Dental Crown Cost Guide
Estimate the cost of a dental crown by material, any added prep work, insurance, and your area, then see average US prices and what drives the total.
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Average cost
| Scenario | Range |
| Porcelain-fused-to-metal | $875 – $1,400 |
| All-ceramic / porcelain | $1,000 – $1,500 |
| Zirconia | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Gold / metal alloy | $1,200 – $2,500 |
| Same-day (CEREC) | $1,000 – $1,600 |
| With insurance (after ~50%) | $400 – $800 |
What affects the price
- Material. Porcelain-fused-to-metal is cheapest; all-ceramic, zirconia, and gold cost more.
- Added prep. A core buildup or root canal before the crown adds several hundred to over a thousand dollars.
- Same-day vs lab. In-office CEREC crowns save a visit, but pricing is similar to lab crowns.
- Tooth location. Back molars take more material and can cost a little more than front teeth.
- Provider. Specialists and high-end practices charge more than general dentists.
- Insurance. Most plans cover about 50 percent of a crown after the deductible.
FAQ
Does insurance cover dental crowns?
Most dental plans treat crowns as a major service and cover roughly 50 percent after your deductible, up to the annual maximum, often after a waiting period.
How long do dental crowns last?
With good care, crowns typically last 10 to 15 years; gold and zirconia can last longer, while porcelain may chip over time.
Why are crowns so expensive?
A crown requires shaping the tooth, a scan or impression, lab or in-office milling, and a custom-fit restoration, so materials and chair time drive the price.
What is the cheapest crown option?
Porcelain-fused-to-metal is usually the most affordable, and dental schools or discount plans can lower the price further.
Crown vs filling vs onlay: which do I need?
Fillings repair small damage, onlays cover larger areas, and crowns cap a heavily damaged tooth or one after a root canal. Your dentist decides based on how much tooth remains.