How One Simple Membership Plan Saved a Patient Over $1,200 on a Dental Crown
High dental bills aren’t just frustrating; they can be downright crippling. If you’ve ever walked out of a dentist’s office feeling blindsided by the cost of a single crown, you’re not alone. The dental crown cost today can range from $800 to over $2,500, depending on materials and location. And even with insurance? You’re likely still stuck with hundreds out of pocket.
But what if there were a way to drastically cut those costs, without confusing coverage limits, waiting periods, or fine print?
Let’s dive into how smart patients are now saving big with in-office membership plans, and how you can too, with or without insurance.
Understanding the Real Dental Crown Cost
On average, a dental crown costs:
| Type of Crown | Average Cost (Without Insurance) |
|---|---|
| Porcelain | $1,200 – $2,500 |
| Metal | $800 – $1,400 |
| Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal | $875 – $1,800 |
| Gold Alloy | $1,000 – $2,400 |
That’s without considering additional work like X-rays, root canals, or impressions, which can inflate your final bill by $500 or more.
Why Insurance Doesn’t Always Help
Insurance might cover part of your dental crown cost, but here’s the catch:
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Annual Maximums: Most plans cap benefits at $1,000–$1,500 per year.
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Waiting Periods: Some require a 6–12 month wait for crown coverage.
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Co-Pays & Deductibles: You still pay a significant chunk out-of-pocket.
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Limited Provider Networks: Not all dentists accept your plan.
So while insurance can soften the blow, it often leaves you paying hundreds, or even thousands, more than expected.
How In-Office Membership Plans Work
Enter the game-changer: in-office dental membership plans.
These plans are not insurance. They’re affordable subscription-based programs offered by dental offices that provide deep discounts on all treatments, including crowns.
Typical Features:
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No annual limits
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Immediate activation
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Transparent pricing
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25–75% off services
Plans typically range from $25 to $40/month or $300 to $500/year, far less than insurance premiums, with savings that stack up fast.
Real Story: How Maria Saved $1,215 on a Crown
Maria, a 42-year-old single mom from Phoenix, was quoted $1,875 for a porcelain crown. Her dental insurance wouldn’t cover it for another 8 months due to a waiting period.
Desperate, she found The Patient Marketplace and connected with a local dentist offering a $399/year membership plan.
Her new plan:
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Gave her 40% off major procedures
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Covered cleanings and exams
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Had no waiting periods
Maria paid only $660 for her crown, saving $1,215 instantly.
Why More People Are Choosing The Patient Marketplace
ThePatientMarketplace.com connects patients with top-rated dentists offering transparent pricing and affordable in-house plans.
Key benefits:
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Compare costs and memberships easily
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No middleman insurance hassles
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Read real patient reviews and savings stories
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Book appointments directly online
Whether you’re uninsured, self-employed, or tired of fighting your provider’s red tape, this platform can connect you with dentists who actually want to help you save.
The Emotional and Financial Toll of Delaying Dental Crowns
Avoiding dental care due to cost can make things worse:
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Pain and discomfort escalate
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Minor problems turn into expensive root canals
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Lost workdays from dental emergencies
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Higher future dental crown cost
In-office plans eliminate the waiting and give you financial peace of mind to treat issues early.
Without Insurance? Here’s How to Save Big
If you’re uninsured, here’s your playbook for reducing the dental crown cost:
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Search The Patient Marketplace for dentists with membership plans
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Compare plan benefits and pricing
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Ask about cash discounts and payment plans
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Avoid unnecessary upsells or premium materials unless needed
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Schedule a second opinion for high estimates
Already Have Insurance? You Can Still Save
Surprisingly, in-office plans can still save you money even if you’re insured. How?
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Use them for procedures insurance won’t cover
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Access better rates at out-of-network practices
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Save after maxing out your annual insurance limit
Plus, some dentists allow dual enrollment, letting you maximize both insurance and membership discounts.
What to Look for in a Dental Membership Plan
Not all plans are equal. Make sure yours includes:
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Deep discounts on crowns and major procedures
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Included cleanings and check-ups
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No hidden fees or limits
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Short waiting periods (or none)
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Convenient cancellation policies
Ask the provider for a printed fee schedule for full transparency.
Finding the Best Plan with The Patient Marketplace
Here’s how to find your perfect dental match:
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Enter your ZIP code
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Compare dentists by:
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Membership cost
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Discount %
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Verified patient reviews
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Book directly, no paperwork or long forms
You’ll see crown pricing before stepping into the office. That’s rare transparency in dentistry.
Why This Option Beats Dental Discount Cards
Unlike dental discount cards or third-party programs, in-office plans:
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Provide better value
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Offer direct relationships with your provider
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Have fewer restrictions
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Are accepted only at their own practice, which means more consistent pricing
Discount cards might look good on paper, but membership plans are tailored to actual treatment costs.
Urgency Matters: Act Before You Need It
Too often, patients delay until they’re in pain or panic mode.
Don’t wait.
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Membership plan discounts don’t require emergencies.
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Many plans include preventative care, helping you avoid more costly treatments.
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Locking in a plan today means you can act fast when issues arise tomorrow.
Final Thoughts on Dental Crown Cost
Whether you’re frustrated by unpredictable insurance coverage or just looking for a way to make dental work more affordable, the answer is clear:
In-office membership plans are the future of affordable dentistry.
And with resources like The Patient Marketplace, finding the right dentist and plan is easier than ever.
Stop overpaying. Stop waiting. Take back control of your dental care.
FAQs
How much does a dental crown cost without insurance?
Without insurance, dental crown costs range from $800 to $2,500, depending on materials and your location.
Are dental membership plans worth it?
Yes. For a low annual fee, these plans offer significant discounts on crowns and other procedures without the limitations of insurance.
Can I use a dental membership plan and insurance together?
Some dentists allow dual usage, but it varies. Ask your provider to clarify what’s allowed.
Do membership plans cover pre-existing issues?
Unlike insurance, most plans offer immediate coverage for all procedures, including crowns, even for pre-existing conditions.
What’s the best way to find affordable crowns near me?
Use ThePatientMarketplace.com to find local dentists with transparent pricing and in-office plans.
Can I join a dental membership plan if I already have insurance?
Yes! Many patients use them as a backup once they hit their insurance limit or for treatments insurance excludes.
