The short answer
A dental crown usually costs between about $800 and $2,000 per tooth without insurance. Some sources list higher or lower numbers, depending on the material and where you live.
Delta Dental says the out-of-network cost of a permanent crown averages $1,100 to $2,000. Cleveland Clinic, as quoted by Healthline, says $800 to $1,500 or more. Those are published ranges, not quotes. Your dentist can give you the real number for your tooth.
What a crown is, and what published sources say
A crown is a cap that fits over a tooth. It restores the shape, size and strength of the tooth. Dentists use crowns to protect a weak tooth, to fix a cracked one, to cover a tooth after a root canal or to hold a large filling together.
Crowns can be made from porcelain, ceramic, metal or a mix. Where the crown goes in your mouth often decides the material. Back teeth take more chewing force, so strength matters. Front teeth need to look natural, so color and shine matter.
Prices change from source to source because they use different data. Here is what several well-known sources list:
- Delta Dental: out-of-network permanent crowns average $1,100 to $2,000.
- Cleveland Clinic, via Healthline: $800 to $1,500 or more per crown.
- Consumer Reports, using 2020 dental association survey data: $400 to $1,698, depending on the material and how much of the tooth is covered.
- Consumer Reports, using 2018 data: $959 to $1,650.
Why the price changes
Material is a big factor. Healthline notes that porcelain crowns generally cost more than porcelain fused to metal, and that zirconia, a very strong ceramic, falls at the high end, from $1,000 to $2,500 in the figures it cites.
Other things change the price too: the lab that makes the crown, the cost of living in your area, how much of the tooth is left and whether you need other work first. If the tooth needs a build-up, a post or a root canal before the crown, those are extra. Healthline's cost range also leaves out build-up and root canal work.
A temporary crown may be needed while the final crown is made. Ask if it is included in the price.
What insurance usually pays, with an example
Most plans treat crowns as major work. Humana describes a common setup where major work is paid at 50% once your deductible is met. Many plans also have waiting periods of up to 12 months for major services, and a yearly maximum that can limit what they pay.
Insurance is more likely to help if the crown is needed to repair a damaged tooth. If a crown is only for looks, your plan may not pay. Some plans also limit how often they replace a crown on the same tooth, often once every five to ten years.
If your plan allows, ask your dentist to send a pre-treatment estimate before you start. It is not a promise, but it gives you a good idea of your share.
Say your dentist finds a cracked molar that needs a root canal and a crown. You might see a line for the root canal, a line for a build-up that holds the crown in place, and a line for the crown itself. The crown is only one piece of the total.
Suppose the three lines add up to $2,800 and your plan pays 50% of each after the deductible, up to a $1,500 yearly maximum. Half would be $1,400, which fits under the limit, so you would owe about $1,400. If the total were $4,000, half would be $2,000, and the plan would stop at $1,500. These numbers are made up to show how it works. Your real estimate will be different.
That is why the first question is not "How much is a crown?" but "What is the whole plan for this tooth, and what is my share?"
Can you pay less for a crown?
There are ways to lower your cost without cutting corners. First, ask what your choices are. A different material may do the job for a lower price. Second, ask if the work can be done in stages across two plan years, so you use your yearly maximum twice. Third, ask about financing or a payment plan.
Be careful with very low prices. Ask what is included, who makes the crown and what happens if it needs a repair. A crown that fails early costs more in the end.
Is a crown the right choice, and how to protect it
A crown is not always the only answer. Depending on your tooth, your dentist may suggest a filling, an inlay or onlay, or a crown. Inlays and onlays cover less of the tooth than a crown. If a tooth is too damaged to save, an extraction and a bridge or implant may be options.
The right choice depends on how much healthy tooth is left, your bite and your goals. Ask your dentist to show you the problem on an X-ray or a photo, and to explain why they recommend one choice over another. Tell your dentist if you grind your teeth, since that can affect which material is best.
A crown can last for many years if you care for it. Brush twice a day and clean between your teeth every day, including around the crown edge where the gum meets it. Decay can still form at the edge of a crown, and the tooth underneath can still get a cavity.
Avoid chewing ice or very hard candy. If you grind your teeth at night, ask about a night guard, which is a custom mouth cover that protects your teeth. Keep your checkups, so your dentist can catch small problems with the crown early. A cleaning and exam is much cheaper than a replacement.
See a dentist if a tooth hurts when you bite, if it is cracked or chipped, or if a filling falls out. Sharp pain that wakes you at night, swelling or a bad taste may mean infection. These need quick care. A small crack today can become a bigger and costlier problem later. Waiting rarely saves money.
Crowns at KDA
At Kendall Dental Associates (KDA), our team plans each crown after an exam and X-rays, and we explain the steps and the cost before treatment starts. We use 3D scans and digital X-rays to see what is going on. We accept most dental insurance plans, and financing is available.
Call 305-271-1421 or visit us at 8833 SW 107th Ave, Miami, in the Kendall Mall. We are open Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and we offer emergency care 24/7.
Common questions
How much does a crown cost with insurance?
Many plans pay about half of the allowed amount for crowns once you meet your deductible, up to the yearly maximum. Your share depends on your plan.
Why are crowns so expensive?
They are custom-made, they use strong materials, and they need lab work and skilled placement. Extra work on the tooth can add to the cost.
How long does a crown last?
It depends on the material, your bite and your habits. With good care and regular checkups, many last for years. Your dentist can tell you what to expect.
Is a crown cheaper than an implant?
Usually a crown on your own tooth costs less than an implant. But the best choice depends on whether the tooth can be saved.
Does a root canal include the crown?
Usually not. The crown is billed as a separate treatment. Ask for both prices before you start.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Your dentist will confirm what is right for you at your exam. General information checked against: deltadental.com, healthline.com, my.clevelandclinic.org, consumerreports.org, humana.com, healthline.com.