Educating Patients & Connecting Them to Membership Plans.

How Much for a Crown? Cost Breakdown & Smart Ways to Save

March 16, 2025
Topics: Patients
Written by: Ally Comstock

Concerned About the Cost of a Dental Crown? Here’s How to Save

A dental crown is a common restorative treatment used to repair damaged or weakened teeth, but many patients hesitate to get one due to high costs.

The good news? You don’t have to break the bank to restore your tooth! There are affordable options available, whether you have insurance, no insurance, or need financing options.

In this guide, we’ll cover:
How much a dental crown costs
Types and their pricing differences
Ways to reduce costs with and without insurance
How to find budget-friendly dental crowns near you

And if you’re looking for affordable dental crowns, check out The Patient Marketplace—a platform that connects you with low-cost dentists offering membership plans and discounts.

Let’s break down the costs and savings options!


1. How Much Does a Dental Crown Cost?

The cost varies depending on:
The type of material used (porcelain, metal, zirconia, etc.)
The dentist’s location and expertise
Additional procedures required (root canal, X-rays, etc.)
Whether you have dental insurance

Average Cost (Per Tooth)

Type Cost Without Insurance
Porcelain $800 – $3,000
Ceramic (Tooth-Colored) $850 – $2,500
Metal (Gold, Alloy) $900 – $2,500
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal $800 – $2,500
Zirconia (Highly Durable) $1,000 – $3,500

Important: If you need a root canal before a crown, expect additional costs of $800 – $2,500.


2. How to Save on With Insurance

If you have dental insurance, you may qualify for partial coverage on your dental crown, reducing your out-of-pocket costs.

How Insurance Helps Lower Costs

Covers 50-80% of the cost for medically necessary crowns
Annual maximums apply (typically $1,000 – $1,500 per year)
You must meet your deductible first before insurance kicks in
Pre-authorization may be required for certain types

Pro Tip: Some insurance plans only cover metal crowns on back teeth but not tooth-colored crowns on front teeth—always check your policy!


3. How to Get an Affordable Dental Crown Without Insurance

If you don’t have insurance, you can still find budget-friendly options for dental crowns.

Best Ways to Save Without Insurance

Look for Membership Plans – Many dentists offer discounted crowns through in-office membership programs.
Find a Dental School Clinic – Students perform procedures at lower costs under supervision.
Shop Around for Prices – Costs vary by provider and location, so compare multiple dentists.
Ask About Payment Plans – Many offices offer low-interest or no-interest monthly payment options.

Best Option: The most effective way to save on dental work is to join a membership plan, which provides instant discounts on procedures.


4. The Best-Kept Secret: Dental Membership Plans

What Is a Dental Membership Plan?

A dental membership plan is NOT insurance—it’s an affordable alternative that provides discounted rates on crowns, exams, cleanings, and other treatments.

Instead of paying high monthly premiums for traditional insurance, you pay a small annual or monthly fee for instant savings at a participating dentist.

Benefits of a Membership Plan:

NO waiting periods, deductibles, or paperwork
20-50% off dental crowns, exams, and other treatments
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
Perfect for uninsured patients needing affordable care

How a Patient Saved $800

Meet Emily, a schoolteacher who needed a porcelain crown but was quoted $1,800—way beyond her budget.

A friend told her about The Patient Marketplace, where she found a dentist offering a membership plan.

For just $299 per year, Emily saved:
40% off her dental crown
FREE check-ups and exams
Discounts on future treatments

Her total crown cost dropped to $1,000, saving her $800 instantly!

Want to see how much YOU could save? Visit The Patient Marketplace to find a dentist offering membership plans near you.


5. Why Waiting Could Cost You More

Delaying a dental crown can lead to bigger, costlier problems, such as:

Tooth decay worsening, requiring a root canal (which costs an extra $800 – $2,500).
A cracked tooth worsening, leading to extraction and a dental implant (which costs $3,000 – $6,000).
Gum infections and further oral health complications.

Getting a crown now can save you thousands later!


6. Find an Affordable Dental Care Near You

A dental crown is crucial for restoring and protecting a damaged tooth, but it shouldn’t empty your wallet. Whether you have insurance, no insurance, or need financing options, you have affordable choices:

Best for insured patients: Use your benefits & choose an in-network dentist.
Best for uninsured patients: Look for cash discounts & dental schools.
Best for major savings: Join a membership plan through The Patient Marketplace.

Ready to get your dental care at an affordable price? Visit The Patient Marketplace to find a budget-friendly, top-rated dentist near you!


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much does a dental crown cost without insurance?

Without insurance, a dental crown costs between $800 and $3,500, depending on the material and location.

What is the cheapest type?

Metal crowns tend to be cheaper than porcelain or zirconia, but prices vary by provider.

Can I make payments?

Yes! Many dentists offer payment plans or financing options to help make crowns more affordable.

Where can I find an affordable dental near me?

Visit The Patient Marketplace to find discounted crown prices in your area.

How long do dental crowns last?

With proper care, a dental crown can last 10-15 years or longer.


Final Thoughts – Get an Affordable Dental Crown Today!

A dental crown is an essential investment in your oral health, but it shouldn’t break the bank. By using insurance benefits, shopping for discounts, or joining a membership plan, you can cut your crown costs in half.

Ready to restore your smile for less? Visit The Patient Marketplace now and start saving 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.