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How Much Are Dental Crowns? A Complete Cost Guide

May 11, 2025
Topics: Patients
Written by: Ally Comstock

Affordable Solutions for Restoring Your Smile

Confused About the Cost of Dental Crowns? You’re Not Alone

If you’ve been told you need a dental crown, you may be wondering:
✔️ How much?
✔️ What affects the price?
✔️ Are there affordable ways to get a crown?

Dental crowns restore damaged, broken, or weakened teeth, but they can be costly—especially without insurance. The good news? There are ways to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses while still getting a high-quality crown.

Let’s break down pricing, what impacts the cost, and how to save on treatment.


How Much?

The cost varies depending on the material, location, and additional procedures needed.

Average Cost:

Type Cost Without Insurance Cost With Insurance (50% Coverage) Lifespan
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) $800 – $1,500 per tooth $400 – $750 per tooth 10-15 years
All-Porcelain or All-Ceramic $1,000 – $2,500 per tooth $500 – $1,250 per tooth 10-20 years
Zirconia (Metal-Free, Highly Durable) $1,200 – $3,000 per tooth $600 – $1,500 per tooth 15-25 years
Gold or Metal $900 – $2,500 per tooth $450 – $1,250 per tooth 20+ years
Temporary Resin $200 – $600 per tooth $100 – $300 per tooth 6 months – 2 years

Tip: Porcelain or zirconia are the best choices for front teeth, while metal or gold crowns are ideal for molars.


What Affects the Cost?

Several factors influence how much you’ll pay:

Material Used – Zirconia and porcelain crowns cost more than metal.
Dentist’s Location – Prices vary depending on your city, state, and clinic.
Additional Procedures – A root canal or core buildup may be needed before crown placement.
Dental Lab Fees – Custom-made crowns involve higher lab costs.

Tip: Shopping around and comparing prices can help you find an affordable option.


Does Insurance Cover the Cost?

Many dental insurance plans cover up to 50% of the cost of a crown, but there are restrictions.

✔️ Insurance typically covers crowns for medical reasons (e.g., protecting a cracked tooth).
✔️ Cosmetic crowns (for appearance only) may not be covered.
✔️ Annual maximums may limit how much insurance pays toward treatment.

Example: Sarah’s porcelain crown cost $1,500, but her insurance covered 50%, reducing her total bill to $750.

Tip: If you don’t have insurance, there are still affordable ways to get a dental crown!


How to Save Money Without Insurance

If dental crown costs seem too high, here are ways to reduce your expenses:

1. Join a Dental Membership Plan

A dental membership plan is an affordable alternative to insurance, offering discounted rates on crowns and other treatments.

No waiting periods or deductibles.
Instant savings of 20-50% on dental crowns.
No annual maximum—use it whenever needed.

Example: Mark needed a zirconia crown costing $2,500. Thanks to his membership plan, he saved 40%, lowering his bill to $1,500.

Find affordable dental crowns at The Patient Marketplace.


2. Look for Dental Discount Plans

Dental discount plans offer reduced pricing on all dental treatments, including crowns.

✔️ Provide 10-60% off procedures
✔️ Require an annual membership fee
✔️ Work at participating dental offices

Example: A dental discount plan lowered Brian’s crown cost from $2,500 to $1,600, saving him $900 instantly.


3. Visit a Dental School for Lower Prices

Dental schools offer low-cost crowns, performed by students under licensed dentist supervision. You can expect:
✔️ High-quality care at up to 50% lower prices
✔️ Longer appointment times but significant savings

Example: A dental school charged $1,000 instead of $2,000 for Lisa’s crown.


4. Compare Prices & Negotiate With Dentists

Not all dentists charge the same for crowns! Call multiple offices and ask about:
New patient specials
Cash discounts for upfront payments
In-office financing options

Example: Sarah saved $400 by choosing a dentist who offered a new patient discount on her crown.


5. Use an HSA or FSA to Cover Costs

A Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) lets you use pre-tax dollars to pay for a dental crown, reducing your out-of-pocket expenses.


6. Ask About Payment Plans & Financing Options

Many dentists offer interest-free financing through third-party providers like:
✔️ CareCredit
✔️ LendingClub
✔️ In-house payment plans

Example: Emily financed her $2,500 crown over 12 months with zero interest, making it affordable at just $208/month.


Find an Affordable Dentist Offering Discounts on Dental Crowns

If you’re searching for affordable dental crowns, visit The Patient Marketplace to find budget-friendly dentistsoffering:
✔️ Discounted membership plans.
✔️ Flexible financing options.
✔️ Affordable, high-quality crowns.


FAQs

How long do dental crowns last?

  • Porcelain or ceramic crowns: 10-15 years
  • Zirconia crowns: 15-25 years
  • Gold or metal crowns: 20+ years

Can I finance my dental crown?

Yes! Many dentists offer payment plans or financing to help spread out the cost.

Is it cheaper to get a crown abroad?

Some people choose dental tourism for cheaper crowns, but quality and safety should always be considered.

Restore your smile for less! Find an affordable dental crown provider today at The Patient Marketplace!

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.