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 |  | Porcelain-fused-to-metal: $500-$1,500+ |  | Metal: $600-$2,500+ |  | All-porcelain: $800-$3,000+ |
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Also called a cap, a dental crown is a tooth-shaped outer shell that is cemented onto a single tooth. Crowns are typically used to restore the shape, size and/or appearance of a misshapen, discolored or broken tooth; to strengthen a weak tooth; or to cover root canals, implants or the teeth that anchor either end of a dental bridge. Crowns can be made from porcelain (a dental ceramic), metal or a combination called porcelain-fused-to-metal.
Typical costs: | - The cost of a dental crown depends on the materials used; the size, location and condition of the tooth; local rates; and the dentist's training and experience. Dental insurance might cover about 50% of the cost if the crown is needed for medical reasons, but dental crowns are typically not covered if they are considered cosmetic, and many dental plans have a maximum annual coverage limit of $1,000-$1,500.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns can cost $500-$1,500 or more per tooth. For example, CostHelper readers without insurance coverage report paying $875-$1,400 for porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, at an average cost of $1,093. CostHelper readers with insurance report out-of-pocket expenses of $282-$1,000, with an average payment of $618.
- Metal crowns of gold alloy (called high noble metal) or of base metal alloys (non-noble) can cost $600-$2,500 or more per tooth. CostHelper readers without insurance report paying $830-$2,465 for a metal crown, at an average cost of $1,353. CostHelper readers with insurance report out-of-pocket expenses of $519-$1,140, for an average payment of $882.
- All-porcelain crowns require a higher level of skill and take more time to install than metal or porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, and can cost $800-$3,000 or more per tooth. CostHelper readers without insurance report paying $860-$3,000, at an average cost of $1,430. CostHelper readers with insurance report out-of-pocket expenses of $530-$1,875, for an average payment of $953.
Related articles: Dental Implants, Dental Veneers, Root Canal, Dental Bridge, Braces, Teeth Cleaning
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What should be included: | - A crown typically requires two office visits. After numbing the tooth and nearby gums the dentist files down the tooth to make room for the crown. If a large area of tooth is missing, filling material is used to build up the tooth so it can support the crown. After an impression is made of the patient's mouth, a temporary filling (typically made of acrylic) is placed on the tooth. The impression is sent to a dental laboratory to create a permanent crown, which generally takes two to three weeks. At the second appointment, the dentist removes the temporary and cements the permanent crown in place. The Washington Post provides an illustrated overview[1] , while WebMD offers a detailed description[2] plus a before-and-after photo[3] of a dental crown (slide number 4).
- The dentist chooses the best material for a crown depending on the type, location and condition of the tooth. Metal crowns are typically used on out-of-sight back molars; all-porcelain crowns are typically placed on front teeth; and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns can be used on front or back teeth. The American Dental Association provides a comparison chart[4] of dental crown materials.
- Dental crowns last an average of 5-15 years, depending on the amount of wear and tear, the quality of oral hygiene practiced and personal habits such as chewing ice or clenching the teeth, or chewing ice, according to WebMD[5] . A crown may need to be replaced several times during the patient's lifetime.
Additional costs: | - There may be separate charges for an initial exam ($20-$100 or more) and dental X-rays ($10-$250).
- If the tooth has extensive decay, become infected or been injured, a root canal ($300-$1,500 for a front tooth, $500-$2,000 for a molar) might be needed before the crown can be installed.
- If a large area of tooth is missing because of decay or damage, there may be an additional charge of $150-$250 or more to build up the tooth (although some dentists include this cost in their quoted price for a crown).
Discounts: | - Dental school clinics[6] may offer reduced rates for services by supervised students or faculty.
- The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research provides tips for finding low-cost dental care[7] .
Shopping for a dental crown: | - WedMD lists things to consider when choosing a dentist[8] .
- If the patient has dental insurance, the insurance company will provide a list of approved dentists. Or get referrals to local dentists from the American Dental Association[9] or the Amcerican Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry[10] .
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Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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CostHelper News
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As they age, members of the Baby Boomer generation don't like to admit that they're senior citizens, but they love getting discounts. It's kind of a quandary, because some of the best deals available are reduced prices for older folks. || Posted October 21 2013
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7 Ways to Stretch Your Reduced Food Budget
End of the year budgets are tight for everyone, especially in this economy.It's especially hard for the millions of Americans who depend on government programs like food stamps to help make ends meet. || Posted November 11 2013
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
Page 9 of 9 - << Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
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| Posted by: Ranjit in Fort mill, SC. | Posted: November 22nd, 2019 12:11PM |
| Which Tooth: 22teeth | Type of Crown: Metal based porcelain |
Dentist, hospitals and doctors are not regulated in the US. Neither are the car dealers or oil companies. They know they can rip you and do they do it merrily.
