The Hidden Costs of Dental Care: How to Save Without Sacrificing Quality
Getting a dental crown can be expensive, with the average price for a dental crown ranging from $800 to $2,500, depending on materials and your dentist’s location. If you don’t have insurance—or even if you do—you might be paying more than necessary. But there’s a smarter way to afford high-quality dental care without breaking the bank.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best ways to save on dental costs, whether you have insurance, no insurance, or a dental membership plan, and average price for a dental crown
Understanding the Average Price for a Dental Crown
A dental crown is often needed to restore a damaged or decayed tooth. But costs vary significantly:
- Porcelain Crowns – $900 to $2,500 per tooth
- Metal Crowns – $800 to $1,500 per tooth
- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns – $875 to $1,400 per tooth
- Zirconia Crowns – $1,000 to $2,500 per tooth
Your total cost depends on the dentist’s fees, lab costs, and your geographic location. If you’re uninsured, the price can be overwhelming—but that doesn’t mean you’re out of options.
How to Save Money on Dental Crowns (With or Without Insurance)
1. Compare Prices and Negotiate
Many people don’t realize that dental prices are not fixed. Call multiple dental offices and ask for a price estimate. Some dentists are willing to negotiate lower rates—especially if you’re paying out of pocket.
2. Consider In-House Membership Plans
One of the best-kept secrets in dentistry is in-office membership plans. Instead of paying for traditional insurance, you can sign up for a dentist’s membership program to receive benefits like:
- Discounted dental work (often 20-50% off crowns, cleanings, and fillings)
- No deductibles or waiting periods
- Predictable pricing for routine care
A great place to find dentists offering membership plans is The Patient Marketplace. This platform connects you with dentists offering affordable, high-quality care at discounted membership rates.
3. Use Dental Discount Plans Instead of Insurance
If your insurance doesn’t cover crowns—or you’re uninsured—consider a dental discount plan. These are different from insurance because:
- You pay an annual fee (usually between $80-$200)
- You receive 10-60% off on major procedures, including crowns
- No claims, waiting periods, or complicated approvals
4. Find Dental Schools or Nonprofit Clinics
Many dental schools offer treatments at 50-70% lower prices. Since dental students need experience, they provide treatment under supervision from licensed dentists. Search for accredited dental schools in your area for affordable care and average price for a dental crown.
Additionally, nonprofit dental clinics and community health centers offer low-cost or sliding-scale fees based on income.
5. Consider Medical Tourism for Dental Work
If you’re open to traveling, dental tourism can save you 50-70% on expensive treatments. Popular destinations include:
- Mexico (Crowns as low as $250)
- Thailand (High-quality care for under $500 per crown)
- Costa Rica (Affordable, high-standard dentistry)
While this option requires research and travel, many patients report excellent experiences at accredited international dental clinics.
Why In-Office Membership Plans Are a Game-Changer
Many Americans overpay for dental care because they assume insurance is their only option—but in-office membership plans offer a better alternative.
Advantages of membership plans: ✅ Lower Prices – Save up to 50% on major dental work
✅ No Insurance Hassles – No deductibles, claim denials, or waiting periods
✅ Better Quality Care – Get personalized treatment directly from your dentist
Example: Sarah, a busy mom from Texas, needed a crown but didn’t have dental insurance. She found a dentist on The Patient Marketplace offering a $250 yearly membership that gave her 40% off crowns—saving her over $600 on the procedure!
Act Now: Stop Overpaying for Dental Care
If you’re struggling with the high cost of dental crowns, there’s no need to delay treatment. Whether you use a dental membership plan, discount program, or negotiate pricing, there are plenty of ways to cut costs without cutting quality.
Take Action Today:
➡️ Visit The Patient Marketplace to find a dentist offering affordable membership plans.
➡️ Call local dental offices and ask about cash discounts or payment plans.
➡️ Explore dental discount programs that can save you up to 60% on major procedures.
The best way to save on a dental crown is to take action now—because delaying treatment could end up costing even more!
