How much do dental crowns cost without insurance?
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Key takeaways
- Dental crowns are caps that are placed over your teeth if they are damaged or weak. They can also restore the appearance of your natural smile!
- Without dental insurance, crowns can cost anywhere between $800 – $3,000 per tooth, depending on what material is used, provider location and reputation, and the severity of your situation.
- The treatment may be expensive, as insurance usually only covers part of dental crown costs. But there are ways that you can cut down on what you pay. Consider dental saving plans and financing options offered by your provider and compare prices from different dentists.
Dental crowns are for damaged, broken, or weak teeth that need a little extra love. According to Authority Dental, a dental crown can cost anywhere from $800 – $3,000 per tooth. That’s right, per tooth — and the price can go up when you factor in the material used, where you live, and how severely damaged your teeth may be.
This can get pricey, and fast, but crowns are essential for saving damaged teeth and keeping your oral health up to par. Plus, if you’re worried about costs, there are many solutions to help make them more affordable. And if you’re worried about the process of getting a crown, keep reading to know what you can expect from start to finish.
What is required when you get a dental crown?
Typically, dental crowns take two or three visits. After you go to the consultation, you will have your first visit with your dentist. They will then prepare the tooth, remove any decay, or file down the teeth that need crowns.
From there, you can expect a mold to be taken of your teeth, and a temporary crown may be placed while the permanent one is being made. A few weeks later, you can return to your dentist, and the permanent crown can be placed. Voilà! Your smile is as good as new.
Types of dental crowns
Not all crowns are the same, and the type of crown that you choose can affect both the price and the durability.
- Porcelain
- Cost: $1000 – $2500 per crown
- Pro: Offers the most natural look and is ideal for teeth in the front.
- Con: More expensive yet less durable than metal crowns.
- Metal
- Cost: $800 – $2000 per crown
- Pro: Durable and great for your back teeth/molars.
- Con: These crowns are not the most natural looking and can come in a variety of colors and alloys, including gold, nickel-chromium, cobalt-chromium, or nickel-titanium.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal:
- Cost: $900 – $2000 per crown
- Pro: Stronger than porcelain and more affordable.
- Con: Though these are stronger than porcelain, they can chip over time.
- Zirconia:
- Cost: $1000 – $3000 per crown
- Pro: Very strong and natural looking. They are typically great for both the front teeth and the back teeth.
- Con: One of the most expensive options.
Temporary crowns
Deciding to get crowns can be a huge commitment and pricey. So, if you’re wanting to test run getting a crown, a less expensive — and short-term — solution would be a temporary crown.
Think of the temporary crown as a bandage as opposed to a permanent fix. It can last you about 2 to 3 weeks — this is not a long-term solution — and is removed to be replaced by your permanent crown once it has been made. The average cost of a temporary crown usually lies between $200 and $700. These are also typically made from materials like acrylic or composite, making them much cheaper than traditional crowns.
Cosmetic crowns
Cosmetic crowns are great for teeth that may be cracked, discolored, or chipped. Unfortunately, they aren’t typically covered by dental insurance plans because they are considered elective treatment. They can really boost your smile, but paying for them out of your own pocket is a pretty big investment.
Factors influencing the cost of dental crowns
Why is the price range so broad? There are multiple factors that influence the cost of a dental crown.
- Material: Metal crowns tend to be cheaper and less natural-looking, while materials like porcelain or zirconia can wind up costing more.
- Location: Think about where you will get your treatment. Dental work that is done in larger cities can be more expensive than in rural areas.
- Tooth type: Where the crown needs to be placed can affect the cost. Your back teeth or your molars may require stronger, more expensive crowns than teeth in the front.
- Severity: If additional treatment is needed, like a root canal, you may have to pay extra for that procedure or future complications.
Other costs associated with a dental crown
Getting your crown involves more than just the cost of the crown itself. There may be other factors that add to your final bill.
| Procedure | Average Cost |
| Dental Exam | $100 |
| X-Ray | $35 |
| Root Canal (if needed) | $600-$1,500 |
How much does a dental crown cost with insurance?
