What is a dental insurance downgrade?

When a dental insurance company “downgrades” a procedure, they’re reducing the amount they’re willing to pay by choosing to cover the cost of a less expensive material or procedure, instead of one recommended by your dentist. For example, if your dentist suggests a tooth-colored composite filling, your insurance company may only agree to pay for a less expensive metal (amalgam) filling. In this scenario, you’ll pay the difference in cost between the two types of fillings out-of-pocket. At CPW Dentistry we only offer composite fillings as they are a more advanced option. White fillings are advantageous because they match the color of natural teeth, require less healthy tooth be removed, and do not contain the mercury that silver fillings contain (many people prefer to avoid mercury for health reasons). Downgrading is a common practice among dental insurance companies to help control their costs.