Educating Patients & Connecting Them to Membership Plans.

Cost of a Dental Crown Without Insurance: How to Get Affordable Treatment

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

Worried About the Cost of a Dental Crown Without Insurance? You’re Not Alone

If you’ve been told you need a dental crown, you might be shocked at the price—especially if you don’t have dental insurance. The cost can range from $800 to $2,500 per tooth, leaving many patients wondering:

How can I afford a dental crown without insurance?
Are there cheaper options available?
What’s the best way to save money on a crown?

The good news? There are affordable ways to get a high-quality dental crown—even if you don’t have insurance. This guide will show you how to save hundreds while still getting the dental care you need.


How Much Does a Dental Crown Cost Without Insurance?

The cost of a dental crown without insurance depends on several factors, including the material used, the dentist’s expertise, and your location.

Average Cost by Crown Type:

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 strong)
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns – $900 to $1,500 (Blend of strength & aesthetics)
Zirconia Crowns – $1,000 to $2,500 (Highly durable and natural-looking)
Resin Crowns – $500 to $1,300 (Least expensive but less durable)

The cost can also increase if you need additional procedures like a root canal, X-rays, or tooth buildup before the crown placement.


What Affects the Cost of a Dental Crown?

Dentist’s experience – Highly skilled dentists may charge more.
Location – Prices are higher in major cities.
Additional treatments – Root canals, X-rays, and exams can add to the final cost.
Type of crown material – Some materials, like zirconia, are more expensive than resin.

Even without insurance, there are several ways to lower the cost of your dental crown.


How to Get an Affordable Dental Crown Without Insurance

1. Join a Dental Membership Plan

Dental insurance doesn’t always cover crowns fully, but a membership plan can reduce your cost by 30-60%—without the hassle of deductibles, waiting periods, 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 paperwork, 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 rates, 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, dental discount plans allow you to pay a small annual fee and get pre-negotiated discounts on crowns and other dental procedures.

Savings: 15-60% off common dental procedures
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 the supervision of licensed dentists.

50-70% lower cost than private dental offices
High-quality materials and professional oversight
Longer appointment times (but significant savings!)

Search for accredited dental schools in your area for lower-cost crowns.


5. Ask About Payment Plans & Financing

If you can’t afford to pay for your crown upfront, many dentists offer monthly payment options 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 procedures

Find financing-friendly dentists on The Patient Marketplace.


Real Patient Story: How Emily Saved Over $1,000 on Her Dental Crown

Emily, a 37-year-old teacher, cracked a tooth and needed a ceramic crown. Her local dentist quoted her $1,800, but without insurance, it was too expensive.

Solution? She 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, Emily has a high-quality crown without financial stress!

Like Emily, 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 dental crown without insurance 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 Dental Crown Without Insurance

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: Can I make monthly payments on a dental crown?

Yes! Many dentists offer monthly payment plans, and services like CareCredit provide 0% financing for qualified applicants.

Q: How can I get a crown if I don’t have insurance?

The best ways to save money are:
Dental membership plans (30-60% off)
Discount dental plans
Dental school treatment
Payment plans & financing

Q: Where can I find an affordable dentist for a crown?

Visit The Patient Marketplace to compare affordable dental providers near you.


Don’t Let the Cost of a Crown Keep You From a Healthy Smile

Dental crowns don’t have to break the bank. Whether you need porcelain, zirconia, or PFM crowns, there are affordable options available.

Take action today:
Find a trusted, affordable dentist near youThe Patient Marketplace
Stop overpaying & start saving on your dental care 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.