Getting a dental crown can be stressful, especially if you’re worried about the cost. With so many kinds of materials, procedures, and insurance options available, there’s no single price tag for a crown. Here are some of the key factors that affect how much you’ll pay for your dental crown so you can budget for your next dental procedure.
The biggest factor influencing the cost of your dental crown is the type of material it’s made from. There are several common materials you might encounter when picking out a crown:
Of these, resin crowns are generally the cheapest option. But since they don’t last as long as a metal or porcelain crown, you may end up losing money in the long run from pricey replacements or repairs.
The location of the tooth receiving a crown can also determine how much you might have to pay. This is primarily because the location will determine your available options for materials. For example, if you’re getting a crown on a back molar that isn’t easily visible, it might be possible to get a less expensive metal crown since it won’t stand out against the rest of your teeth.
However, if you need to replace a front tooth that’s a key part of your smile, you might go with a more expensive porcelain option that needs to be shaped and colored to fit in with the rest of your natural teeth. There’s no requirement that your crown must match your other teeth if you’re looking to save money, but most people don’t like to draw attention to their crown during their everyday life.
Because crowns can be used to cover and repair various dental procedures, the type of treatment can significantly impact the cost of a dental crown. The final cost of a crown used to cover a quick fix for a cracked tooth, for example, may end up being cheaper than a crown used to help protect a root canal or a dental implant. While a crown is an important part of your recovery, it’s just one element of the final cost of your dental services.
Traditionally, crowns are made by sending a plaster or digital impression to a lab to be fabricated. However, advances in dental technology have enabled some dentists to create crowns on the same day in-office.1 This can reduce or eliminate the need for a temporary crown; however, the service may be priced higher, as the equipment and processes are still on the cutting edge.
5. Insurance
If you have insurance, you may be able to save some money on the cost of your dental crown. This depends on the type of procedure, whether it’s medically necessary, and whether your dentist is in-network or out-of-network. You may also still be responsible for copays or other fees required by your plan. Call the number on the back of your insurance card if you have any questions regarding your coverage.
Getting a dental crown placed is important to protect your teeth after delicate procedures, but that doesn’t mean it has to break the bank. Before your appointment begins, discuss your crown options with your dentist. Most dentists will be willing to work with you to develop a payment plan or find an option that fits within your budget. Doing your research ahead of time can prevent nasty surprises regarding dental crown cost when you want to focus on your recovery.
