Bring your plan, and we’ll work your care around it. You’ll hear what any treatment costs before you decide.
Using your dental insurance at Pearl
We accept dental insurance from Aetna, Ameritas, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Delta Dental, Guardian, Humana, Lincoln Financial, MetLife, Principal and UnitedHealthcare. Tell us your plan when you book, and we’ll work with you to fit your care around it.
Insurance is confusing, and nobody likes a bill they didn’t expect. So before any treatment, we go through what it costs and talk through your options, and you decide with the numbers in front of you.
“They’ve also been very accommodating and have worked with me around my timeline and insurance, which I really appreciate.”
Dental insurance we accept
If your plan is from one of these carriers, bring your card to your first visit. If it isn’t listed, call us: we’re adding plans.
- Don’t see your plan?Call (312) 858-7067
What does dental insurance usually cover?
Most plans sort care into three tiers. Preventive care, such as cleanings, exams and routine X-rays, is often covered in full, usually twice a year. Basic care, such as fillings and extractions, is often covered at around 70 to 80 percent. Major care, such as crowns, bridges and implants, is often covered at around 50 percent.
That makes regular checkups the best use of your plan. They often cost you little or nothing, and they catch problems while they’re small and cost less to fix.
Plans also have a yearly maximum, often between $1,000 and $2,000, a deductible, and sometimes a waiting period before major work is covered. If you need larger work, we’ll talk through timing with you, so you get the most from your plan.
Is cosmetic dentistry covered by insurance?
Usually not, though it’s worth asking. Whitening, veneers chosen for appearance and cosmetic bonding are typically paid for by you. When a treatment also repairs a tooth, a crown over a broken tooth for example, part of it may be covered.
Botox and fillers given for cosmetic reasons aren’t covered by dental insurance. Whatever the mix, you’ll hear the cost of each part before you decide, so you know what you’re paying for before you start.
Can I use an HSA or FSA for dental care?
Usually, yes. Health savings and flexible spending accounts can generally be used for dental treatment, though not for purely cosmetic work. Check the rules of your account.
Things to have ready when you book
Have these ready when you book or when you arrive:
- Your dental insurance card, or the plan name, member ID and group number
- A photo ID
- A list of any medications you take
- Recent X-rays from another dentist, if you have them
Not sure what your plan covers? Call the number on your insurance card, or ask us when you book.
Paying without dental insurance
You can still come to Pearl, and you can ask what your visit costs before you book. Many people without insurance pay for checkups and cleanings as they go, which usually costs less over time than treating problems later.
Only the treatment you need, explained before you decide
Before any larger treatment, such as veneers, Invisalign or implants, you’ll hear the full cost and your options, with time to think it over and no pressure to decide that day. We recommend only what you need, and if there’s a smaller fix, we’ll tell you. Ask us about ways to pay when we talk it through.
Insurance questions
Do you take my insurance?
Very likely. We accept plans from Aetna, Ameritas, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Delta Dental, Guardian, Humana, Lincoln Financial, MetLife, Principal and UnitedHealthcare. If yours isn’t listed, call us and we’ll tell you how it works at Pearl.
How many cleanings does dental insurance cover?
Usually two cleanings and exams a year, often at little or no cost to you. Some plans cover more for people with gum disease.
Does insurance cover dental X-rays?
Usually, yes. Most plans cover routine bitewing X-rays about once a year and a full set every few years.
Does insurance cover Invisalign?
Sometimes. Plans with orthodontic coverage often include clear aligners like Invisalign, usually up to a lifetime maximum. Check your plan’s orthodontic benefit.
Does insurance cover dental implants?
Some plans cover part of an implant, often at the major-care level of around 50 percent, up to the yearly maximum.
Why didn’t my insurance cover the whole bill?
Usually because of the plan’s deductible, its coverage percentage for that treatment, a frequency limit, or the yearly maximum. Bring the statement in or call us, and we’ll go through it with you.
Something else on your mind? Call (312) 858-7067
Bring your plan, and your questions
Call us, or book a visit and bring your insurance details. You’ll know the cost before anything is done.