Dental insurance can feel like a maze — deductibles, annual maximums, coverage tiers, and in-network versus out-of-network distinctions all factor into what you actually pay out of pocket. For Reno-area patients carrying MetLife dental coverage, understanding how your plan works before you sit down in the chair can save you both money and frustration.
At Elite Dental Aesthetics, we are proud to be in-network with MetLife PDP Plus through our Careington Dental agreement. Dr. Travis Adams and our team believe that understanding your benefits is just as important as the care itself — which is why we take time with every patient to help them feel informed, prepared, and confident in their treatment decisions.
How MetLife PDP Plus Coverage Works
MetLife’s Preferred Dentist Program, or PDP Plus, is a network-based dental plan that gives patients the flexibility to visit either in-network or out-of-network providers. When you choose an in-network dentist like Elite Dental Aesthetics, your costs are based on pre-negotiated fees, which typically means lower out-of-pocket expenses compared to visiting a provider outside the network.
According to research from the American Dental Association’s Health Policy Institute, adults with private dental insurance are significantly more likely to seek dental care and receive preventive services than those without coverage — reinforcing why understanding and using your benefits matters for your long-term oral health. Knowing what your plan covers helps you make the most of that advantage.
What MetLife PDP Plus Typically Covers
MetLife PDP Plus coverage is organized into service categories, each with its own reimbursement tier. While individual plan details vary based on your specific employer or policy, the standard PDP Plus structure generally follows this framework. Here is how coverage is typically broken down:
- Type A — Preventive care: Cleanings, exams, and X-rays are generally covered at 100%, both in-network and out-of-network, making routine visits the most cost-effective way to stay ahead of dental issues.
- Type B — Basic restorative: Services such as fillings and extractions are typically covered at 80%, meaning your plan covers the majority of these common procedures.
- Type C — Major restorative: Bridges, dentures, and other major work generally fall under 50% coverage, with patients responsible for the remaining balance.
- Type D — Orthodontia: Orthodontic treatment is also typically covered at 50%, with a separate lifetime maximum per person.
- Annual deductible: Most PDP Plus plans carry a $50 individual deductible and a $150 family deductible.
- Annual maximum benefit: Coverage is generally capped at $1,500 per person per year, so strategic scheduling of treatments throughout the year can help you maximize your benefits.
It is important to verify the specific details of your plan directly with MetLife, as coverage percentages, deductibles, and maximums can vary. We recommend contacting your provider before your first appointment to confirm your benefits.
Making the Most of Your Annual Dental Benefits
One of the most overlooked aspects of dental insurance is the annual benefit reset. Most MetLife plans run on a calendar year, meaning unused benefits expire on December 31st and do not roll over. Patients who schedule strategically — using preventive benefits early and planning restorative work before year-end — can avoid leaving money on the table.
For general dentistry needs like cleanings and exams, your preventive coverage is your best tool for maintaining long-term oral health without significant out-of-pocket cost. Staying current with twice-yearly visits keeps your Type A benefits working for you and helps catch issues before they require more involved restorative dentistry down the road. If you know a crown, bridge, or other major procedure is in your future, our team can help you plan treatment timing to take full advantage of your current benefit period.
How We Help You Navigate Your Coverage
At Elite Dental Aesthetics, we do not simply hand you a clipboard and send you home to sort through the details. Our team works directly with MetLife on your behalf to verify your benefits, submit claims, and provide pre-treatment estimates for procedures exceeding $300. This way, you have a clear picture of expected costs before any treatment begins.
Dr. Adams has built his practice on the principle that quality of care and time spent with each patient matters more than volume. That same philosophy carries into how we handle insurance — our full range of dental services is designed to be accessible, transparent, and tailored to what each patient actually needs. Whether you are coming in for a routine cleaning or exploring a more involved treatment plan, we coordinate your benefits to reduce surprises at checkout.
Schedule an Appointment at Elite Dental Aesthetics
If you carry MetLife dental coverage and are looking for a Reno provider who is in-network and genuinely invested in your experience, Dr. Travis Adams and the Elite Dental Aesthetics team are here to help. We serve patients throughout the Reno area, including South Reno, West Reno, and Damonte Ranch.
Ready to put your MetLife benefits to work? Contact us today to schedule your appointment and let our team walk you through exactly what your plan covers before your visit.