You’re sitting in the dentist’s chair, and the verdict is in—you need a crown. Your first thought? How bad is this going to hit my wallet? You’re not alone. One of the most asked questions at dental offices across the U.S. is this: what’s the tooth crown cost with insurance?
Spoiler alert: it’s not always as affordable as you think. But here’s the good news—you can reduce the cost even further with or without insurance using a simple strategy most patients don’t know exists.
Let’s break it all down so you can stop stressing and start saving.
Why Are Dental Crowns So Expensive, Even with Insurance?
Dental crowns—also known as “caps”—are used to restore broken, decayed, or weakened teeth. They’re often required after large fillings or root canals, and are also used with dental implants.
What drives the price up?
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Multiple appointments
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Tooth preparation and impression
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Use of high-quality, durable materials (like zirconia or porcelain)
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Custom fitting in a dental lab
Even though they’re common, they’re not cheap. And insurance rarely covers 100%.
Tooth Crown Cost with Insurance: Let’s Talk Real Numbers
You’d think having dental insurance would eliminate most of the cost—but it doesn’t. Most plans only cover 50% of the procedure, and annual maximums typically fall between $1,000 to $1,500—which can get used up fast.
| Crown Type | Average Cost | With 50% Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal | $1,000 – $1,400 | $500 – $700 |
| All-Ceramic/Porcelain | $1,200 – $1,800 | $600 – $900 |
| Zirconia | $1,200 – $2,000 | $600 – $1,000 |
| Gold or Metal Alloy | $1,200 – $2,500 | $600 – $1,250 |
What’s more, you might end up paying even more out-of-pocket if:
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The crown is considered cosmetic
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You’ve already hit your yearly limit
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You need additional procedures like a core buildup or root canal
Insurance Doesn’t Cover Everything—Here’s What They Skip
Many dental plans exclude or limit certain crown-related services. These include:
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High-end cosmetic materials (e.g. all-porcelain on molars)
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Temporary crowns
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Lab fees and technology upgrades
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Replacement crowns if placed within 5 years
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Re-treatments or follow-up visits
The result? You’re often paying $600 to $1,200 out-of-pocket, even with insurance.
Introducing the Solution: Dental Membership Plans
In-office dental membership plans are the most overlooked way to save big, especially when your insurance doesn’t go far enough. And here’s the best part—they work with or without traditional coverage.
For a low monthly or annual fee, these plans offer:
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Free exams, X-rays, and cleanings
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20–60% OFF restorative treatments like crowns
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No deductibles or claim paperwork
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Immediate enrollment with no waiting period
Think of it as a dental discount plan, directly through your provider.
Real Story: How Danielle Saved $500 on Her Crown
Danielle, a 38-year-old full-time working mom, needed a porcelain crown on a back molar. Her dentist quoted $1,500. Insurance would cover 50%, leaving her with a $750 bill.
That still stung.
She turned to The Patient Marketplace and found a local dentist with an in-house membership plan. For $29/month, her out-of-pocket cost was reduced to $250—on top of her insurance savings.
Total savings? Over $500. She kept her coverage and stacked extra discounts—without switching dentists or delaying care.
The Patient Marketplace: How It Helps You Save
If you haven’t heard of The Patient Marketplace, it’s the easiest way to find affordable dental care near you, even if you already have insurance.
Here’s what it does:
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Matches you with dentists offering in-house membership plans
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Lets you compare crown costs before booking
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Allows same-day or next-day scheduling
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Shows you transparent pricing with no hidden fees
This is dental care on your terms, with your budget in mind.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Get a Crown
Putting off a crown to save money? Bad idea. Here’s why:
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Cracks deepen and cause pain
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Tooth may become non-restorable
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You may need a root canal, costing $800–$2,000 more
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It can lead to full extraction and implant, costing over $5,000
In short, delaying costs you more—financially and medically.
How to Cut Your Crown Costs in Half—Even with Insurance
Here’s how to take action now:
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Check your insurance coverage—know what they cover and how much
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Visit The Patient Marketplace and search for dentists near you
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Compare pricing and membership plans for crowns
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Enroll in a dental membership plan—often activated the same day
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Book your treatment with confidence, knowing exactly what you’ll pay
FAQs About Tooth Crown Cost with Insurance
How much does a dental crown cost with insurance?
You’ll typically pay 50% out-of-pocket, which ranges from $500 to $1,250 depending on crown material and your plan.
Can a dental membership plan lower my crown cost?
Yes! Membership plans often add 20–60% savings, even after insurance is applied.
Is a porcelain crown covered by insurance?
Sometimes. Coverage varies by location and whether the crown is for function or appearance.
Can I use insurance and a membership plan together?
Yes. Many providers allow stacking membership discounts after insurance is applied.
Are crowns worth the cost?
Absolutely. They protect weakened teeth, restore function, and prevent more expensive issues down the road.
Where can I find affordable crowns near me?
Check The Patient Marketplace for local dentists offering membership savings on crowns.
Conclusion: Protect Your Tooth—and Your Budget
If the tooth crown cost with insurance still feels too high, you’re not wrong—but you’re not stuck either.
Membership plans give you back control—real savings, simple pricing, and no surprises. Combine them with your existing insurance, and you could cut your cost in half or more.
Start saving now at The Patient Marketplace. Find a dentist. Compare prices. And finally get that crown without the crushing bill.
Inbound Link Suggestions
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“Dental Crowns: What You Should Know Before You Book”
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“Explore Our In-Office Membership Plan”
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