My friend makes the crowns for the dentists. Avg. cost on a crown delivered to the dentist is $109.00. |
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| Posted by: Soliz in Santa Fe, NM. | Posted: November 2nd, 2019 06:11PM |
| Which Tooth: All uppers | Type of Crown: Porcelain |
14 crowns, 3 root canals, exam, xrays, 2 deep gum cleanings, 1 general gum cleaning, crown removal, temporaries, laser bacteria treatment and a few other things. My dentist in Mexico City was/is GREAT, I highly recommend Ideal Dental Clinic in Colonia 20 de November, everyone of the dentists
and staff were so nice, helpful and knowledgeable.
Crown were $349 each, Root Canal were about the same cost. Plus I got to have a fabulous trip to Mexico City.
5 star rating |
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| Posted by: Shaw99 in Damariscotta, ME. | Posted: October 30th, 2019 06:10PM |
How much and where for services |
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| Posted by: Tom Bittner in San Jose, Other. | Posted: October 21st, 2019 11:10AM |
| Which Tooth: Molars | Type of Crown: Porcelain |
San Jose, Costa Rica. The doctors at Clinica Cleo guarantee their work. My doctor in Atlanta praises their work and even will refer his patients to me. |
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| Posted by: Walter Glenn in Hialeah, FL. | Posted: June 5th, 2019 11:06AM |
| Which Tooth: BACK MOLAR | Type of Crown: PORCELIN |
I've had good experience at U of FL, they don't try to upsale you like most dentists do and they give me an implant, bone graft, abutment, and crown for $3000. |
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| Posted by: Gary Cherry in new york, NY. | Posted: March 14th, 2019 12:03PM |
| Which Tooth: | Type of Crown: porcelain |
I go to a fancy NY dentist who doesn't take insurance. He doesn't have to. $3000/crown. That's what you pay. With the root canal and the post, it's over $5000 for one tooth. Dental insurance -- even a "good" policy -- only pays $2500 a year. T-ts on a bull! Advice: Brush, floss, and DO NOT SMOKE... if you smoke, don't complain about the cost of dental care. Get the best care you can afford. Don't go to dental schools unless you are desperate. Good luck to all. |
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| Posted by: A D in San Antonio, TX. | Posted: February 25th, 2019 10:02AM |
| Which Tooth: back molar | Type of Crown: porcelain |
$300. Cross the border to Mexico during the day. Go to a reputable dentist that is referred by a friend. Don't be a sucker and get ripped off in the U.S. |
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| Posted by: willijw in Sherman Oaks, CA. | Posted: November 14th, 2018 07:11AM |
| Which Tooth: two molars and a canine | Type of Crown: porcelan |
Does this seem outrageous to anyone but me?? |
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| Posted by: SoCal in San Diego, CA. | Posted: August 11th, 2018 04:08PM |
| Which Tooth: 9 teeth | Type of Crown: Porcelain |
Went to one dentist who didn't take my medicaid ins and was quoted $19,000 for 9 crowns plus upper & lower partials. Got another quote for same which included 2 root canals and he took my insurance, $6,000! |
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| Posted by: Mike M in CA in Orange, CA. | Posted: August 8th, 2018 01:08PM |
| Which Tooth: 1 & 2, rt top molars | Type of Crown: Cerec blueblock |
No insurance subsidy, total cost. Cerec blueblocks are highest strength, good for chewing & grinding teeth like molars.My experience showed mouth acid is corrosive to the metal underlayment of porclein-fused crowns, causing leaks and potential damage to the tooth "stump" underneath, even to the point of root canal and recrown. Cerec is one solid porclein chunk milled at the doctor's office,kinda like ice sculptures are one solid chunk of ice; mouth acid has absolutely no corrosive effect to the bonding or structure of cerec crowns. This will be about my 4th and 5th cerec crowns, recommended. |
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| Posted by: Jim1212 in CANADA, Other. | Posted: May 21st, 2018 06:05PM |
| Which Tooth: Lower left molar | Type of Crown: porcelain |
Great dentist. He does everything in one visit. He has his own "mill machine" so in April 2014 when my molar broke, I paid him $ 1200.00 to have that tooth "capped".
