Are You Overpaying for Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are one of the most common procedures in dentistry, and also one of the most expensive. Whether you’re fixing a broken tooth or restoring a smile, the sticker shock is real. With prices ranging from $800 to over $2,500 per crown, most patients are left wondering:
“Why is this so expensive, and how can I afford it?”
You’re not alone. Even with dental insurance, costs add up fast. Without it? You’re facing full fees, zero transparency, and financial stress just to protect your smile.
But what if there were a better way, a smarter way, to get high-quality dental care without draining your wallet?
Let’s unpack your options and show you exactly how to save hundreds (or even thousands) with or without insurance.
First, Let’s Break Down the 5 Main Types of Dental Crowns
If you’re going to spend money, you should know what you’re paying for. Here’s a quick guide:
1. Porcelain Crowns
-
Best for: Front teeth (highly visible)
-
Pros: Natural appearance, stain-resistant
-
Cons: Can chip, more expensive
2. Ceramic Crowns
-
Best for: Front or back teeth
-
Pros: Highly aesthetic, metal-free
-
Cons: Not as strong as metal-based options
3. Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM)
-
Best for: Strength + aesthetics
-
Pros: Strong and tooth-colored
-
Cons: Can show metal line at the gum
4. Metal Crowns (Gold or Alloy)
-
Best for: Back molars
-
Pros: Super durable, minimal wear
-
Cons: Obvious appearance, costly
5. Zirconia Crowns
-
Best for: All-around use
-
Pros: Extremely strong, natural look
-
Cons: Slightly pricier than PFM
Each crown type has trade-offs. But no matter which one your dentist recommends, the price tag can make you hesitate.
So let’s talk solutions.
Why Dental Costs Are Outrageous; Even With Insurance
The problem isn’t just what crowns are made of, it’s the opaque, outdated pricing system.
-
Insurance often covers only 50% of restorative work
-
Annual maximums usually cap out at $1,000–$1,500
-
Complex crown cases can exceed that in a single visit
-
Out-of-pocket surprises = common
And without insurance? Forget it. You’re paying full price, often without knowing the cost upfront.
But here’s where things get interesting.
The Secret Weapon You Haven’t Heard Of: In-Office Membership Plans
Imagine Netflix, but for dental care.
That’s what in-office dental membership plans are. For a low monthly or yearly fee, you get:
✅ Free cleanings, exams, and x-rays
✅ Huge discounts (often 20–60% off) on crowns and major procedures
✅ No deductibles, no insurance hassles
✅ Transparent pricing, always
It’s not insurance, it’s better for many people.
Real-World Story: How One Patient Saved Over $1,200 on Crowns
When Marissa, a freelance graphic designer, needed two zirconia crowns, her local dentist quoted her $3,800, with no insurance. She felt defeated.
Then she found a provider through The Patient Marketplace offering a membership plan for $199/year. Her crown cost dropped to $1,295 each, saving her over $1,200 instantly.
Best part? No claims, no waiting periods, no games.
“I felt like someone was finally being honest with me,” she said.
Why The Patient Marketplace Changes Everything
The Patient Marketplace is like Expedia for dental care. It connects patients with dental practices offering:
Transparent pricing
In-office membership plans
Flexible financing options
Verified patient reviews
In a few clicks, you can find a trusted dentist near you that helps you save, with or without insurance.
Urgency Alert: Dental Prices Are Rising Every Year
Here’s the deal:
-
Materials (like zirconia) are getting more expensive
-
Lab and staffing costs are going up
-
Insurance reimbursements are shrinking
-
That all gets passed on to you
So the longer you wait, the more you’ll pay.
But membership plans lock in savings now, even if you don’t need treatment today.
The Bottom Line: You Don’t Have to Overpay for Dental Crowns
Whether you need one crown or five, you deserve transparent, affordable care, with or without insurance.
Start here: Explore dentists on The Patient Marketplace offering membership plans near you.
Thousands of patients are already saving, you should be too.
