How Much You Will Pay For a Porcelain or Metal Crown?
Dec 28, 2018| 
How Much Will You Pay for a Porcelain or Metal Crown?
Understanding the cost of dental crowns is essential when planning restorative dental treatment. With prices ranging widely depending on material, location, and required procedures, being informed is your best strategy for cost savings and optimal dental care.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down the costs of different crown types and explore strategies to help you manage your expenses. By the end, you'll be equipped to make informed choices that protect both your smile and your budget.
How Much Do Dental Crowns Cost?
Dental crowns are custom-made caps that fully cover damaged teeth or dental implants, restoring form and function. The typical cost ranges from $500 to $3,000 per tooth, excluding preparatory treatments. Here are some common additional procedures and their potential costs:
Root canal therapy: $500 – $2,000
Dental implant (per tooth): $1,000 – $3,000
Tooth buildup or core filling: $150 – $250
Most crowns require multiple visits: one for tooth preparation and impression-taking, and a second for crown placement after it is fabricated in a dental lab.
How to Save Money on Dental Crowns
To reduce out-of-pocket costs, consider the following:
Dental Discount Plans – These can significantly reduce treatment costs and are often more flexible than insurance.
Request an Itemized Quote – Make sure it includes all associated procedures.
Choose the Right Material – Crown type plays a major role in total cost. Some options offer long-term savings despite a higher upfront price.
Types of Dental Crowns and Their Costs
1. Metal Crowns
💲 Cost: $500 – $1,500 per tooth
🦷 Best For: Back molars, patients prioritizing durability over aesthetics
📌 Key Benefits:
Exceptional durability (15–20 years average lifespan)
Minimal tooth reduction required
Gentle on surrounding teeth
🔻 Drawbacks:
Metallic appearance is not suitable for visible teeth
2. Porcelain and Ceramic Crowns
💲 Cost: $800 – $3,000 per tooth
🦷 Best For: Front teeth, patients seeking natural aesthetics
📌 Key Benefits:
Excellent color match to natural teeth
Superior aesthetics
🔻 Drawbacks:
Prone to chipping (15–20% risk within 5 years)
Can be abrasive to opposing teeth
May require more extensive tooth reshaping
3. Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM) Crowns
💲 Cost: $500 – $3,000 per tooth
🦷 Best For: Restorations requiring both strength and improved aesthetics
📌 Key Benefits:
Stronger than all-ceramic
More natural appearance than full-metal crowns
🔻 Drawbacks:
Less translucent than all-ceramic
Visible metal line at the gum may develop over time
Risk of ceramic chipping
💡 Gold Base (PFG): Add $100–$200 for increased biocompatibility and reduced wear
4. Zirconia Crowns
💲 Cost: $1,000 – $2,500 per tooth
🦷 Best For: Patients seeking long-lasting, biocompatible restorations
📌 Key Benefits:
Extremely strong and fracture-resistant
Less tooth reduction required
Natural translucency with modern multilayer zirconia
🔻 Drawbacks:
Typically more expensive
Limited availability at some clinics
5. Resin Crowns
💲 Cost: Starts around $300
🦷 Best For: Temporary use or low-cost solutions
📌 Key Benefits:
Inexpensive
Quick to fabricate
🔻 Drawbacks:
Poor durability and prone to wear
Usually used for short-term needs only
6. Prefabricated Stainless Steel Crowns
💲 Cost: $150 – $250 per tooth
🦷 Best For: Children, temporary crowns
📌 Key Benefits:
Durable and cost-effective for short-term use
Quick placement
🔻 Drawbacks:
Not designed for permanent restorations
Poor aesthetics
Other Costs to Consider
Dental crown pricing often doesn't include preliminary treatments or diagnostics:
| Service | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Initial Consultation | $50 – $200 |
| Dental X-rays | $25 – $250 |
| Core Build-up / Filling | $150 – $250 |
| Root Canal Treatment | $300 – $2,000 |
| Dental Implant (per tooth) | $1,000 – $3,000 |
It's important to clarify with your dentist what is included in your estimate to avoid surprise charges.
Crown Replacement Costs
Replacing a crown usually costs the same as placing a new one-often in the $500–$3,000 range. You may save slightly if your original tooth preparation was extensive and won't need repeating. If your original crown had detailed contouring or buildup, that may not be necessary again.
📌 Tip: Keep your dental records and billing info. They can help your provider assess if any steps can be skipped or reused during a replacement.
🛠️ Minor repairs, such as re-cementing a loose crown, may cost only $100–$250 and are viable when damage is minimal.
Conclusion: Be an Informed Dental Consumer
The cost of dental crowns varies significantly depending on material, dental procedures required, and the provider. However, understanding your options-and the pros and cons of each-empowers you to make smarter decisions. By exploring discount plans, requesting full cost breakdowns, and carefully selecting the right crown material, you can achieve long-lasting dental health while staying within your budget.
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