Metlife Dental PPO Insurance Pediatric Coverage at Hardy Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics

Are you seeking a pediatric dentist in Erie, CO who accepts MetLife dental insurance? At Hardy Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we proudly accept MetLife Dental PPO plans and are committed to making quality dental care accessible for your children. Our team of board-certified specialists understands the unique dental needs of children and provides comprehensive care in a comfortable, child-friendly environment.

Dr. Namrata Hardy and our entire dental team believe establishing good oral health habits early is crucial for lifelong dental wellness. We work closely with families to maximize their insurance benefits while providing exceptional pediatric dental care. As a MetLife PPO provider, we can help you navigate your coverage options and ensure your child receives all the preventive and restorative services they need.

Understanding your MetLife dental benefits is important in managing your child’s oral health care. On this page, we’ll break down MetLife’s pediatric dental coverage plans, explain what services are covered, and answer common questions from parents about insurance coverage at our Erie, CO office.

Understanding MetLife Dental PPO Plans for Children

MetLife offers several dental PPO plans that cover pediatric dental services with varying levels of coverage. The main plans available include MetLife TakeAlong Dental PPO-Low, MetLife TakeAlong Dental PPO-Medium, and MetLife TakeAlong Dental PPO-High. Each plan offers different coverage percentages for various dental procedures.

With MetLife PPO plans, your child has the freedom to select any board-certified pediatric dentist, whether in-network or out-of-network. However, you’ll experience greater savings when staying within the MetLife network of providers, like our practice at Hardy Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics. MetLife’s extensive network ensures your family has access to quality dental care wherever you are.

These plans typically feature convenient benefits such as no paperwork (as dentists submit claims directly), easy access through MetLife’s secure member website, and comprehensive coverage for preventive, basic, and major dental services. Understanding the differences between these plans can help you select the best option for your child’s specific dental needs.

MetLife TakeAlong Dental PPO-Low Plan Coverage

The MetLife TakeAlong Dental PPO-Low plan provides essential coverage for basic pediatric dental needs, with an emphasis on preventive care. It is designed for families seeking affordable coverage for routine dental services.

With this plan, your child receives an estimated 100% coverage for preventive and diagnostic services with no waiting period. These fully covered services include regular oral exams, professional cleanings, bitewing x-rays, and fluoride treatments – all critical components of maintaining your child’s dental health. For basic restorative services such as full mouth x-rays, dental sealants, fillings, and simple extractions, the plan offers approximately 50% coverage after a 6-month waiting period.

The Low plan is an excellent option for families primarily focused on preventive care who may need occasional basic restorative services. At Hardy Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we can determine if this plan aligns with your child’s current dental needs and anticipated treatments.

MetLife TakeAlong Dental PPO-Medium Plan Coverage

The MetLife TakeAlong Dental PPO-Medium plan provides enhanced coverage compared to the Low plan, giving families more comprehensive protection for their children’s dental health. This mid-tier option balances affordability with broader coverage.

Like the Low plan, the Medium plan covers diagnostic and preventive services at an estimated 100% with no waiting period. This includes dental exams, professional cleanings, fluoride treatments, and bitewing x-rays for children. For basic restorative procedures, coverage increases to approximately 70% (versus 50% with the Low plan) after a 6-month waiting period. These services include dental sealants, full-mouth x-rays, fillings, and tooth extractions.

What sets the Medium plan apart is its coverage for major restorative services, offering approximately 50% coverage after a 12-month waiting period for treatments such as inlays, porcelain onlays, and root canals. This additional coverage makes the Medium plan ideal for families anticipating their child may need more than just basic dental work.

MetLife TakeAlong Dental PPO-High Plan Coverage

The MetLife TakeAlong Dental PPO-High plan offers the most comprehensive coverage of all the MetLife TakeAlong dental options, providing families maximum protection for their children’s dental health needs. This premium plan is perfect for families who want the highest level of coverage for all types of dental services.

The High plan covers preventive and diagnostic services at an estimated 100% with no waiting period, ensuring your child’s routine care is fully protected. Basic restorative services receive enhanced coverage at approximately 80% after a 6-month waiting period, significantly higher than the Low (50%) and Medium (70%) plans. These services include dental sealants, full-mouth x-rays, fillings, and simple extractions.

