Need a Dental Crown? Here’s What You Should Know About Costs
If you’ve been told you need a dental crown, you’re probably wondering:
How much does a crown cost?
Does insurance cover crowns?
What are the most affordable ways to get a crown?
Dental crowns protect and restore damaged teeth, but they can also come with a hefty price tag. Depending on the material and your dentist, the cost of a crown can range 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. Let’s break down how to save hundreds of dollars on your dental crown treatment.
How Much Does a Dental Crown Cost?
The cost of a dental crown depends on the type of material used, the dentist’s experience, and your location.
Average Dental Crown Costs by Material:
✔ Porcelain Crowns – $1,000 to $2,500 (Best for front teeth; natural-looking)
✔ Ceramic Crowns – $1,000 to $2,500 (Great for aesthetics and durability)
✔ Metal Crowns (Gold, Silver, or Platinum) – $900 to $2,500 (Extremely durable)
✔ Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns – $900 to $1,500 (Balance of strength & aesthetics)
✔ Zirconia Crowns – $1,000 to $2,500 (Highly durable and natural-looking)
✔ Resin Crowns – $500 to $1,300 (Least expensive but not long-lasting)
The type of material plays a huge role in the cost, with zirconia and porcelain being among the most expensive options.
What Factors Affect the Cost of a Crown?
✔ Dentist’s Experience & Location – Highly skilled dentists and big-city offices charge more.
✔ Additional Treatments – X-rays, tooth buildup, or root canals may increase the total cost.
✔ Dental Insurance – Some plans cover part of the cost, but rarely 100%.
✔ Type of Crown Material – Zirconia and porcelain cost more than resin or PFM crowns.
Even with these factors, there are ways to significantly reduce the cost of your crown.
How to Get an Affordable Dental Crown
1. Join a Dental Membership Plan
Most dental insurance plans only cover part of the cost of a crown, leaving you with high out-of-pocket expenses. A membership plan can reduce the price by 30-60%—without the hassle of 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, claim forms, or pre-approvals
➡ Find dentists offering membership plans at The Patient Marketplace.
2. Compare Prices at Different Dental Offices
Not all dentists charge the same for crowns. Some affordable dental centers offer lower-cost treatment plans, transparent pricing, and flexible 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, discount plans let you pay a small fee and receive pre-negotiated discounts on crowns and other dental procedures.
Savings: 15-60% off dental treatments
No waiting periods, approvals, or deductibles
Accepted at thousands of participating dentists
These plans can save you hundreds of dollars per year on crowns and other treatments.
4. Consider Getting Your Crown at a Dental School
Many dental schools offer low-cost or free treatments performed by students under the supervision of licensed dentists.
✔ 50-70% off traditional dental crown costs
✔ High-quality materials and professional oversight
✔ More time required for treatment (but huge savings!)
Check accredited dental schools near you for discounted services.
5. Ask About Payment Plans & Financing
If you can’t afford to pay for your crown upfront, many dentists offer financing options that let you pay in monthly installments.
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 Mark Saved Over $1,000 on His Dental Crown
Mark, a 45-year-old entrepreneur, cracked a molar and needed a zirconia crown. His local dentist quoted him $2,000.
Solution? He found an affordable dental provider on The Patient Marketplace, which offered:
✔ A membership plan with a 40% discount
✔ A financing plan with $99/month payments
✔ Original cost: $2,000
✔ Discounted cost with membership: $1,200
✔ Total savings: $800+
➡ Now, Mark has a durable, high-quality crown without financial stress!
Like Mark, 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 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
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.
