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Cost of a Crown Tooth: How to Save Money on Your Dental Treatment

February 23, 2025
Topics: Patients
Written by: Ally Comstock

Facing a High Cost for a Crown Tooth? Here’s What You Need to Know

If your dentist told you that you need a dental crown, you’re probably asking:

How much does a crown tooth cost?
Does insurance cover dental crowns?
What are the best ways to save money on a crown?

A dental crown is a permanent solution for protecting a damaged or decayed tooth. However, they can be expensive—typically ranging from $800 to $2,500 per tooth, depending on the material and location.

The good news? Whether you have insurance or not, there are affordable ways to get a high-quality crown and save hundreds of dollars on your treatment.

Let’s explore the true cost of a crown tooth and the best ways to lower your expenses.


How Much Does a Crown Tooth Cost?

The cost of a dental crown depends on the material, dentist, and treatment plan.

Average Cost of a 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 strong)
Metal Crowns (Gold, Silver, or Platinum) – $900 to $2,500 (Extremely durable)
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 (Cheapest option but less durable)

Porcelain and zirconia crowns offer the most natural appearance, but they are more expensive than resin or PFM crowns.


What Affects the Cost of a Crown Tooth?

Dentist’s Experience & Location – Prices are higher in urban areas.
Additional Treatments – Root canals, X-rays, and exams can add to the total cost.
Insurance Coverage – Some policies cover a portion of the crown, but rarely 100%.
Crown Material – Zirconia and porcelain are more expensive than resin or PFM options.

Even with these costs, there are multiple ways to lower the price of your crown.


How to Get an Affordable Crown Tooth

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, claim forms, or pre-approvals

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 crowns and other 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 Tom Saved Over $800 on His Dental Crown

Tom, a 38-year-old software engineer, needed a zirconia crown for a cracked tooth. His dentist quoted him $1,900, which was too expensive.

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: $1,900
Discounted cost with membership: $1,100
Total savings: $800+

Now, Tom has a durable, high-quality crown without financial stress!

Like Tom, 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 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.

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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.