The High plan maintains approximately 50% coverage for major restorative services after a 12-month waiting period, including porcelain onlays, dental inlays, root canals, and crowns. Additionally, it uniquely offers an estimated 50% coverage up to $1,000 for orthodontic services for children, making it an excellent choice for families who anticipate their child may need braces or other orthodontic treatments in the future.

Common MetLife Dental Coverage Questions at Hardy Pediatric Dentistry

Does MetLife Dental Cover X-Rays for Children?

X-rays are an essential diagnostic tool in pediatric dentistry, allowing Dr. Hardy to identify issues that aren’t visible during a regular exam. With MetLife Dental PPO plans, bitewing x-rays for children are typically covered at 100% with no waiting period, and can be taken once every 6 months.

Full-mouth X-rays for children are covered differently depending on your specific plan—approximately 50% with the Low plan and up to 80% with the High plan after a 6-month waiting period. MetLife generally covers one set of full-mouth X-rays in 60 consecutive months.

At Hardy Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we use digital x-ray technology that reduces radiation exposure by up to 90% compared to traditional x-rays. This advanced technology allows us to instantly view and enlarge images, helping Dr. Hardy and parents better understand any dental issues requiring attention.

Does MetLife Dental Cover Cleanings and Tooth Fillings for Children?

Professional dental cleanings (dental prophylaxis) are covered at an estimated 100% by all MetLife TakeAlong PPO plans with no waiting period. They are typically covered once every six months and form the cornerstone of preventive dental care for children.

Coverage varies by plan for tooth fillings: approximately 50% with the Low plan, 70% with the Medium plan, and 80% with the High plan after a 6-month waiting period. MetLife covers both amalgam and resin composite fillings for kids, limited to one per tooth surface every 24 consecutive months.

At our Erie office, Dr. Nam Hardy offers laser dentistry for many filling procedures – a technique that often eliminates the need for shots or drills. This cutting-edge approach makes fillings much less intimidating for children and can significantly improve their dental experience.

Are Frenectomy, Tongue Tie, and Lip Tie Procedures Covered by MetLife Dental?

MetLife Dental PPO plans may partially cover frenectomy, tongue tie, and lip tie procedures, though coverage varies based on your specific plan. These procedures address restricted oral tissue attachments that can affect feeding, speech, and dental development in children.

At Hardy Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, Dr. Nam performs infant and child frenectomies using the advanced LightScalpel laser technology. This minimally invasive approach offers quicker healing times and less discomfort than traditional methods. The coverage for these procedures depends on your specific MetLife plan and situation.

We recommend calling our office at (720) 900-3119 to discuss your specific coverage for these specialized procedures. Our knowledgeable staff can determine what portion of these treatments is covered by your MetLife plan and your out-of-pocket costs.

Does MetLife Dental Cover Retainers After Braces for Kids?

Retainers are essential for maintaining orthodontic results after braces are removed. MetLife Dental may cover part of your child’s retainers depending on your specific PPO plan, particularly if you have the High plan with orthodontic benefits.

Coverage for retainers typically falls under orthodontic services, which receive approximately 50% coverage up to $1,000 with the MetLife TakeAlong Dental PPO-High plan. Even if your plan doesn’t specifically cover retainers or if you’ve reached your plan maximum, MetLife’s negotiated fees may still apply, potentially reducing your out-of-pocket costs.

For personalized information about retainer coverage under your specific MetLife plan, please contact our office at (720) 900-3119. Dr. T.C. Hardy, our board-certified orthodontist, can discuss retainer options and help maximize your insurance benefits for this important follow-up care.

