If you’ve ever needed a porcelain dental crown, you probably already know—they’re not cheap. Whether it’s for cosmetic reasons or to protect a damaged tooth, a crown can cost anywhere from $800 to $3,000 per tooth, depending on factors like your location, the dentist’s expertise, and your insurance coverage.

And if you’re uninsured, the cost can feel overwhelming. Even those with dental insurance often face out-of-pocket costs due to annual limits and copays.

But what if you could cut your dental expenses by 50% or more—without sacrificing quality? That’s exactly what we’ll explore today.

Why Are Porcelain Crowns So Expensive?

Porcelain crowns are one of the most natural-looking and durable options for tooth restoration, but their price comes from several factors:

• High-quality materials: Pure porcelain or porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) materials are costly.
• Labor-intensive process: Custom-fitted crowns require multiple dentist visits and lab work.
• Technology: Some dentists use CEREC machines, which create same-day crowns, but the convenience comes at a price.

Good news: There are ways to save significantly on these costs—whether or not you have insurance.

How to Save on Porcelain Crowns (With or Without Insurance)

1. Check Your Dental Insurance Benefits

If you have dental insurance, check your policy carefully. Many plans cover 50% of the cost of major restorative work (like crowns), but only after you meet your deductible.

➡️ Key questions to ask your insurance provider:

• Does my plan cover porcelain crowns, or only metal ones?
• What percentage of the cost is covered?
• What’s my annual coverage limit?
• Do I need pre-authorization before treatment?

⚠️ Tip: Many dental insurance plans cap benefits at $1,000–$1,500 per year, which may not even cover one porcelain crown. If you’re close to your limit, you might want to spread treatment over two calendar years.

2. Join a Dental Membership Plan

No insurance? No problem. A dental membership plan can help you save 30–60% on major procedures, including porcelain crowns.

✔️ How it works:

• Pay an affordable annual or monthly fee (usually between $99–$300 per year).
• Get discounted rates on cleanings, fillings, crowns, and even cosmetic procedures.
• No deductibles, waiting periods, or annual limits.

Best Option: The Patient Marketplace helps patients find local dentists offering affordable membership plans. Many plans slash the cost of porcelain crowns by hundreds of dollars.

3. Get Treatment at a Dental School

If cost is your biggest concern, dental schools offer crowns at a fraction of the price—sometimes as low as $400–$800 per crown.

✔️ Pros:

• Supervised by experienced dentists.
• Significantly cheaper than private practices.

❌ Cons:

• Longer appointment times.
• Limited availability.

4. Ask About Cash Discounts or Payment Plans

Many dentists offer discounts for upfront cash payments—sometimes 5–15% off.

If you can’t pay all at once, ask about:

• In-house financing (many dentists offer 0% interest payment plans).
• Third-party financing (CareCredit, LendingClub).

5. Compare Prices & Negotiate

Not all dentists charge the same amount. Shop around and compare quotes before committing.

How to negotiate your porcelain crown cost:

• Get multiple estimates from different providers.
• Ask, “Do you offer a cash discount?”
• Mention you’re comparing costs and ask for a better rate.

A Real-Life Example of Big Savings

Emma, a 38-year-old marketing professional, needed a porcelain crown after a root canal. Her dentist quoted $1,800, but her insurance only covered $750—leaving her with a $1,050 out-of-pocket cost.

How She Saved: ✅ She joined a dental membership plan for $199/year.
✅ She found a participating dentist through The Patient Marketplace who charged only $1,200 for the crown (vs. $1,800).
✅ Her final cost was $450 instead of $1,050—saving her $600 instantly.

Lesson? A little research can cut your crown costs in half.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Overpay for Porcelain Crowns

Porcelain crowns don’t have to break the bank. Whether you have insurance or not, the strategies above can help you slash your costs and still get top-quality dental care.

Ready to Save?
✔️ Check out The Patient Marketplace to find local dentists offering affordable membership plans.
✔️ Compare quotes, negotiate, and explore financing options.

What’s the best deal you’ve found on dental care? Drop a comment below!