We verify your benefits before your visit and give you costs in writing. No insurance? You still have simple options.
We file claims for you with every PPO plan, and are in network with these carriers.
Plan participation changes. Call (412) 555-0133 to confirm your specific plan before your visit.
| Feature | PPO insuranceIn network with 7 major plansYour plan premium | Best without insuranceNorthstar membershipFor patients without insurance$349 a year (sample) | 0% financingFor larger treatment plansFrom $85 a month (sample) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two exams and cleanings | Usually 100% covered | Included | Not applicable |
| Routine x-rays | Usually 100% covered | Included | Not applicable |
| Fillings and root canals | Often 50 to 80% covered | 15% off fees | Spread over 6 to 18 months |
| Crowns and implants | Often 50% up to yearly max | 15% off fees | Spread over 12 to 18 months |
| Whitening and veneers | Not covered | 10% off fees | Available |
| Deductible or waiting period | Plan dependent | None | Credit approval |
| Annual maximum | $1,000 to $2,000 typical | No maximum | Approved amount |
In network with 7 major plans
Your plan premium
For patients without insurance
$349 a year (sample)
For larger treatment plans
From $85 a month (sample)
Swipe to compare options. Figures are samples for illustration.
Guide 05 of 07
Dental insurance is a benefit with a ceiling, not health cover. Three minutes here will tell you more than the booklet your employer sent.
Sample results for a demo practice. Plan participation and benefits change, so we verify yours in writing before your visit. Call (412) 555-0133 if your card says something different.
Sample result
We will show you whether that plan is in network here, what it usually means for your share of the bill, and the one thing worth checking on your specific policy.
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In network
One of the plans we see most in Pittsburgh. Benefits are usually verified electronically the same day you book.
Typical PPO structure shown for illustration. Your own percentages, maximum and waiting periods are whatever your employer bought, which is why we verify before you sit down.
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In network
Local plan, and the one most likely to bundle with a UPMC medical policy. Check whether your employer bought the higher annual maximum.
Typical PPO structure shown for illustration. Your own percentages, maximum and waiting periods are whatever your employer bought, which is why we verify before you sit down.
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In network
Watch the difference between the DPPO and the DHMO products. Only the DPPO lets you use your benefits here.
Typical PPO structure shown for illustration. Your own percentages, maximum and waiting periods are whatever your employer bought, which is why we verify before you sit down.
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In network
PDP and PDP Plus have different fee schedules. Tell us which one your card says.
Typical PPO structure shown for illustration. Your own percentages, maximum and waiting periods are whatever your employer bought, which is why we verify before you sit down.
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In network
Many Aetna plans roll unused benefit forward. It is worth asking whether yours does.
Typical PPO structure shown for illustration. Your own percentages, maximum and waiting periods are whatever your employer bought, which is why we verify before you sit down.
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In network
Guardian plans often cover a third cleaning a year for patients with treated gum disease.
Typical PPO structure shown for illustration. Your own percentages, maximum and waiting periods are whatever your employer bought, which is why we verify before you sit down.
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In network
Common on state and union plans. Waiting periods for major work are the thing to confirm.
Typical PPO structure shown for illustration. Your own percentages, maximum and waiting periods are whatever your employer bought, which is why we verify before you sit down.
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In network
Another local plan. Frequency limits on x-rays are usually the tightest part of it.
Typical PPO structure shown for illustration. Your own percentages, maximum and waiting periods are whatever your employer bought, which is why we verify before you sit down.
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Accepted for children
Children's coverage with no copay for preventive care on most plan tiers. Bring the child's card to the first visit.
Typical PPO structure shown for illustration. Your own percentages, maximum and waiting periods are whatever your employer bought, which is why we verify before you sit down.
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Out of network, claims still filed
We are happy to treat you and we submit the claim for you. You may simply pay a little more of the balance, and we will tell you how much in writing first.
Typical PPO structure shown for illustration. Your own percentages, maximum and waiting periods are whatever your employer bought, which is why we verify before you sit down.
The most your plan will pay out in a benefit year, commonly $1,000 to $2,000 (sample range).
Where people get caught: It resets on the plan year, not always in January, and unused benefit almost never carries over. Large treatment is often worth splitting across two plan years.
What you pay before the plan pays anything, commonly $50 per person (sample figure).
