Worried About the Cost of a Crown for a Tooth? You’re Not Alone
If your dentist told you that you need a dental crown, you’re probably wondering:
How much does a tooth crown cost?
Does dental insurance cover crowns?
What are the most affordable options for getting a crown?
A dental crown is a long-term solution for protecting a damaged or weakened tooth, but it can be expensive—with prices ranging from $800 to $2,500 per tooth.
The good news? Whether you have insurance or not, there are affordable ways to get a high-quality crown while saving hundreds of dollars.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the cost of a crown for a tooth—and how to get one at an affordable price.
How Much Does a Crown for a Tooth Cost?
The cost of a crown varies based on material, dentist, and location.
Average Cost of a Dental Crown by Material:
✔ Porcelain Crowns – $1,000 to $2,500 (Best for front teeth; natural-looking)
✔ Ceramic Crowns – $1,000 to $2,500 (Aesthetic and durable)
✔ Metal Crowns (Gold, Silver, or Platinum) – $900 to $2,500 (Strongest option)
✔ Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns – $900 to $1,500 (Blend of strength & aesthetics)
✔ Zirconia Crowns – $1,000 to $2,500 (Highly durable and lifelike)
✔ Resin Crowns – $500 to $1,300 (Budget-friendly but less durable)
The type of material greatly affects cost, with zirconia and porcelain being among the most expensive.
What Factors Affect the Cost of a Tooth Crown?
✔ Dentist’s Experience & Location – Specialists and urban offices may charge more.
✔ Additional Treatments – X-rays, root canals, or tooth buildup can add to the final bill.
✔ Insurance Coverage – Some plans cover a portion of the cost, but most don’t pay the full amount.
✔ Crown Material – Porcelain and zirconia crowns cost more than resin or PFM options.
Even with these cost factors, there are multiple ways to save on your crown.
How to Get an Affordable Dental Crown
1. Join a Dental Membership Plan
Dental insurance often doesn’t fully cover crowns, leaving you with high out-of-pocket costs. A membership plan can save you 30-60%—without deductibles or claim denials.
Example Savings With a Membership Plan:
✅ Porcelain Crown: $1,500 → $900 (40% off)
✅ Zirconia Crown: $2,000 → $1,200 (40% off)
✔ Low monthly or yearly fee ($150-$400/year)
✔ Discounts on crowns, cleanings, and exams
✔ No waiting periods, pre-approvals, or claim rejections
➡ Find dentists offering membership plans at The Patient Marketplace.
2. Compare Prices at Different Dental Clinics
Not all dentists charge the same for crowns. Some affordable dental offices offer lower pricing, transparent fees, and payment options.
How to save:
✔ Get multiple price quotes before committing
✔ Ask about cash-pay discounts (some dentists offer 10-20% off)
✔ Look for transparent pricing with no hidden fees
➡ Find affordable dentists near you at The Patient Marketplace.
3. Use a Dental Discount Plan
Unlike insurance, dental discount plans allow you to pay a small annual fee and get pre-negotiated discounts on crowns and other procedures.
Savings: 15-60% off dental treatments
No waiting periods, approvals, or claim forms
Accepted at thousands of participating dentists
These plans can save you hundreds of dollars per year on major treatments.
4. Visit a Dental School for Lower-Cost Crowns
Many dental schools offer discounted procedures performed by students under expert supervision.
✔ 50-70% lower cost than private dental offices
✔ High-quality materials and professional oversight
✔ Longer appointment times (but significant savings!)
Check accredited dental schools near you for affordable options.
5. Ask About Payment Plans & Financing
If you can’t afford to pay for your crown upfront, many dentists offer monthly payment plans to make treatment more accessible.
CareCredit & LendingClub – 0% financing available for qualified applicants
In-house payment plans – Monthly payments with no interest
Third-party lenders – Low-interest personal loans for dental care
➡ Find financing-friendly dentists on The Patient Marketplace.
Real Patient Story: How Jake Saved Over $800 on His Dental Crown
Jake, a 40-year-old mechanic, needed a zirconia crown for a cracked tooth. His local dentist quoted him $1,800.
Solution? He found an affordable dental provider through The Patient Marketplace that offered:
✔ A membership plan with a 40% discount
✔ A financing plan with $99/month payments
✔ Original cost: $1,800
✔ Discounted cost with membership: $1,100
✔ Total savings: $700+
➡ Now, Jake has a strong, long-lasting crown without financial stress!
Like Jake, you can find an affordable dental crown by choosing the right provider and membership plan!
Where to Find Affordable Dental Crowns Near You
Need a tooth crown but don’t want to overpay? The Patient Marketplace connects you with affordable dental providers, membership plans, and financing options.
✅ Compare pricing & find trusted dentists
✅ Save 30-60% on your dental crown treatment
✅ Find flexible payment plans that fit your budget
➡ Click here to explore affordable dental crown options now!
Frequently Asked Questions About the Cost of a Crown for a Tooth
Q: What is the cheapest type of dental crown?
Resin crowns are the least expensive, costing around $500-$1,300, but they are less durable than porcelain or zirconia crowns.
Q: Does insurance cover dental crowns?
Most dental insurance plans cover a portion of the cost, but many require waiting periods and high copays. A membership plan can provide better savings.
Q: Can I finance my dental crown?
Yes! Many dentists offer monthly payment plans, and services like CareCredit provide 0% financing for qualified applicants.
Q: Where can I find an affordable dentist for a crown?
Visit The Patient Marketplace to compare affordable dental providers near you.