April 2018 (4 years to the day) the cap broke again. I was not eating at the time. I was watching TV.
Back to the same dentist. Two & one half hours later, I had the cap replaced and $ 1250.00 of my money went to the dentist. Insurance company refused to pay a penny. Crowns, should last at least 10 years and therefore, my insurance company will not pay to replace the cap. The broken cap is 4 years and 4 days old.
My dentist gives 100 reasons why the cap broke but my insurance is not interested. They sent me so many studies that the average life span of a cap on molar is 11 years.
My dentist is great. But I will not go for him for a cap in the future |
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| Posted by: Dphotos in Encino, CA. | Posted: February 12th, 2018 01:02AM |
| Which Tooth: Upper Rear Molar | Type of Crown: Porcelain |
This is what my dentist charges. This usually takes 3 visits. When you first see the dentist and get an X-ray, it is a consultation visit. The time to do the first part of the crown takes about two hours so that is why the dentist does not do the work when you first see them unless they are not a busy dentist. Usually the good dentists are busy. You have to schedule the two days it takes to get the work done. The first part entails numbing you up, preparing the tooth, taking the mold for the crown and placing the temp crown. It takes 1-2 weeks for the dentist to get the crown back from the lab and the last appointment entails, numbing the tooth, cementing and adjusting of the permanent crown. That takes about an hour. |
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| Posted by: Lily B in Warner, NH. | Posted: December 1st, 2017 05:12AM |
| Which Tooth: back upper | Type of Crown: porc. |
I am so tired and disgusted at the price of dental work. I have no insurance, never have, and I am self employed. I am looking at replacing 2 crowns due to cavities beneath them. I also need a root canal and crown on another tooth, but am opting to have it extracted because of the cost. This situation is very stressful. When you see people with lots of missing teeth, I understand why. Something needs to be done to help low income people keep their teeth. |
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| Posted by: JHC in CHICAGO, IL. | Posted: October 10th, 2017 07:10AM |
| Which Tooth: right side | Type of Crown: |
no teeth on rt side rear top need to replace |
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| Posted by: Squirrely in Mansfield, OH. | Posted: October 7th, 2017 05:10AM |
| Which Tooth: Lower molar | Type of Crown: Porcelain |
$800 out of pocket for a wonderful dentist. I have no dental insurance . . never have had it. I am going to do two more crowns in the coming weeks. I have always had a horrible fear of dentists, but this one is different . . . and fully dedicated to helping people! |
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| Posted by: S.c. boy in Progresso mexice, SC. | Posted: August 17th, 2017 04:08PM |
| Which Tooth: | Type of Crown: Porcelin |
Flew from s.c. to texas. Went across border near McAllen to Progresso
mexico. Use Dr portillo. Have used him for past 5 years. Outstanding work,
clean facility and great pricr
Flew to texas and still saved over $1000 from what it would cost in s.c |
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| Posted by: Hudson in Tampa, FL. | Posted: June 29th, 2017 12:06PM |
| Which Tooth: 7 teeth | Type of Crown: |
Three months ago I was asked to commit to a bill of $6900 for replace 5 crowns. Today it was up to $9700 for 7 crowns. Nothing hurts in my mouth. Think I need a new dentist. (Also tried to move my appt up an hour after I confirmed yesterday and X-rays from 3 months ago 'disappeared'/ ) |
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| Posted by: Luvtoshop59 in Berlin, CT. | Posted: April 27th, 2017 06:04AM |
| Which Tooth: Various | Type of Crown: Porcelain /composite |
Admitted not being to a dentist in probably 10 years. I absolutely loathe them. Finally after starting to have some dental problems,I researched many dentists in area found one nearby in same town,state of the art place,5 star rating among 50+interviewed. So I bit the bullet,lol,and made the dreaded,appointment! 4 hours first visit. Made it known I did not want to anything more than necessary so I can eat comfortable. I am 73 years old and not making a long term investment in my mouth.
