The Cost of a Tooth Crown: What You Need to Know

If you’re dealing with a damaged or decayed tooth, your dentist might recommend a dental crown. But the first question on your mind is likely: How much does a tooth crown cost?

The price of a dental crown varies depending on the material, location, and whether you have insurance. While some crowns cost as little as $500, others can exceed $3,000 per tooth.

Here’s the good news: You can save on dental care—even without insurance. Let’s break down the costs and explore a smart, cost-saving alternative that many patients don’t know about.

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How Much Does a Tooth Crown Cost?

The price of a dental crown depends on several factors, including the type of material used. Here’s a breakdown:

Crown Type	Cost (Without Insurance)	Durability	Appearance
Porcelain	$800 – $3,000+	High	Best match for natural teeth
Ceramic	$800 – $2,500+	High	Natural-looking, great for front teeth
Gold/Metal Alloy	$600 – $2,500+	Very high	Less aesthetic, more durable
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM)	$500 – $2,000+	Moderate to high	Can look natural, but may show metal at the gum line
Zirconia	$1,000 – $3,000+	Very high	Durable and aesthetic

What About Insurance?

Most dental insurance plans cover 50% of the cost of a crown after your deductible is met. However, if your plan has an annual maximum (typically $1,000 – $2,000), you might still face out-of-pocket costs.

Did you know? Many dental offices offer in-office membership plans that can save you more than traditional insurance—without the headache of deductibles, claim denials, or waiting periods.

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How to Save on Dental Crowns (With & Without Insurance)

1. The Best-Kept Secret: In-Office Membership Plans

Dental practices are increasingly offering membership plans for patients without insurance.

These plans typically include: ✅ 2 free cleanings per year
✅ Discounts on crowns, fillings, and other treatments (often 10-50%)
✅ No deductibles or waiting periods

Many patients find that membership plans save them more money than traditional dental insurance—especially when it comes to major procedures like crowns.

Find a Dentist Offering a Membership Plan Near You: The Patient Marketplace connects patients with local dentists offering affordable in-office plans.

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2. Choose Your Crown Material Wisely

If cost is a major concern, ask your dentist about alternative materials. A PFM or gold crown might be more affordable than all-ceramic or zirconia options while still offering durability.

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3. Get a Second Opinion

Prices for crowns can vary significantly between dental offices. Some dentists charge 50% less than others for the same procedure.

Pro Tip: Use The Patient Marketplace to compare prices and find a trusted, affordable provider.

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4. Use an HSA or FSA

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

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5. Ask About Payment Plans

Most dental offices offer flexible financing through services like CareCredit or in-house payment plans, which allow you to break up the cost over several months.

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Why In-Office Membership Plans Are the Best Money-Saving Solution

If you don’t have dental insurance (or even if you do but still face high costs), an in-office membership plan can save you hundreds or even thousands on dental care.

Take Action Today: Visit The Patient Marketplace to find a dentist offering a membership plan near you!

Final Tip: Don’t wait until your tooth pain worsens—early treatment can save you money and hassle in the long run.