How Much Do Dental Crowns Cost?

Dentists place dental crowns every day, for a variety of reasons. Sometimes people get crowns for cosmetic reasons, to cover a flawed or discolored tooth. More frequently, crowns are used to enhance and rehabilitate the mechanical function of the mouth and the bite. Especially in the back teeth, or molars, crowns can support the alignment of the teeth and reinforce their strength. Because crowns are used for both cosmetic and functional purposes, several factors can determine the cost of a dental crown. Cost depends on the technical demands of the treatment; the training and location of the dentist; and the expertise of the dental technologist who crafts the crown. Some crowns require prior dental treatment, like a root canal, before they can be placed, to repair and strengthen the tissue and surrounding area that will support the crown. Other crowns are placed to support bridges, which fill in areas of missing teeth.  In cosmetically challenging situations, it can be helpful to ask the treating dentist for clinical photographs of treatment they have provided in the past; this is the best way to visualize the expertise of the selected dental team.

Crowns usually range in price from $1,000 to $3,500 and last between 10 and 15 years or longer, though the lifespan of a crown will vary based on your specific circumstances, including location in the mouth and materials used. For back teeth, dentists often choose to use gold-alloy or metal-alloy crowns, which are durable and effective but also visible in contrast with the natural teeth.  Additionally, gold-alloy and metal-alloy crowns are not suitable for people with metal allergies. On the front teeth and other teeth that are commonly visible, dentists often choose porcelain or porcelain fused to metal for crown procedures. While these porcelain crowns can blend in well with natural teeth, and will also reinforce weaker teeth, they are less durable than their metal counterparts. With proper care and maintenance, including regular brushing and flossing and periodic professional cleanings, you can enhance the lifespan of your crown. Additionally, avoid chewing ice, hard foods, or other hard things, and, if you grind or clench your teeth, talk to your dentist about a mouthguard you can use while sleeping.

Insurance may cover all or part of a crown, depending on the circumstances surrounding the procedure. Qualified candidates for whom treatment is not covered by insurance may be able to enlist a third-party financing company, such as CareCredit or Capital One. Candidates may work with an external financing company contract a monthly payment plan that best fits their budget.

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