Why Choose Hardy Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics for MetLife Dental Patients

At Hardy Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we combine specialized expertise with cutting-edge technology to provide exceptional care for MetLife Dental patients. Our practice features:

• Laser dentistry that eliminates shots and drills for many procedures
• Board-certified specialists in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics
• Convenient Erie location serving families throughout Colorado
• Digital X-rays that reduce radiation exposure by up to 90%
• Child-friendly environment designed to make dental visits positive experiences

Dr. Nam Hardy, our board-certified pediatric dentist, has specialized training in the unique dental needs of children from infancy through adolescence. Dr. T.C. Hardy, our board-certified orthodontist, offers a range of treatment options including traditional braces, clear braces, Invisalign, and InBrace. Together, they provide comprehensive oral health care for your child under one roof.

Colorado-Specific MetLife Dental Coverage Information

For residents of Colorado, it’s important to note that, as required by the Affordable Care Act, MetLife Dental TakeAlong PPO does NOT cover pediatric dental services on its own. In Colorado, you can purchase coverage for children’s pediatric dental services as a stand-alone program.

To acquire either a program that includes pediatric dental coverage or an Exchange-qualified stand-alone dental program that includes dental coverage for your children, please contact your insurance provider, agent, or Connect for Health Colorado.

At Hardy Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we understand the complexities of dental insurance in Colorado. We can help guide you through your options to ensure your child receives the care they need with maximum coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions About MetLife Dental PPO Coverage

What is the difference between in-network and out-of-network coverage with MetLife Dental PPO?

When you visit an in-network provider like Hardy Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, you’ll receive the maximum benefits available under your MetLife plan. We’ve agreed to accept MetLife’s negotiated fees, which are typically lower than our standard fees. This means lower out-of-pocket costs for you. With out-of-network providers, you may be responsible for the difference between the dentist’s fee and what MetLife covers, resulting in higher costs. Additionally, with an in-network provider, we handle all the paperwork and submit claims directly to MetLife on your behalf, simplifying the process for you.

How often does MetLife cover preventive services like cleanings and exams for children?

MetLife typically covers preventive services like professional cleanings and oral exams twice per year (once every 6 months) at 100% when you visit an in-network provider like our practice. These services have no waiting period, meaning your child is eligible for these benefits as soon as your plan becomes active. Regular preventive care is crucial for maintaining your child’s oral health and catching potential issues early, which is why MetLife places such importance on coverage for these services.

Does MetLife Dental cover orthodontic treatment for children at Hardy Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics?

Orthodontic coverage varies by plan, with the MetLife TakeAlong Dental PPO-High offering the most comprehensive orthodontic benefits. This plan provides approximately 50% coverage up to $1,000 for children’s orthodontic services. Dr. T.C. Hardy, our board-certified orthodontist, offers various treatment options, including traditional braces, clear braces, and Invisalign Teen. Our team can verify your specific orthodontic benefits and help create a treatment plan that maximizes your insurance coverage while meeting your child’s needs.

How does MetLife Dental coverage work for specialized procedures like laser dentistry?

MetLife typically covers dental procedures based on the treatment rather than the specific technology used. This means laser dentistry procedures at our office are generally covered at the same rate as traditional methods for the same treatment. For example, if your child needs a filling, it would be covered at your plan’s rate for fillings (50-80%, depending on your plan), whether Dr. Nam uses traditional methods or our advanced laser technology. The advantage is our laser dentistry often eliminates the need for shots or drills, making the experience more comfortable for your child with no difference in insurance coverage.

What should I bring to my child’s first appointment to verify MetLife insurance coverage?

For your child’s first visit, please bring your MetLife insurance card and a valid photo ID, and be prepared to provide your group number and subscriber information. It’s helpful to know which specific MetLife plan you have (Low, Medium, or High). Our front desk team will verify your coverage before your appointment and can provide an estimate of any out-of-pocket costs for recommended treatments. If possible, we recommend contacting our office at (720) 900-3119 a few days before your appointment so we can verify your coverage in advance.

Ready to Schedule Your Child’s Appointment at Hardy Pediatric Dentistry?

Don’t wait to give your child the gift of excellent dental health with the support of your MetLife Dental PPO insurance. At Hardy Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we’re committed to providing exceptional care while helping you maximize your insurance benefits.

📍 Visit Us: 3200 Village Vista Dr., Suite 110, Erie, CO 80516
📞 Call: (720) 900-3119
📩 Or Request an Appointment Online Today