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Average Cost of a Crown for a Tooth: How to Save Money on Your Dental Care

March 28, 2025
Topics: Patients
Written by: Ally Comstock

How Much Does a Crown for a Tooth Cost?

If you need a dental crown, you might be surprised at the wide range of prices. Depending on where you go, the type of crown you choose, and whether you have insurance, the cost can vary significantly.

You may be asking:

  • How much should I expect to pay for a tooth crown?
  • Why are some crowns more expensive than others?
  • Can I get a high-quality crown without spending too much?

The good news is that dental crowns don’t have to drain your savings. Whether you have insurance or not, there are ways to get an affordable crown without sacrificing quality.

This guide will break down the average cost of a crown for a tooth, what affects pricing, and how to save big on your dental work.


What Is the Average Cost of a Crown for a Tooth?

The cost of a dental crown depends on several factors, including the material used, your dentist’s experience, and where you live.

Average Cost of a Crown by Material

Type of Crown Cost Per Tooth (Without Insurance) Lifespan
Porcelain (Ceramic) $800 – $3,000 10-15 years
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) $700 – $1,500 5-15 years
Gold or Metal Alloy $900 – $2,500 20+ years
Zirconia $1,000 – $2,500 15-20 years
Composite Resin $300 – $1,200 5-10 years

Pro Tip: Porcelain crowns look the most natural, while gold and zirconia crowns last the longest.


What Affects the Cost of a Tooth Crown?

The total cost of a dental crown depends on several key factors:

Type of Material – Premium materials like zirconia and gold cost more than resin or PFM crowns.
Dentist’s Experience – Specialists in cosmetic dentistry or prosthodontics may charge more.
Location of the Dentist – Crowns tend to be more expensive in major cities than in rural areas.
Additional Procedures – If you need a root canal, tooth buildup, or gum treatment, the cost will increase.
Insurance Coverage – Some insurance plans cover a portion of the cost, while others don’t.

Good news! Even if you don’t have insurance, there are ways to save—keep reading!


How to Save Money on a Tooth Crown (With or Without Insurance)

If the cost of a crown seems too high, don’t worry—there are ways to cut costs significantly.

1. Use Dental Insurance (If Available)

Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of the crown cost, reducing your out-of-pocket expenses.

Check Your Coverage – Some insurance plans cover 50-80% of the cost of a crown after the deductible.
Use Your Annual Maximum – Most policies provide $1,500–$2,000 per year for dental treatments.
Choose an In-Network Dentist – Seeing a provider in your plan’s network ensures lower out-of-pocket expenses.

Tip: If insurance doesn’t fully cover your crown, a dental membership plan can help you save even more!


2. Join a Dental Membership Plan

A dental membership plan offers instant savings on crowns and other treatments—without the restrictions of insurance.

How It Works:

  • Pay a low monthly or annual fee.
  • Get 30–50% off procedures like crowns.
  • No waiting periods, no claim denials—just instant savings.

Example Savings:

Procedure Without Membership With Membership You Save
Porcelain Crown $1,500 $900 $600
Gold Crown $2,500 $1,500 $1,000

Find a dentist offering membership discounts at ThePatientMarketplace.com.


3. Visit a Dental School for Low-Cost Crowns

Dental schools offer discounted crowns because students perform the procedure under expert supervision.

Potential Savings: 30-50% off traditional prices!


4. Consider Dental Tourism

Some patients save 50-70% by getting crowns in Mexico, Costa Rica, or Thailand.

Pro Tip: Research top-rated clinics and read patient reviews before booking your trip!


5. Use a Financing Plan

If you can’t afford to pay upfront, many dentists offer low-interest or 0% financing.

Popular Financing Options:
CareCredit – Interest-free for 6-24 months
LendingClub – Low-interest monthly payments
In-House Payment Plans – Many dentists offer custom financing options

Example: Instead of paying $1,500 upfront, you can pay $125/month over 12 months.


A Real Success Story: How Lisa Saved $800 on a Dental Crown

Lisa, a 45-year-old business owner, needed a porcelain crown but was shocked by the $1,500 price tag.

Determined to find a more affordable option, she:
Joined a dental membership plan, reducing her cost by 40%.
Used financing, making low monthly payments.
Found a discounted provider on The Patient Marketplace.

Final cost? $700—saving her $800!

Lesson learned: You CAN get high-quality crowns without overpaying!


Take Action: Get an Affordable Dental Crown Today

If you need a crown but don’t want to overpay, here’s what to do next:

Visit ThePatientMarketplace.com to compare crown prices near you.
Ask about a membership plan to save up to 50%.
Apply for financing to break the cost into monthly payments.

A healthy smile is an investment—start today!


FAQs About the Average Cost of a Crown for a Tooth

How much does a dental crown cost without insurance?
Expect to pay between $800 and $3,000 per tooth, depending on the material.

Does insurance cover crowns?
Most dental insurance plans cover 50-80% of the cost, but coverage depends on your provider.

Which type of crown lasts the longest?
Gold and zirconia crowns last 20+ years, while porcelain crowns last 10-15 years.

Are there cheaper alternatives to crowns?
Yes! Consider dental bonding or inlays/onlays for minor repairs at a lower cost.

Can I finance a dental crown?
Absolutely! Many dentists offer 0% interest financing and affordable payment plans.

Find affordable crowns now at ThePatientMarketplace.com!

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.