There is a “wives tale” out there among dental professionals that “All-Ceramic Crowns” are not covered by dental insurance plans, and that just isn’t the case. Insurance carriers that cover PFM’s (porcelain fused to metal crowns) will also cover All-Ceramic Crowns if they are submitted properly.
Dentists need to attach an x-ray and a narrative to all insurance claims they file and clearly explain why the tooth in question needs a crown. Not to be confused with cosmetic applications, all-ceramic crowns that are prescribed as a necessary solution to a failing tooth are viewed the same as PFM’s by insurance carriers.
Dr Joseph Giovannone, a dentist from Dental Arts in Utica, NY said, “We find the reimbursements for an All-Ceramic crown ADA code # D2740 to be the same as for a PFM crown ADA code #2750”.
All-ceramic crowns are becoming the preferred choice of dentists nationwide over PFM’s for their high strength and low wear of opposing enamel. Zirconia all-ceramic crowns are prescribed when high strength at 1100 MPa is preferred. Zirconia is 3x the strength of a PFM (PFM=350 to 400 MPa). If a conservative prep is called for, Zirconia can be made thin (to a minimum thickness of 0.5mm) and can support a feathered edge gingival reduction margin. Zirconia is also used for esthetically pleasing bridges. ZirluxFC2, a superior Zirconia choice, can be used for posterior or anterior crowns.
Another widely accepted all-ceramic material choice is LD (lithium disilicate). Lithium Disilicate is arguably the most esthetic high strength ceramic material used for anterior crowns. An in-office milled LD has the strength of 360MPa. A Press LD crown has more strength, 400MPa, which is similar to that of a PFM.
Biogenic Dental 