Losing your teeth can affect your ability to smile and live your life fully. The good thing is that if you have badly damaged or decayed teeth, you can save them with the help of dental crowns.
Dental crowns provide a durable solution that can enhance oral health and restore confidence in one’s smile. However, for many considering this procedure, one of the foremost questions that arise is: How much does crowns cost?
Let’s find out what factors affect the cost of dental crowns, what their average price is, and how you can save money if you want this treatment for your teeth.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns, or caps, are prosthetic restorations that encase a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. They are custom-made to fit over the entire visible portion of a tooth above the gum line, providing protection and reinforcement.
Crowns can be made from various materials such as porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys, or a combination of these materials. Each material offers different advantages in terms of durability, aesthetics, and cost, allowing dentists to select the most suitable option based on the patient’s needs.
Dental Crown Installation – The Procedure
Initial Consultation & Preparation
During the initial consultation, the dentist examines the tooth to assess the extent of damage and ensure the tooth’s root is healthy and capable of supporting a crown.
Tooth Preparation
Before placing the crown, the tooth needs to be prepared. This involves shaping the tooth by removing a thin layer of enamel to create space for the crown. If the tooth is severely damaged or decayed, the dentist may build up the core of the tooth with filling material to provide a stable foundation for the crown.
Impression Taking
Once the tooth is prepared, an impression (mold) of the tooth and surrounding teeth is made. This impression is sent to a dental laboratory where the crown will be custom-made to ensure a precise fit.
Temporary Crown Placement
While waiting for the permanent crown to be fabricated (which typically takes a few weeks), a temporary crown may be placed over the prepared tooth to protect it.
Permanent Crown Placement:
Once the permanent crown is ready, the temporary crown is removed. The dentist checks the new crown’s fit, color, and shape before cementing it into place.
Final Polishing & Bite Adjustment
After cementing the crown, the dentist polishes it to match the sheen of natural teeth. They also check and adjust your bite to ensure proper alignment and comfort.
How Much Does Crowns Cost?
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal crowns have a metal interior for strength and a porcelain exterior for a natural appearance. They are durable and blend well with natural teeth. Their average cost is $800 – $2,300 per crown.
All-Porcelain Crowns
Known for their excellent aesthetics, all-porcelain crowns are entirely made of porcelain. Due to their natural color and translucency, they are suitable for front teeth. The average cost is $800 to $3000 per crown.
Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia crowns are highly durable and aesthetic, made from a type of crystal that is translucent like natural teeth. They are ideal for both front and back teeth. The average cost of zirconia crowns is $1,000 – $2,500 per crown.
Metal Crowns
The price of a metal crown varies depending on the type of alloy employed. Gold alloy crowns are more expensive than those crafted from base metal alloys like nickel-chromium, cobalt-chromium, or nickel-titanium. Metal crowns are typically fitted on molars. The cost of a metal crown ranges from $900 to $2,500, with an average cost of approximately $1,300.
Factors Influencing How Much Does Crowns Cost
Type of Material Used
The material chosen for the crown significantly affects its cost. Common materials include porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM), all-ceramic or all-porcelain, zirconia, gold alloy, and base metal alloys. Each material has its own cost range based on factors like durability, aesthetics, and manufacturing complexity.
Geographic Location
The cost of dental procedures, including crowns, can vary depending on the region and city where the dental practice is located. Urban areas or regions with higher living costs generally have higher dental treatment costs.
Dentist’s Expertise & Reputation
The experience, skill level, and reputation of the dentist performing the procedure can influence the cost of dental crowns. Dentists with advanced training, certifications, or specialized expertise may charge higher fees for installing a dental crown.
Dental Insurance Coverage
Dental insurance coverage varies widely, depending on the provider and the specific plan. Some insurance plans cover a portion of the cost of dental crowns, while others may cover only certain types of crowns or specific conditions. The extent of insurance coverage can significantly affect out-of-pocket costs for patients.
Other Costs that Affect the Price of Dental Crowns
| Service (H3 | Cost range (H3) | Cost average (H3) |
| Dental exam (H3) | $50-$200 | $100 |
| X-ray (H3) | $25-$50 | $35 |
| Diagnostic casts ( H3) | $50-$300 | $140 |
| Protective restoration, such as a temporary filling (H3) | $90-$250 | $150 |
| Root canal (H3) | $1,000-$1,600 | $1,000, depending on tooth position |
Does Insurance cover Dental Crowns?
Private dental insurance typically covers crowns deemed medically necessary, paying half of the total cost. Dental crowns are generally not covered if they are used for purely cosmetic reasons.
Many plans impose an annual limit of $1,000 to $1,500, so reviewing your policy documents is essential.
Most policies have waiting periods of 6, 12, or even 24 months before major dental benefits take effect. Individuals may consider opting for a dental discount plan if immediate treatment is required. These plans often offer reduced rates for both necessary and cosmetic procedures.
Is it Worth Getting a Dental Crown?
Whether a crown is worth getting is entirely up to your tooth’s state and budget. You might also want to consider your insurance plan when deciding to get a dental crown.
Again, if the crown is medically necessary and highly recommended by your dentist, then your insurance should typically cover about half the cost. Some of the reasons why you might medically require a dental crown include:
- Stabilizing a tooth with a terrible cavity
- Repairing a tooth that is cracked or severely damaged
- Giving your tooth some structure after getting a root canal
- Replacing a lost tooth
A crown is definitely a more expensive alternative for these problems, but it is more likely to offer better protection and reinforcement for your damaged tooth. Keep in mind that if you go without a crown, you might eventually have to opt for tooth extraction.
Tips to Save Money When Getting a Dental Crown
Compare Prices:
Shop around and compare prices from different dental offices. Prices can vary significantly between practices, so getting multiple quotes can help you find a more affordable option.
Consider Different Materials:
Discuss with your dentist the different types of crown materials available. Some materials may be more cost-effective than others while still meeting your aesthetic and functional needs.
Check Insurance Coverage:
Review your dental insurance plan to understand what portion of the crown cost is covered.
Ask About Payment Plans:
Many dental offices offer flexible payment plans or financing options. These plans allow you to spread out the cost of the crown over several months, making it more manageable for your budget.
Preventive Care:
Maintain good oral hygiene and attend regular dental check-ups. Preventive care can help avoid extensive dental treatments like crowns in the future, saving you money in the long run.
Take Care of Your Crown:
After getting a crown, follow your dentist’s instructions for care and maintenance to prolong its lifespan.
Bottomline
Crowns have the potential to save extremely damaged teeth. The price you pay for a dental crown mainly depends on the materials used to create the crown. It is likely that a good dental insurance plan will cover half the costs of a medically necessary crown.
Make sure that you speak to your dental clinic about any payment plans or discounts that they are willing to offer before you go for the treatment. Remember, insurance does not cover the cost of dental crowns that are installed for purely cosmetic reasons.
Get Your Celebrity Smile at Dr. Joseph Stan DDS
Transform your smile with our expert dental crown treatments tailored to your needs.
Contact us at (844-469-7645) or visit our website toschedule your consultation with Dr. Joseph Stan, DDS.
FAQs
Does dental insurance cover the cost of dental crowns?
Dental insurance typically covers a portion of the cost of dental crowns deemed medically necessary. However, coverage can vary widely depending on the insurance plan and may be subject to annual maximums, waiting periods, and restrictions on the types of crowns covered. Cosmetic crowns are usually not covered by insurance.
How much can I expect to pay for a dental crown?
Patients can expect to pay around $1,000 to $1,500 per crown. It’s important to consult with your dentist for an accurate cost estimate based on your specific dental needs and treatment plan.