Depending on your plan, a dental crown can set you back anywhere from $800 to $3,000 per tooth. Don’t forget to consider the material used, where you’re getting the work done, and any other treatments you might need before, during, or after getting your crown. Since each dental insurance plan has its own costs and benefits, make sure to compare them so you can sign up for one that works for you.
Pro Tip: If one plan considers a dental crown a major service, you could end up cutting the cost in half. That means instead of having to pay a whopping $2,000 out-of-pocket, you would only be responsible for $1,000, thanks to your coverage plan. Choose a plan that helps keep your out-of-pocket cost low and your smile in its best shape!
When thinking about the cost of getting a dental crown, you might ask yourself: is it really worth it? Well, it can be, depending on your situation. A crown could really improve your life. If you’re still on the fence, here are some of the pros and cons of getting one.
Pros of getting a dental crown
- This is a long-term solution to fix a weak or broken tooth without having to completely extract your natural tooth.
- You can get all the functionality back in your teeth! That means you can enjoy your favorite crunchy foods again, and you can talk, chew, sing, or shout as much as you want.
- With proper care, a dental crown can last 10 to 15 years — so don’t forget to brush and floss!
- A crown can restore a natural appearance to your smile if your tooth is chipped, cracked, or even discolored.
Remember: a crown isn’t just about functionality and durability — it’s about your confidence once your smile is back to being bright and shiny! Though your new smile may be perfect, getting dental crowns can come with its downfalls.
Cons of Getting a Dental Crown
- It can be expensive, especially if you don’t have insurance.
- To receive a crown, your dentist may have to shave down part of your natural tooth, which cannot be undone and may be a huge commitment for some.
- Though your teeth have now restored full functionality, you risk experiencing sensitivity to heat or coldness.
- Crowns are built to last a long time, but they may eventually need replacements or other treatments involved if complications do arise after you receive your crown.
So, if the pros outweigh the cons, getting a dental crown may be worth it for you! But what comes next now that you’ve decided to get a dental crown?
Ways to save on dental crowns
What if you can’t afford a dental crown? Dental crowns can be a pricey investment, but there are plenty of ways to keep what you pay out-of-pocket down without having to give up on quality treatment. Here are a few ways you can cut down on costs for your crown.
- Shop around
If you do a little research and check out the prices at various dental offices, you could save a lot. Take some time to get quotes from different dentists near you and see what kind of payment plans or discounts they have available.
- Find a Dental Discount Plan or Dental Insurance
If you don’t have dental insurance yet, now could be a good time to look for a plan. Another option is a dental discount plan, which can save you money on different dental services, including your dental crown and any other treatments you might need.
- Consider a cheaper crown material
There are many types of dental crowns to choose from. If you need to restore a broken or weakened tooth, consider the best option for your needs. No matter which material you choose, a crown can strengthen your tooth and improve its function.
Whether you’re using dental insurance or exploring affordable crown options, there are ways to save. Remember that many dental discount plans or financing options can help lower out-of-pocket costs, making crowns more accessible even without insurance. Before committing, research your options to find the best fit for your smile and budget.
FAQs
- How much do most dentists charge for a crown?
On average, you can expect to pay between $800 and $3,000 per crown, depending on your dentist’s reputation, their location, and the material that they use for the crown.
- What happens if I can’t afford a crown?
If you’re having difficulty paying for a crown upfront, try looking into payment plans, dental discount plans, or dental schools to reduce the costs you may have to pay out-of-pocket.
- What is the cheapest crown for a tooth?
Metal crowns are usually the most affordable, and they start at around $800. Keep in mind that they may not have the most natural look compared to other types of crowns.
- Are dental crowns worth the money?
Yes! Investing in a dental crown can help prevent bigger, more painful, and more expensive dental issues later.