Delta Dental vs Cigna For Major Dental Procedures | Complete Guide

When it comes to expensive dental work like crowns, bridges, implants, and root canals, having the right dental insurance can save you thousands. In 2025, two of the biggest providers, Delta Dental and Cigna, offer comprehensive plans, but which one gives you the best deal for major procedures?

In this guide, we break down delta dental vs cigna for major dental procedures , including waiting periods, annual maximums, and plan flexibility, so you can choose confidently.

Key Takeaways:

What Counts As Major Dental Procedures?

Before comparing the providers, let’s define what “major procedures” typically include:

• Crowns and bridges
• Root canals
• Dental implants
• Dentures (full/partial)
• Oral surgeries
• Periodontal (gum) surgeries

These treatments often cost $1,000–$4,000 per tooth, making insurance coverage critical.

Delta Dental Coverage For Major Dental Procedures:

Delta Dental offers a wide range of plans (PPO, Premier, and DHMO), and coverage varies depending on the plan tier.

Pros of Delta Dental For Major Services:

• Covers 50% of major procedures on many PPO plans after deductible
• Large nationwide network of dentists
• Shorter waiting periods on employer-sponsored plans
• Some plans offer implant coverage and high annual caps (up to $2,000 or more)

Cons of Delta Dental:

• Many individual plans have 12-month waiting periods
• Lower annual maximums on basic plans ($1,000–$1,500)
• DHMO plans may not cover major services at all

Example (Crown Procedure):

• Cost: $1,200
• Coverage: 50% = $600 paid by Delta Dental
• Out-of-pocket (after deductible): ~$600

Cigna Dental Coverage For Major Procedures:

Cigna offers several dental plans, especially PPO options through Cigna Dental 1500 and 1000 series.

Pros of Cigna:

• Covers 50% for major services after a 12-month waiting period
• Higher annual maximums on select plans (up to $1,500 or more)
• Offers coverage for implants on select plans (Cigna Dental 1500)
• Online tools and estimate calculators to preview costs

Cons of Cigna:

• Waiting period for major procedures: usually 12 months (unless group plan)
• Implants not covered on lower-tier plans
• Network isn’t as large in rural areas
  

Example (Implant Procedure):

• Cost: $3,500
• Coverage: 50% on Cigna Dental 1500 = $1,750
• Out-of-pocket: ~$1,750 + deductible

Delta Dental Vs Cigna Insurance Comparison:

Feature	Delta Dental	Cigna Dental
Covers Crowns/Root Canals	Yes (PPO plans)	Yes (most plans)
Implant Coverage	Some plans	Only select plans
Waiting Period for Major Work	6–12 months	12 months
Annual Maximums	$1,000–$2,000	$1,000–$1,500
Plan Types	PPO, Premier, DHMO	PPO
Ease of Use/Online Tools	Moderate	Excellent
Network Size	Very large	Large, but smaller in rural zones

Which Plan Should You Choose?

• Choose Delta Dental if you want wider dentist access, need a plan with shorter waiting periods, or get coverage through an employer.
• Choose Cigna if you want strong online support, are okay with a longer wait, and plan to get implants or more extensive restorative work.

Tips To Maximize Major Dental Coverage:

• Get a pre-treatment estimate to understand exact out-of-pocket costs
• Use in-network providers to access negotiated lower fees
• Split expensive treatments across calendar years to avoid maxing out benefits
• Use FSAs/HSAs to cover uncovered portions tax-free
• Don’t skip preventive visits – they’re usually covered 100% and help you avoid major procedures.

Final Verdict: Delta Dental vs Cigna For Major Dental Procedures?

Both Cigna and Delta Dental are reputable providers with good coverage for major dental procedures, but your best choice depends on your needs and budget.

If you’re looking for shorter waiting periods and a massive provider network, go with Delta Dental.
If you need implant coverage and want access to helpful digital tools and cost calculators, Cigna may be the better choice.

FAQs: