Does having a PPO affect my crown?

 Slightly.  The average porcelain fused to metal crown fee in this area is around $900-$1000, and PPO fees for crowns (in the plans that we participate in) vary from $500 to $800.  Some doctors always use cheapest lab possible, profiting more when the crown fees are higher.

As far as our office is concerned, we budget the best crown that the crown fee allows--15% is budgeted towards crown fabrication.  If we have a coupon for $50 off a crown, we don't pocket the difference; we use it to upgrade the patient's crown to a higher quality one at no additional cost to them.

Questions to Ask Your Dentist

1. If I am getting a porcelain fused to metal crown, how much gold is in the metal? Am I getting a high noble metal crown, or a cheaper base metal crown?
2. If it's a front tooth, will there be a visible metal margin? How much to upgrade to crown with no metal margin?
3. Is it appropriate and affordable to have a metal free crown?  (for example, all porcelain is not a good idea for second molars, because 3mm off a 4mm tall tooth doesn't leave much)

Listen to what the doctor has to say, and how he or she says it.  If it sounds defensive, think twice.  If the answer sounds too slick, like a car salesman, also be cautious.  It's your mouth, so make sure you always get honest and trustworthy answers from honest and trustworthy people.

For additional information, please also read What's Your Crown Fee?