How Much Does a Crown Cost?

You never expect it to happen. You’re watching the latest Hollywood blockbuster and enjoying a large tub of buttered popcorn when you bite down on a hard kernel, and something suddenly feels off. There’s a rough edge on your tooth; a sharp fragment has broken off and is now loose in your mouth.

Now what?

A call to the dentist is inevitable, and chances are you need a dental crown to restore the damage. If you have dental insurance, there’s a bit of relief knowing some of that cost will be covered. If you don’t, that moment can feel a lot more stressful.

So, how much does a crown cost with and without insurance? Is dental insurance worth the cost? Let’s take a closer look.

What is a dental crown?

If you have a cracked tooth or a large cavity, the dentist may recommend a crown to protect it. If the crown is being placed over a natural tooth, the dentist will need to prepare the tooth that is serving as the base. That tooth may need to have some structure removed, cleaned, and/or stabilized. The dentist will make sure everything is prepped so the crown fits snugly and aligns with the surrounding teeth.

A crown can also be attached to the dental implant to restore a missing tooth. Crowns may be made from porcelain, ceramic, composite resin, metal alloys, or porcelain fused to metal. Some crowns are designed to closely match the color of surrounding teeth, while others may use gold-colored or silver-colored metal materials. Stainless steel crowns are more commonly used for children or as temporary restorations.

The dentist will likely use a mouth-shaped tray full of a thick liquid that rapidly sets into a rubbery solid to create an impression of where the crown will fit. That impression will then be filled with a plaster material that makes a model for the dental laboratory to make the crown. Some dental offices use a tool to create a virtual 3D model of your mouth and can fabricate the crown without taking an impression. If you have a missing tooth, the dentist may make a bridge to fill in the missing space. The bridge is held in place by crowns that fit on the teeth on either side of the missing tooth.

It may take the laboratory up to two weeks to complete the crown before the dentist can place it. The dentist will create a temporary crown, but it may not fit as well as the final crown. You may have sensitivity to heat and cold, and you should avoid chewing gum or eating sticky foods, as the temporary crown may come loose. Talk to your dentist about how to care for your teeth while waiting for the final crown to be placed.

Crown cost range

The cost of a crown varies, depending on where you live, the type of material used, and the complexity of the treatment. The cost for a crown ranges from about $800 to $2,500 without insurance. Procedures such as a root canal, implant placement, or extensive tooth preparation may increase the total cost. The location of the tooth may also play a role. Front teeth may prioritize appearance and color matching, while back teeth may require materials to withstand stronger chewing forces. Dental insurance may cover a portion of the cost, and those without dental insurance will pay the cost out of their own pocket. Depending on their budget, they may have to wait to save for the expense, delaying timely treatment and oral care.

Is dental insurance worth it?

Dental insurance is typically available through a monthly premium. If your employer provides dental benefits, you may pay a portion of the monthly cost. But if you don’t have access to employer benefits, you still can get an individual dental plan through a reliable insurance carrier. Some individual plans offer immediate coverage for preventive care and certain basic procedures, though waiting periods may apply for major services.

For many people, dental insurance provides a good value in terms of cost savings. Major dental procedures, such as crowns, can cost thousands of dollars and dental insurance may cover a portion of the cost. A significant reduction in out-of-pocket costs can make complex procedures financially manageable.

If you have Ameritas dental insurance, you can determine the cost of both in-network and out-of-network dental procedures in advance through your secure member account. If not, that’s OK. Anyone can learn about out-of-network procedure costs with our online dental cost estimator tool.