Educating Patients & Connecting Them to Membership Plans.

Dental Crown Cost: How to Save with or Without Insurance

February 15, 2025
Topics: Patients
Written by: Jordon Comstock

Find out how much dental crowns cost, what impacts their price, and how you can save with or without insurance by using membership plans through The Patient Marketplace.


What Is the Average Cost of a Dental Crown?

Dental crowns are one of the most common restorative dental procedures used to protect damaged teeth and restore functionality. However, they can be expensive depending on the material and the complexity of your case.

Here’s a breakdown of the typical costs for dental crowns:

Type of Crown Cost Without Insurance Cost with Insurance Membership Plan Discounts
Porcelain or Ceramic $800–$3,000 $400–$1,500 (depending on coverage) $600–$2,200 (20–30% savings)
Metal (Gold or Alloy) $1,000–$2,500 $500–$1,200 $700–$1,800
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal $850–$2,400 $400–$1,200 $650–$1,900

Without insurance, the cost of a single dental crown can be overwhelming, but membership plans offer an affordable way to reduce these expenses.


What Impacts the Cost of a Dental Crown?

Several factors determine how much you’ll pay for a dental crown:

  1. Crown Material: Porcelain and ceramic crowns, known for their natural appearance, are often more expensive than metal crowns. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns strike a balance between cost and aesthetics.
  2. Dentist’s Expertise: A highly experienced dentist or specialist may charge more for their services.
  3. Location: Dental care costs vary significantly depending on your geographic location. Urban areas often have higher prices than rural ones.
  4. Complexity of the Procedure: If additional procedures, such as root canals or gum treatments, are needed before placing the crown, the cost will increase.
  5. Lab Fees: Custom crowns are created in a lab, and the cost of production is factored into the total price.

How to Save on Dental Crowns Without Insurance

If you’re uninsured, the high cost of dental crowns might seem like a dealbreaker. However, there are several ways to save while still receiving quality care:

1. Join a Membership Plan Through The Patient Marketplace

Membership plans are an ideal solution for uninsured patients, providing immediate savings on dental procedures like crowns.

Key Benefits of Membership Plans:

  • Save 20–50% on dental crowns.
  • Access affordable preventive and restorative care with no waiting periods.
  • Avoid the complications of traditional insurance, such as deductibles and maximums.

For example, a porcelain crown that costs $1,500 could be reduced to $1,050 with a 30% membership discount, saving you $450.

Start saving today by exploring membership plans at The Patient Marketplace.


2. Take Advantage of Discounts and Promotions

Many dental offices offer promotions to attract new patients or seasonal discounts. Keep an eye out for:

  • New Patient Specials: Dental practices often provide discounts on initial exams, cleanings, and even crowns for new patients.
  • Seasonal Deals: Some dentists run promotions during holidays, offering discounted services like crowns.

3. Consider Alternative Financing Options

Many dental offices offer payment plans to help patients manage the cost of crowns. These plans allow you to break the cost into smaller, more affordable monthly payments.


Does Dental Insurance Cover Crowns?

Dental insurance can significantly reduce the cost of crowns, but it’s essential to understand the limitations.

How Insurance Works for Crowns:

  • Most insurance plans cover crowns at 50% of the cost, but only after you’ve met your annual deductible.
  • Coverage is usually limited to medically necessary crowns rather than cosmetic ones.
  • Many plans have annual maximums, which could limit the amount covered for extensive dental work.

Example: If your plan covers 50% of the cost of a $1,200 crown and you’ve already met your deductible, your out-of-pocket cost would be $600.


Membership Plans vs. Dental Insurance

Membership plans are an excellent alternative for patients without insurance or those looking for additional savings.

Feature Membership Plans Dental Insurance
Coverage for Crowns 20–50% discount Usually 50% after deductible
Waiting Period None 6–12 months for major services
Monthly Costs $20–$40/month $30–$80/month
Annual Maximum None $1,000–$2,000 limit

A Real-Life Example of Savings on Dental Crowns

Meet Brian, a 45-year-old entrepreneur without dental insurance. When Brian needed a porcelain crown to fix a cracked tooth, he was quoted $1,800.

Determined to save, Brian found a local dentist offering an in-office membership plan through The Patient Marketplace. For $30/month, the membership plan offered a 30% discount on crowns, reducing his total cost to $1,260—a savings of $540!

Brian now uses his membership plan for regular cleanings, saving even more on preventive care.


FAQs About Dental Crown Costs

How much does a dental crown cost without insurance?
The cost ranges from $800 to $3,000, depending on the material, location, and complexity of the procedure.

Does insurance cover dental crowns?
Yes, most dental insurance plans cover 50% of the cost of medically necessary crowns after you meet your deductible.

Are membership plans better than insurance for crowns?
Membership plans offer immediate discounts and avoid the restrictions of insurance, such as waiting periods and annual maximums, making them a great option for uninsured patients.

What’s the cheapest type of crown?
Metal crowns are typically the most affordable, costing $1,000–$2,500. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are a cost-effective alternative for patients seeking natural-looking results.

How long do dental crowns last?
With proper care, dental crowns can last 10–15 years or more.


Take Control of Your Dental Health Today

The cost of dental crowns doesn’t have to be a roadblock to a healthy, functional smile. With solutions like membership plans, promotions, and financing options, you can save significantly on dental care.

Start Saving Now:

  1. Explore The Patient Marketplace to find affordable dental providers near you.
  2. Compare membership plans to see how much you can save on crowns and other dental procedures.
  3. Schedule your appointment and enjoy high-quality care at a fraction of the cost.

Don’t let cost stand in the way of your oral health. Take action today and get the dental care you need without the financial stress!


Inbound and Outbound Link Suggestions

Internal Links:

  • Link to “How Membership Plans Work”
  • Link to “Affordable Options for Restorative Dental Care”

Outbound Links:

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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.