The cost of dental crowns in California can range from $800 to $3000, depending on the materials used and whether additional procedures are required.
Without dental insurance, many people tend to delay treatment causing more significant oral health problems. At Upland Dental Practice, we believe that every patient deserves access to essential dental restoration procedures.
The good news is that there are several financing options available to make the cost more manageable. Whether you have insurance, need a payment plan, or are considering alternative financing solutions, this guide will walk you through your best options.
Dental Crowns and Dental Insurance
Before discussing other financing options, let’s begin with the most common one—dental insurance. When it comes to dental crowns, though, private insurance companies often look at the procedure’s “medical necessity.”
In other words, dental insurance only covers crowns when it is necessary for one’s health improvement. Here are the common instances where dental crowns are recommended:
- Repairing a badly decayed tooth – a large decay can compromise tooth structure. A decayed enamel might soon break leading to tooth loss.
- Replacing a damaged filling – a tooth with a small hole can be easily fixed with a simple dental filling. But dental fillings aren’t impervious to breaking. When it breaks or gets damaged, your tooth becomes more exposed to bacteria, which can lead to infection.
- Protecting a tooth after a root canal – Fillings are often used to restore front teeth after root canal treatment. However, crowns are typically the preferred choice for back teeth, as they endure greater bite force and pressure.
How is Dental Crown Cost Reduced?
If a tooth cap is indeed necessary, your dental insurance company might still review your dental records, X-rays, and dentist’s treatment notes.
Once approved, your insurance provider will reduce the cost of a crown up to 50% as coverage varies based on your plan.
For instance, Guardian Life covers crowns only if the tooth cannot be restored with an amalgam or composite filling.
Coverage is also limited to cases where at least five years have passed since the last crown placement. Only individuals aged 16 and above are eligible for coverage.
Recementing of inlays, crowns, and bridges is limited to three times per tooth. Post and core procedures are covered only for endodontically treated teeth that require crowns.
How about if the treatment is out of coverage?
According to Delta Dental’s Cost Estimator, the estimated cost for a dental crown in Upland California with an out-of-network provider ranges from $1,584 to $1,959. This means you may need to pay out-of-pocket unless your insurance offers partial reimbursement.
What to Check with Your Insurance Provider
Four out of ten patients with dental coverage don’t fully understand their insurance policy. Terms such as waiting periods, annual maximums, and in and out-network dentists often appear as conundrums.
To get the most out of your dental coverage, these are the things you might want to check with your insurance provider.
- Waiting periods – A waiting period is the amount of time a policyholder must wait before insurance covers certain procedures. Some dental insurance plans impose a waiting period of six months to a year for major treatments, meaning new policyholders may need to delay getting a dental crown until the waiting period ends.
- Annual maximums – An annual maximum is the highest dollar amount an insurance plan will pay for covered dental services within a year. Most dental plans set this limit between $1,000 and $2,000, so if you’ve already used a portion of your benefits on other procedures, you may need to cover part of the crown’s cost out-of-pocket.
- In-network vs. out-of-network dentists – An in-network dentist is one who has an agreement with your insurance provider to offer services at negotiated, lower rates, while an out-of-network dentist does not have this agreement and may charge higher fees. Choosing an in-network provider can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses for treatments like dental crowns.
Other Financing Options for Dental Crowns
Dental offices may offer payment plans that allow you to break the total cost into monthly payments rather than paying everything upfront.
- Short-term, interest-free plans – Some dentists offer 0% interest financing for 6 to 12 months, making it easier to manage costs without accumulating interest.
- Extended payment plans with interest – If you need more time, longer-term payment plans may be available, but these often come with interest charges.
- Approval requirements – Some dental offices require a credit check for financing, while others allow any patient to enroll.
This financing option is good for:
- Individuals who don’t qualify for credit cards or loans – If your credit score is low, an in-house payment plan can be a good option.
- People who want to avoid interest charges – Interest-free plans help you spread out the cost without paying extra.
Membership Plans: A Cost-Effective Alternative
Membership plans are not insurance, but they provide significant savings on procedures like crowns. Here’s a sample in-house plan from Upland Dental Practice:
- Members pay a monthly fee of $39 or an annual plan for $298.72.
- They receive discounts of 25% on dental procedures such as dental crowns, fillings, and more.
- No waiting periods or deductibles, even maximums, making them a great option for immediate savings.
Choosing the Best Financing Option
The best financing option depends on your financial situation, credit history, and urgency of treatment.
- If you have insurance, check what’s covered before seeking other options. We suggest talking to your insurance provider and dental partner.
- For flexible payments, ask your dentist about in-house financing.
- Medical credit cards or personal loans might be the best choice if you don’t have dental insurance. This works best also if you have a good credit standing.
Exploring your options now can help you get the care you need without unnecessary financial stress. If you need dental crowns and a financing solution that fits the bill, reach us at Upland Dental Practice. Together we can work on a dental treatment that suits your needs. Book your free dental appointment online!