Where people get caught: It usually does not apply to preventive visits, and a family deductible may be capped at three individuals.
The classic split is preventive 100%, basic 80%, major 50%, by treatment category.
Where people get caught: The percentage applies to the plan's allowed fee, not our fee. Which category a treatment falls into varies between carriers.
How long you must hold the policy before a category is covered. Often none for preventive, 6 months for basic, 12 months for major.
Where people get caught: A new job means a new policy, and waiting periods restart. Prior coverage sometimes waives them, but only if you ask.
How often a benefit can be used: two cleanings a year, bitewings every 12 months, a crown once every five to seven years.
Where people get caught: Some are counted per calendar year and some at six-month intervals to the day, which is why a visit booked a week early can be refused.
The number is on the back of your card. Ask these seven questions in this order, write the answers on the same sheet, and bring it with you. Our front desk will happily make the call with you instead if you prefer.
Request an appointmentGeneral information, not dental advice, and not a guarantee of benefits. Figures on this page are samples for illustration; your coverage is determined by your own policy documents and your insurer.
No insurance needed
Preventive care for a flat yearly fee, with savings on everything else. No deductibles, no maximums, no waiting periods.
Request appointment$349 per adult, per year (sample)
Children under 14: $259 a year (sample)
Sample price ranges for our Pittsburgh office, so you can plan before you sit in the chair. Your written estimate comes before any treatment.
| Treatment | Without insuranceStandard office fee | With PPO insuranceTypical patient share | Northstar membershipMember fee, no insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| ExNew patient exam, x-rays and cleaningPreventive | $240 to $320 | $0 to $40 | Included |
| FiTooth-colored filling, one surfaceRestorative | $180 to $280 | $40 to $90 | $155 to $240 |
| RcRoot canal, molarRestorative | $1,100 to $1,450 | $330 to $580 | $935 to $1,230 |
| CrSame-day ceramic crownRestorative | $1,250 to $1,550 | $560 to $780 | $1,060 to $1,320 |
| ImSingle implant with abutment and crownRestorative | $3,900 to $5,200 | $2,400 to $3,900 | $3,315 to $4,420 |
| DeComplete denture, per archRestorative | $1,600 to $2,400 | $800 to $1,400 | $1,360 to $2,040 |
| NgNight guard for grinding or TMJSleep and TMJ | $450 to $650 | $225 to $650 | $385 to $550 |
| SaOral appliance for sleep apneaSleep and TMJ | $1,800 to $2,600 | Often billed to medical | $1,530 to $2,210 |
| WhTake-home whitening traysCosmetic | $350 to $450 | Not covered | $315 to $405 |
| VePorcelain veneer, per toothCosmetic | $1,300 to $1,800 | Not covered | $1,170 to $1,620 |
Preventive
Restorative
Restorative
Restorative
Restorative
Restorative
Sleep and TMJ
Sleep and TMJ
Cosmetic
Cosmetic
Swipe for more treatments
All figures are sample ranges for illustration, not a quote. Insurance shares assume a typical PPO plan after the deductible and before the annual maximum. Your exact cost depends on your plan, the tooth and your exam findings.
For larger treatment, pay over time with approved credit through our financing partners.
Example based on a $1,500 treatment plan. Rates, terms and approval depend on credit. Figures are for illustration only.
| Term | APR | Monthly | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 months | 0% APR | $250 | $1,500 |
| 12 months | 0% APR | $125 | $1,500 |
| 18 months | 0% APR | $83.33 | $1,500 |
| 36 months | 9.9% APR | $48.33 | $1,739.88 |
We are in network with Delta Dental PPO, UPMC Dental Advantage, Cigna DPPO, MetLife PDP, Aetna PPO, Guardian and United Concordia, and we file claims for most other PPO plans as out of network.
Yes. Send your insurance details when you request an appointment and our billing coordinator will verify coverage and share an estimate before you arrive.
The Northstar membership covers two exams, two cleanings, x-rays and 15% off most treatment for a flat yearly fee. We also offer 0% financing on approved credit.
Your estimated portion is due at the time of service. We accept cards, HSA and FSA cards, and approved financing.
Northstar care guides
Seven guides, written by our doctors and kept free of sales talk. Each one stands on its own.
Tell us what you need and when you are free. Our front desk confirms within one business day.
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