Unlock Your Benefits: Same Day Crown with Delta Dental

Since you’re looking for a fast, durable solution for a damaged or decayed tooth, a same-day crown with Delta Dental can be a game-changer for your smile. With modern CEREC technology, your permanent restoration can be designed, milled, and placed in about two hours—eliminating temporary crowns and extra visits. In this guide, you’ll learn how same-day crowns work, what Delta Dental covers, and how to estimate your costs and find a nearby provider in Charlotte, NC.

understand same-day crowns

what are same-day crowns?

Same-day crowns are ceramic restorations fabricated and installed in a single appointment using computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM). Instead of taking putty impressions and sending them to an offsite lab, your dentist uses a digital scanner to map your tooth, mills a precision crown on-site, then bonds it in place.

According to Delta Dental, many offices now offer this one-visit option, which means no temporary crown and no second appointment (Delta Dental).

how CEREC technology works

• Digital scan: A small wand captures a 3D image of your prepared tooth.
• Design phase: Software helps your dentist shape the crown to match bite patterns and adjacent teeth color.
• Milling: A ceramic block is carved into your custom crown, usually in under 15 minutes.
• Final fit: After minor adjustments for comfort, the crown is bonded with strong dental cement.

This streamlined workflow preserves more tooth structure by minimizing drilling and delivers a precise fit for lasting durability (Carolina Smiles).

benefits for Charlotte patients

• Convenience: One appointment, no temporary crowns
• Comfort: Digital mapping replaces messy putty impressions
• Speed: Complete restorations in under two hours
• Durability: High-quality ceramic mimics natural enamel
• Aesthetics: Shade-matched crowns blend seamlessly

Whether you’re a busy professional or retiree in Charlotte, this approach cuts downtime and restores function immediately.

compare crown technologies

same-day vs traditional crowns

material differences

CEREC crowns are milled from a single block of dental-grade ceramic, offering biocompatibility and resistance to staining. Traditional labs may use porcelain fused to metal, which can leave a dark line at the gumline over time.

lifespan and durability

• Same-day ceramic crowns last on average 10–15 years with proper care
• Metal-based or porcelain crowns can last up to 15 years but require a temporary restoration first
• Regular checkups and good oral hygiene maximize longevity

review delta dental benefits

coverage for crowns

Delta Dental plans typically cover a percentage of crown costs once you meet your annual deductible. Coverage tiers vary by plan:

• Preventive services (cleanings, X-rays): often 100% covered
• Basic services (fillings, simple extractions): 80%–90% covered
• Major services (crowns, bridges, implants): 50%–80% covered

Depending on your plan, same-day crowns may fall under major services. Always confirm details in your benefit booklet or member portal.

in-network vs out-of-network

• In-network providers agree to pre-negotiated fees, reducing your share of the cost.
• Out-of-network dentists set their own prices; you may pay the difference between billed amount and Delta’s allowance.

For example, out-of-network crowns can range from $1,100 to $2,000 before insurance (Delta Dental). Visiting a network dentist helps keep your out-of-pocket expense lower.

claim process overview

1. Verify your coverage and deductible via the Delta Dental website or app.
2. Schedule an appointment with an in-network dentist who offers CEREC restorations.
3. Your dentist submits the crown claim electronically to Delta Dental.
4. Delta Dental processes the claim, applies benefits, and pays the dentist directly.
5. You pay any remaining balance at the time of service.

estimate your out-of-pocket costs

average costs with Delta Dental

Use Delta Dental’s cost estimator tool to check typical charges for same-day crowns in your area (Delta Dental). Below is a sample breakdown for a major service crown under a 50% coverage tier:

factors affecting your costs

• Deductible status: If you haven’t met your annual deductible, you pay 100% until it’s reached
• Coverage tier: 50% vs 60% vs 80% for major services
• Additional treatments: Core buildups or gum therapy may add to the total
• Geographic fees: Urban areas often have higher lab and office charges

using the cost estimator

1. Log into your Delta Dental member portal.
2. Select “Cost estimator” and enter “crown” in the search field.
3. Set your location to Charlotte, NC.
4. Review estimated costs for in-network providers.

This tool helps you plan finances and prevents surprises at your appointment.

choose in-network provider

finding Delta Dental dentists

To find a provider who offers same-day crowns, visit Delta Dental’s “Find a dentist” feature and filter by “CEREC” or “same-day crowns.” You can also ask your current dentist if they’ve added CAD/CAM technology.

local options in Charlotte

Many Charlotte practices have invested in CEREC milling machines. If your plan also covers implants, you might explore specialists featured under delta dental coverage for dental implants.

scheduling same-day service

• Call the office to confirm they offer same-day crown services
• Ask about your plan’s coverage and any required preauthorization
• Mention if you need an emergency same day crown with insurance to expedite treatment

By choosing an in-network dentist with CEREC capability, you ensure streamlined care and maximum benefits.

prepare for your procedure

pre-appointment requirements

• Complete any required X-rays or scans
• Confirm your benefit eligibility and deductible status
• Bring your Delta Dental ID card or member number

what to expect during visit

1. Numbing: Local anesthesia to keep you comfortable
2. Preparation: Minimal drilling to remove decay and shape the tooth
3. Scanning: Digital capture of your tooth and bite
4. Milling: While you wait, the crown is milled in the adjacent operatory
5. Bonding: Final fit adjustments and permanent cementation

aftercare tips

• Avoid chewing until anesthetic wears off
• Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste
• Floss gently around the crown margin
• Schedule regular checkups to monitor integrity

explore implant coverage

delta dental implant benefits

If you’re considering implants instead of or in addition to crowns, many Delta plans include coverage for implant crowns, abutments, and surgical placement under major services. Coverage percentages are similar to crowns, but plan details vary. Learn more about your options under insurance that covers dental implants and crowns.

comparison with crown coverage

when implants are medically necessary

Dentists typically recommend implants if:

• You have one or more missing teeth and want a fixed solution
• Adjacent teeth are healthy and you wish to avoid a bridge
• You need to secure dentures or improve chewing function

An implant-supported restoration may require a healing period of 3–6 months before crown placement, so factor this timeline into your decision.

take next steps

By understanding how a same-day crown with Delta Dental works and what your plan covers, you can restore your smile efficiently and affordably. Start by verifying your benefits online, then locate an in-network dentist in Charlotte who offers CEREC technology. If you have questions about implants, crowns, or coverage tiers, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Delta Dental representative or dental office. Your path to a durable, natural-looking restoration begins today—unlock your benefits and schedule your appointment with confidence.