Next appt. 3 hours....bear in mind I had only seen the dentist now about 3/4 of an hour during thsee visits. The rest of the time was with staff. Upon asking staff about schooling and such found out no schooling. Trained by dentist to put make and put in temporary teeth and cleaning,adjustments,etc. This kind of did not sit well with me. So after all is said and done I walked out if there with a 9000.00 bill!charged to Wells Fargo!Yipee! |
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| Posted by: Retired in Oregon in Cornelius, OR. | Posted: April 26th, 2017 04:04PM |
| Which Tooth: Top Molars | Type of Crown: ???? |
Has anyone used the cheaper crown? How much was it??? and was it good??? |
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| Posted by: Kimmy in Anywhere, MN. | Posted: April 17th, 2017 07:04PM |
| Which Tooth: 0 | Type of Crown: 0 |
Why don't we spend more in premiums for delta dental or other dental programs? Who can afford dental work. No wonder my teeth are going to hell. |
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| Posted by: Krsmarie in Spring Hill, TN. | Posted: February 20th, 2017 03:02PM |
| Which Tooth: 31 | Type of Crown: Full porcelain. |
Just got done today. They removed old filling. Was able to use a computer system to make filling and place on in less that two hours. I have Delta Dental. Insurance paid 50% after $50 deductible. Total cost was $887, but I paid $447. Insurance paid $397. I pay $23.22 every two weeks for me and 3 kids. |
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| Posted by: Jimmy Taz in Columbia, MD. | Posted: December 22nd, 2016 01:12PM |
| Which Tooth: 4 | Type of Crown: Porcelain |
Came into to the dentist office with severe pain on upper molar. I knew I had a cavity and thought I'd get a filling. Dentist said he was going to do a crown. Cost was going to be $1264 with my insurance (Cigna) paying 50%. After I questioned why it was so expensive, dentist told me about an option to do a filling which is an intermediate step to getting a crown. Filling cost $75. Lesson - always good to ask what other options you have to make sure you are not paying more than you need to. |
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| Posted by: Craig R in New London, CT. | Posted: December 5th, 2016 12:12PM |
| Which Tooth: 15 | Type of Crown: Porcelian |
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| Posted by: carla123 in garland, TX. | Posted: October 10th, 2016 06:10AM |
| Which Tooth: upper pre-molar | Type of Crown: porcelain fused to metal |
used Ameriplan dentist. Cost included lab fees, no root canal. |
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| Posted by: jloredo08 in Pearland, TX. | Posted: October 3rd, 2016 06:10PM |
| Which Tooth: rear molar | Type of Crown: porcelin |
Had a crown put in in 2013 over a lower right tooth w a dentist in Missouri City,TX.Some dental offices had outrageous quotes of $1,800 per crown.
I ended up paying $1,340 out of pocket. The crown has held up well. A buckle and filling fell out 2 wks ago and had a Pearland,TX try and save my tooth today by placing a crown in. Another $1,340! |
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| Posted by: sarah1986 in 45223, OH. | Posted: September 27th, 2016 10:09PM |
| Which Tooth: 30 | Type of Crown: composite |
After years of not going to the dentist, I was terrified and booked an appointment at, what seemed, the fanciest and most advanced place in town. So I was terrified again when the verdict was 2 crowns and many other fillings. Just had my first crown today along with 2 fillings. 3.5 hours in the chair. Except...that's it...I'm done. They have a 3D printer on site, use a small camera to map a 3D image of your tooth, do some manual tweaking, and did a check for fit and bite with the printed tooth before sending it to be "baked"/cured. The crown and build up cost $1034. My insurance paid about half and I used my HSA for the rest. Insurance through my husband but as I'm self-employed, getting those hours from multiple appts back means I can run my business more consistently. I'd definitely recommend this new tech-y method to anyone. The drilling process was no worse than a cavity and the impression/application was painless...just a bit of waiting. |
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| Posted by: Miss Sally in West Roxbury, MA. | Posted: August 23rd, 2016 03:08PM |
| Which Tooth: lower right molar | Type of Crown: porcelain |
Had to sand down a molar that had a slight crack, went down to 2 cm? so the remaining tooth is a nubbin. Crown was $1375 but my dentist is out of network so my cost was $687.50. Now there is a fistula at the gum line and I think I need an extraction so the whole expense was for nothing :( |
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External Resources: | - www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/graphic/2009/06/22/GR2009062201670.html?sid=...
- www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-crowns?page=2
- www.webmd.com/oral-health/ss/slideshow-cosmetic-dentistry
- ada.org/3416.aspx
- www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-crowns?page=3
- www.ada.org/267.aspx
- www.nidcr.nih.gov/oralhealth/popularpublications/findinglowcostdentalcare/
- www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/finding-dentist
- www.mouthhealthy.org/en/find-a-dentist.aspx
- www.aacd.com/index.php?module=aacd.websiteforms&cmd=memberreferral
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