In the United States, the average dental crown cost is approximately $937. On the low end, the cost for a dental crown may be around $704 while on the high end the cost of a dental crown can be as much as $1291. This article breaks down data from over 1,000 dentists from across the United States, and details the cost of dental crowns, to help patients make an informed decision about their oral health. It will also discuss the different factors that can affect the dental crown cost so that patients never receive surprise bills in the mail.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a dental restoration that caps, or encircles, a tooth. The dental crown restores the tooth to its original shape and size, while also strengthening and protecting it from further damage. In short, dental crowns are used to improve the appearance and function of teeth that have been damaged by decay, injury, or disease.
There are several different types of dental crowns, each made from different materials. The type of dental crown that is right for you will be determined by your dentist based on a number of factors, including the location of the tooth, the severity of the damage, and your personal preferences.
The most common type of dental crown is made from ceramic. Ceramic dental crowns are strong and durable, and they can be matched to the color of your natural teeth. Porcelain-fused-to-metal dental crowns are also popular, as they offer the strength of metal with the natural look of porcelain. Other types of dental crowns include all-metal dental crowns and all-resin dental crowns.
What Factors Affect the Cost of a Dental Crown?
If the Crown is Prefabricated or Not
The dental crown cost will be affected by whether the dental crown is prefabricated or not. Prefabricated dental crowns are mass-produced and are less expensive than custom dental crowns. Custom dental crowns, on the other hand, are made specifically for each individual tooth, and as such, they cost more.
The Material the Crown is Made Of
The dental crown cost will also be affected by the type of material the dental crown is made of. As mentioned earlier, there are several different types of dental crowns, each made from different materials. The most common type of dental crown is made from ceramic, while other types of dental crowns include porcelain-fused-to-metal dental crowns, all-metal dental crowns, and all-resin dental crowns. Details on the prices of each material are included in the table below.
The Treatment Proceeding the Crown
In some cases, dental crowns are used to cover root canals. The cost of a root canal is approximately $1,000 but can vary depending on factors such as the number of root canals needed and the location of the tooth. Depending on the treatment proceeding the dental crown prices can quickly add up on top of the cost of a crown.
The Type of Dentist
Both general dentists and periodontists may perform dental crowns. General dentists are trained to perform crowns, but they may refer you to an pereodontists if they feel like you need specialized care. Periodontists are specialists who may charge more for their services.
Location of the Dentist
The geographic location of the dentist also affects the dental crown cost. Dentists in rural areas typically charge less for their services than dentists in urban areas. This is because the cost of living in rural areas is usually lower than in urban areas, so dentists can charge less and still make a profit.
What is the Average Cost of a Dental Crown Based on These Factors?
Although there are various factors affecting the cost of a dental crown, we can take a look at the average costs of current dentists to help inform our decision-making. The following data is from a survey completed by over 1,000 dentists from across the United States:
| Type of Dental Crown | Average Dental Crown Cost ($) | Low-End Dental Crown Cost (10th percentile) | High-End Dental Crown Cost (90th percentile) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resin-Composite Crown | 826.53 | 400 | 1200 |
| Porcelain/Ceramic Crown | 1,213.08 | 970 | 1500 |
| Porcelain + High Noble Metal Crown | 1,201.52 | 950 | 1500 |
| Porcelain + Base Metal Crown | 1,095.76 | 857 | 1378 |
| Porcelain + Noble Metal Crown | 1,140.42 | 900 | 1401 |
| 3/4 High Noble Metal Crown | 1,168.94 | 900 | 1475 |
| 3/4 Porcelain/Ceramic Crown | 1,198.26 | 940 | 1474 |
| Full High Noble Metal Crown | 1,240.88 | 973 | 1572 |
| Titanium/Titanium Alloy Crown | 1,195.54 | 900 | 1,550 |
| Re-Cement/Bond a Crown | 114.64 | 80 | 155 |
| Prefabricated Child Crown (porcelain/ceramic crown) | 345.69 | 211 | 500 |
| Prefabricated Child Crown (Stainless Steel) | 283.56 | 200 | 364 |
| Prefabricated Adult Crown (Stainless Steel) | 336.67 | 250 | 420 |
| Average Dental Crown Cost | 937 | 704 | 1291 |
For a full breakdown of all dental procedure costs click here.
How can I get a Low-Cost Dental Crown?
At the end of the day, dental crowns are extremely expensive. To help get lost cost dental crowns there are a few options:
Dental Schools
One way to get a low-cost dental crown is to go to a dental school. Dental schools are educational institutions that train students to become dentists. They typically have clinics where students can gain hands-on experience treating patients. The treatments provided at these clinics are usually very cheap or even free. However, the downside is that students typically are much slower and less experienced than practicing dentists.
Community Dental Clinics
Another option for getting a cheap dental crown is to go to a community dental clinic. Community dental clinics are non-profit organizations that provide dental care to underserved communities. They typically offer their services at a reduced cost or even for free. However, the downside is that these clinics are often very busy and have long waitlists.
There are a few organizations that provide free dental crowns to low-income individuals. One such organization is the Dental Lifeline Network. The Dental Lifeline Network is a non-profit organization that provides free dental care to low-income seniors and people with disabilities. Another organization that provides low-cost dental crowns is the Give a Kid a Smile Program from the American Dental Association. The Give a Kid a Smile Program is a non-profit organization that provides free dental health education, screenings, preventive care, and/or treatment for kids.
HMOs
Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) are organizations that provide health insurance coverage to their members. Many HMOs have dental plans that cover part of the cost of a dental crown. However, the downside is that HMOs often have a limited network of dentists that they work with.
Dental Discount Plans
Another option for getting a low-cost dental crown is to sign up for a dental discount plan. Dental discount plans are not insurance plans, but rather membership plans that offer discounts on dental services from a network of dentists. These plans typically have an annual fee that entitles the member to a certain percentage off of dental services. The downside is that dental discount plans often have a limited network of dentists that they work with.
Disclaimer
The contents of this website, such as text, graphics, images, and other material are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be substituted for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Nothing on this website constitutes the practice of medicine, law or any other regulated profession.
No two mouths are the same, and each oral situation is unique. As such, it isn’t possible to give comprehensive advice or diagnose oral conditions based on articles alone. The best way to ensure you’re getting the best dental care possible is to visit a dentist in person for an examination and consultation.
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