Understanding Pricing, Coverage, and Affordable Solutions
Worried About the Cost of a Dental Crown? Here’s What You Need to Know
If you’ve been told you need a dental crown, your first thought might be:
✔️ How much do crowns cost with insurance?
✔️ What will my insurance cover?
✔️ Are there ways to save even more on a crown?
Dental crowns restore damaged teeth and improve aesthetics, but they can be costly—even with insurance. The good news? Most dental insurance plans cover part of the cost of a crown, and there are additional ways to reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
Let’s break down the cost of crowns, what insurance covers, and how to save money on treatment.
How Much Do Crowns Cost With Insurance?
The total cost of a dental crown varies based on material, location, and your insurance plan.
Average Cost of Dental Crowns With and Without Insurance
| Crown 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 Crown | $900 – $2,500 per tooth | $450 – $1,250 per tooth | 20+ years |
| Temporary Resin Crown | $200 – $600 per tooth | $100 – $300 per tooth | 6 months – 2 years |
Tip: Most insurance plans cover 50% of medically necessary crowns but may not cover cosmetic crowns.
What Affects the Cost of a Crown With Insurance?
Several factors determine how much you’ll actually pay out of pocket:
Insurance Plan Type – Some plans cover more than others (e.g., PPOs cover more than HMOs).
Material Used – Porcelain and zirconia crowns cost more than metal or resin crowns.
Additional Procedures – A root canal or core buildup may be needed before crown placement.
Deductibles & Annual Maximums – If you’ve reached your insurance limit for the year, you may pay more out of pocket.
Tip: Check with your insurance provider to see what’s covered before getting a crown.
Does Insurance Cover Crowns for Cosmetic Reasons?
Most dental insurance only covers crowns for medical necessity, meaning:
✔️ Cracked, broken, or decayed teeth may be covered.
✔️ Cosmetic crowns (for aesthetics only) may NOT be covered.
✔️ Front tooth crowns may have partial coverage if deemed necessary for function.
Example: Lisa needed a porcelain crown on her front tooth for a crack. Her insurance covered 50% of the $1,500 cost, so she only paid $750.
Tip: If your crown isn’t covered, there are affordable ways to lower the cost!
How to Save Money on Dental Crowns With and Without Insurance
If the cost of a dental crown still seems too high, here are ways to reduce your expenses:
1. Use 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 porcelain crown costing $2,000. Thanks to his membership plan, he saved 40%, lowering his bill to $1,200.
Find affordable dental crowns at The Patient Marketplace.
2. Choose a Dental Discount Plan
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 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.
✔️ 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 porcelain 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. 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 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 dental crowns.
FAQs
How long do 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.
Will my insurance cover a second crown in the same year?
It depends on your annual maximum coverage. Some plans only cover one major procedure per year.
Restore your smile for less! Find an affordable crown provider today at The Patient Marketplace!
