Educating Patients & Connecting Them to Membership Plans.

Affordable Dental Crowns: Cost of a Crown Without Insurance & How to Save

February 24, 2025
Topics: Patients
Written by: Ally Comstock

Worried About the High Cost of a Dental Crown? Here’s How to Save

A dental crown is essential for protecting a damaged tooth, but without insurance, the cost can be overwhelming. Many patients delay treatment due to high expenses, but waiting can lead to even more costly dental problems.

The good news? You can get a dental crown for less by exploring different cost-saving options.

In this guide, we’ll break down:
The average cost of a crown without insurance
Ways to lower your out-of-pocket expenses
How membership plans can help you save instantly

And the best part? You can find an affordable dental crown near you with The Patient Marketplace—a platform that connects patients with budget-friendly dentists offering discounts and financing.

Let’s explore your options!


1. How Much Does a Crown Cost Without Insurance?

Without insurance, the cost of a dental crown depends on several factors, including the material, the dentist’s location, and additional procedures needed.

Average Cost of a Dental Crown (No Insurance)

Type of Crown Average Cost Without Insurance
Porcelain $800 – $3,000
Ceramic $850 – $2,500
Metal (Gold, Alloy) $900 – $2,500
Porcelain-fused-to-metal $800 – $2,500
Zirconia $1,000 – $3,500

Important: If additional procedures are needed, such as root canals, X-rays, or gum treatments, the total cost can be even higher.

So, how can you lower your out-of-pocket expenses?


2. How to Reduce the Cost of a Crown Without Insurance

If you don’t have dental insurance, there are still ways to cut costs and make your crown more affordable.

Ways to Save on a Dental Crown

Compare Prices at Different Dentists – The cost of a crown varies significantly between providers. Calling multiple dentists can help you find the best price.
Ask About Cash Discounts – Some dentists offer lower prices for upfront payments.
Visit a Dental School – Dental schools provide low-cost treatments performed by students under supervision.
Negotiate Payment Plans – Many dental offices allow you to pay in installments instead of upfront.

Best Option: The easiest way to get a discounted crown is to join a dental membership plan, which offers instant savings on major treatments.


3. The Best-Kept Secret: Dental Membership Plans

What Is a Dental Membership Plan?

A dental membership plan is NOT insurance—it’s an affordable alternative that provides discounted rates on crowns, cleanings, and other treatments.

Instead of paying expensive monthly premiums for traditional insurance, you pay a small annual or monthly fee for immediate savings at a participating dentist.

Benefits of a Membership Plan:

NO waiting periods, deductibles, or claim denials
20-50% off crowns, exams, and other treatments
Transparent pricing with no surprise fees
Ideal for uninsured patients who want to save money

How a Patient Saved $1,800 on a Dental Crown

Meet Mark, a small business owner who needed a porcelain crown but was quoted $2,800—more than he could afford.

A friend told him about The Patient Marketplace, where he found a local dentist offering a membership plan.

For just $299 per year, Mark received:
40% off his dental crown
FREE cleanings and check-ups
Lower costs on additional treatments

His total crown cost dropped to $1,000, saving him $1,800 instantly!

Want to see how much YOU could save? Visit The Patient Marketplace to find a dentist offering membership plans near you.


4. Why Waiting Could Cost You More

Delaying a needed dental crown can lead to bigger (and more expensive) dental problems, such as:

Tooth decay worsening, requiring a root canal (which costs an extra $800 – $1,500).
A cracked tooth worsening, leading to extraction and a dental implant (which costs $3,000 – $6,000).
Gum infections and further oral health complications.

The sooner you get a crown, the more money you’ll save in the long run.


5. Find an Affordable Dental Crown Near You

You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars to restore your smile. Whether you have no insurance, a tight budget, or need financing options, you have ways to lower your costs:

Best for uninsured patients: Look for cash discounts & dental schools.
Best for flexible payments: Ask about payment plans or financing.
Best for major savings: Join a membership plan through The Patient Marketplace.

Ready to save on your dental crown? Visit The Patient Marketplace to find a budget-friendly, top-rated dentist near you!


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much does a crown cost without insurance?

Without insurance, a dental crown typically costs between $800 and $3,500, depending on the material and location.

What is the cheapest type of dental crown?

Metal crowns tend to be cheaper than porcelain or zirconia, but prices vary by provider.

Can I make payments on a dental crown?

Yes! Many dentists offer payment plans or financing options to help make crowns more affordable.

Are dental membership plans worth it?

For many patients, YES! Membership plans provide instant savings with no waiting periods or paperwork hassles.

Where can I find an affordable dental crown near me?

Visit The Patient Marketplace to find discounted dental crowns in your area.

How long do dental crowns last?

With proper care, a dental crown can last 10-15 years or longer.


Final Thoughts – Get an Affordable Crown Without Insurance

A dental crown is essential for maintaining oral health, but it shouldn’t break the bank. By shopping for discounts, exploring financing options, or joining a membership plan, you can cut your crown costs by up to 50%.

Ready to restore your smile for less? Visit The Patient Marketplace now and start saving today!

Save on Dental, Optometry & Wellness

Dental & vision insurance are not the best options if you want to truly save on dental work or vision care. Search our listings of vetted prctices that can help you save money!

Jordon Comstock

Author Bio

Jordon Comstock is the Founder & CEO of BoomCloud™, a software that allows practice, clinic & spa owners to build, manage and scale a membership program. Jordon loves helping patients save on care & writing tips in dentistry, optometry and the spa industries. Jordon is passionate about music, Hawaii, Healthcare businesses like: dentistry, optometry, med spas and massage spas.