metal base with a porcelain exterior, offering a balance of durability and natural aesthetics.
Zirconia, which is a stronger form of ceramic that also offers strength and a natural appearance.

How much does a dental crown cost?

The average dental crown costs $800 to $2,500 without insurance.¹ Your crown's pricing ultimately depends on the following factors:

Materials: Whether you prioritize strength or aesthetics, your choice of materials may influence the total cost of your crowns.
Tooth location: Back teeth may be harder to reach and require additional preparation, which can increase the overall cost.
Additional procedures: You may need additional treatments before receiving a crown, such as a root canal or dental implant.
Location: Dentists in areas with a higher cost of living may charge more for their services.
Insurance: If you have dental insurance that covers crowns, you may only need to pay a portion of the cost out of pocket.

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Are crowns covered by insurance?

If you need a crown, you may be wondering, “Does dental insurance cover crowns?” Luckily, many plans cover crowns, including Aflac’s dental insurance.

Since crowns are considered a major restorative procedure, most dental insurance plans cover around 50% of their cost. This coverage can save you hundreds of dollars. For example, let’s say you need a porcelain dental crown that costs $1,500. If you have dental insurance that covers crowns and your waiting period is over, you may only need to pay $750 out of pocket.

Keep in mind that your plan’s deductible, annual maximum and waiting period can affect how much your insurance covers. You may also save more by visiting an in-network dentist.

Get Aflac’s dental insurance for crowns

If you have a damaged tooth, a dental crown can be an important investment in your oral health. The right dental insurance plan can put this essential treatment within reach.

Aflac’s network dental insurance covers dental crowns and many other major dental services. If you maintain your plan for several years, your annual maximum benefit may increase and your deductible may decrease over time.

You can secure additional coverage with our supplemental dental insurance, which offers cash benefits for eligible dental expenses. We also offer Dental, Vision and Hearing (DVH) insurance, which provides three types of supplemental coverage under one premium.

Speak with an Aflac agent today to learn more about your coverage options and get a quote.

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