Does MetLife Dental Cover Implants? Unpacking the Real Benefits

Does MetLife dental insurance pay for implants? The short answer: sometimes, and how much depends on your plan.

MetLife's official Cost & Coverage page confirms that their dental plans can contribute up to 50% off dentist list prices. That's a meaningful discount, especially when implant procedures can exceed $3,000 per tooth.

However, the real story is in the details. Not every MetLife policy includes major restorative work like implants, and coverage often hinges on whether the plan is PPO, HMO, or part of a group benefits package.

This article breaks down how MetLife handles coverage for dental implants. Ready to decode it?

Which MetLife Dental Insurance Plans Cover Implants-and How Much?

PPO Plans: Percentage-Based Coverage with Flexibility

MetLife's Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans dominate its dental offerings, available to both individuals and employer groups.

For major services such as dental implants, most MetLife PPO plans pay 50% of the negotiated fee. This applies when treatment is performed by an in-network provider. If performed out-of-network, reimbursement still applies, but the allowed amount is often calculated using MetLife's Maximum Allowable Charge (MAC), reducing the percentage coverage and increasing your cost.

• In-network dentists: about 50% coverage for implants after deductible is met

• Out-of-network dentists: approximately 50% of the MAC, which may be significantly less than the dentist's fee

• Deductibles: usually $50 for individuals and $150 for families per year, applied before major service coverage kicks in

The PPO structure allows you to visit any licensed dentist, but coverage percentages and reimbursement rates tilt heavily in favor of staying in-network.

DHMO Plans: Lower Premiums, Limited Flexibility

Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO) plans from MetLife, such as the MetLife Dental HMO/Managed Care, work on a copayment system rather than percentage-based reimbursement. These plans typically include a fixed copay schedule and require you to select a primary care dentist from MetLife's network.

Implant coverage under DHMO plans is highly variable. Some DHMO plans list implants as an exclusion entirely, while others offer a network-specific flat copayment-sometimes in the $1,500 to $2,500 range per implant. Unlike PPO plans, DHMOs rarely reimburse for out-of-network services.

• Assigned dentist required: must select an in-network provider

• Upfront cost schedule: implants may carry a set copay or be excluded

• No deductibles or annual maximums: but service availability can be restricted

MetLife TakeAlong Dental (Individual Plans): Portability with Moderate Coverage

MetLife's TakeAlong Dental offers individual PPO coverage outside of employer groups. These portable plans function similarly to employer-based PPOs but often come with slightly less generous coverage tiers.

Dental implants are covered under the major services category, with the insurer paying up to 50% of the negotiated fee after any applicable waiting period and deductible.

Does MetLife Cover Dental Implants?

Understanding What's Actually Covered

MetLife dental insurance does cover dental implants under many of its policies, but the scope of coverage depends significantly on the specific plan.

In most standard group plans, implants fall under "Major Services," which typically come with lower reimbursement rates and longer waiting periods than basic preventive or restorative care.

How MetLife Classifies Implants

In MetLife's dental structure, procedures are categorized into three tiers: Preventive, Basic, and Major Services. Implants consistently fall into the Major Services category.

This includes not just the surgical placement of the implant post, but also potential bone grafting, abutments, and implant-supported crowns or dentures.

What's Often Covered-and What Isn't

Coverage for implants typically includes the following components:

• The surgical placement of the dental implant (titanium post)

• Abutment installation

• Implant-supported crown, in some cases

However, not every policy extends to the full procedure. Some limit coverage to the crown only, labeling the implant surgery as elective or cosmetic. Others may exclude bone grafts or sinus lifts unless deemed medically necessary.

For example, under the MetLife PDP Plus plan, a member might get 50% coverage on implant crowns but receive no benefits for surgical placement unless additional riders are included. In contrast, certain MetLife PPO plans offered through large employers may support the full implant process, provided the annual maximum hasn't been met.

What Do Dental Implants Cost Before Insurance Kicks In?

Before any insurance adjustments come into play, dental implants carry a hefty price tag.

Across the United States, the price for a single dental implant including the implant body, abutment, and crown, typically ranges from $3,000 to $4,500, according to data compiled by Open and Affordable Dental. In some high-cost metropolitan areas, total fees can exceed $6,000 per implant.

These figures often include:

• The surgical placement of the titanium post (implant)

• The abutment that connects the crown to the implant

• The crown or prosthetic tooth

• Pre-operative consultations and scans

• Post-operative care and follow-up visits

Cost Variation by Geographic Location

Dentists in large urban centers typically charge more due to higher overhead and regional market rates. On the other hand, clinics in less populated or lower-cost areas offer more competitive pricing. Here's a general breakdown:

These numbers reflect individual implant procedures only. Patients needing multiple implants, bone grafting, or sinus lifts will see significantly higher costs. Wanting a full-arch restoration like All-on-4? Expect totals north of $15,000 per arch in most markets.

Before checking what MetLife might cover, it's worth getting in touch with Open and Affordable Dental to find out.

Find the Right MetLife Dentist for Implants Coverage

Where to Start Looking

Locating a MetLife dentist who performs dental implants doesn't have to be complicated. The most efficient way to find one is through a provider that's already familiar with MetLife's network parameters and billing codes. Open and Affordable Dental is a network-based dentistry group across Colorado that works directly with MetLife plans, including those that may provide partial coverage for implants.

Start your search here:

Find MetLife Dentists at Open and Affordable. Their listings include dental offices experienced in navigating implant coverage details and submitting pre-authorizations to MetLife.

Find a Dentist Near You

Coverage doesn't do you much good if the office is two hours away. Get specific with location. With 24 clinics across Colorado, Open and Affordable offers treatment facilities from Greeley to Castle Rock. Whether you're in the Denver metro area or the Front Range, there's likely one near your neighborhood.

Check proximity and availability here:

See All Locations. Filter by city or ZIP code to narrow it down quickly.

Why Staying In-Network Matters

• Lower out-of-pocket costs: In-network providers agree to MetLife's negotiated rates, which reduce your co-payments and the total bill.

• Streamlined claims process: MetLife receives electronic submissions directly from the office, which shortens reimbursement times.

• Clarity on coverage: In-network practices work with MetLife frequently, so they know which types of implant-related codes are most likely to be covered based on your plan tier.