Dental crowns cover the damaged or decayed part of a tooth. They look like caps.
If you don’t have dental insurance, a dental crown costs between $800 to $1,500 or more. It depends on the material used, the tooth’s complexity, and the crown’s cost.
This guide will help you decide if you need a crown, how much does a crown cost without insurance , and where to get one.
What is a dental crown, and why might you need one?
A dental crown is a cap placed over a damaged or decayed tooth to protect and strengthen it.
The crown is designed to look like a natural tooth and covers the visible portion of the tooth above the gum line. Crowns are often made from porcelain, ceramic, or metal alloys and are custom-made to fit over the existing tooth.
They are commonly used in restorative dental procedures to repair broken, weakened, or severely decayed teeth.
Your dentist might suggest a crown in these situations:
- If a tooth has too much decay for a filling, fix it.
- After root canal treatment to protect the tooth.
- To prevent a weak tooth from breaking.
- To cover a dental implant.
- To make a discolored or misshaped tooth look better.
How much does a dental crown cost without insurance coverage?
Getting a tooth crown could cost you between $800 to $1500 if you don’t have medical or dental insurance.
The dental crown cost will depend on the materials used and the difficulty of the procedure.
Here is a detailed estimate of the tooth crown cost: [1]How much is it, “How much do crowns cost, https://www.howmuchisit.org/dental-crown-cost/”
- All metal crowns: Can cost between $700-$1500
- Gold crown: Can cost between $700- $2500
- Porcelain Fused to Metal: Usually costs between $800-$1700
- Ceramic crown (All-ceramic): Generally costs between $800 -$1900
Additional Costs
Dental crowns have costs beyond just the materials and procedure. You also need to pay for other expenses.
Below is a table that shows the different types of dental crowns and their expenses. [2]Authority Dental, “Associated costs, https://www.authoritydental.org/dental-crown-cost#associated-costs”
| Factors | Cost |
|---|---|
| Dental exam | $50-$200 |
| Periapical X-ray | $25-$50 |
| Bitewing X-ray | $25-$50 |
| Cone Beam CT | $150-$750 |
| Diagnostic casts | $50-$300 |
| Core build-up | $200-$500 |
| Post and core | $250-$650 |
| Protective restoration | $90-$250 |
Ways to reduce the cost of a dental crown without insurance
If you do not have insurance coverage for your dental work or crowns, there are a few ways to help reduce the cost of the procedure.
- Ask your dentist if they accept payment plans, offer cash payment discounts, or ask for discounts.
- Shop around and get quotes from different dentists in your area.
- Talk to your dentist about using a less expensive material for metal crowns, such as stainless steel, zirconia, or temporary ceramic crowns.
- Look for ways to save money on dental care. Ask your dentist if they offer discounts or special dental plans or programs that can help you save.
- Consider getting the procedure done in a former dental office or school, where the costs may be lower due to the educational setting.
However, there are some alternatives to traditional dental crowns that dental professionals say may be more cost-effective. These include:
Dental and front teeth bonding: This is a less invasive procedure in which composite resin material is applied over the damaged tooth, then hardened with a special light. Without insurance, dental and natural tooth bonding can cost $100 to $400 per tooth. [3]Webmd, “Cost of tooth bonding, https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-bonding#:~:text=Teeth%20bonding%20is%20an%20option,the%20appearance%20of%20discolored%20teeth”
Veneers: These are thin shells of porcelain that fit over the front surface of the ceramic molar crowns and the tooth and are used to improve the molar crowns’ appearance. The average cost for this procedure is around $1,000-$2,000 per tooth. [4]Webmd, “Dental veneer cost, https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/veneers#3-10″
Dental implants: These are artificial teeth (sometimes dental bridges) that are surgically implanted into the jawbone. A dental bridge or implant procedure costs around $1,500-$6,000 per tooth.
Nevertheless, other options cost less than regular metal crowns for teeth. They can give you the same results if they work for your needs. This is important in maintaining good oral health.
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FAQs
Is it cheaper to get a crown with insurance?
Yes, if you have dental insurance coverage for crowns, it can make the procedure significantly cheaper.
Your insurance company may cover around 50% of the cost of the procedure, which could reduce your overall crown fee.
How much can I expect to pay for a porcelain crown without insurance?
A porcelain crown restoration without insurance can range from $800-$3000. The exact cost will depend on the type of gold alloy crowns and material used, as well as other factors such as the complexity of the procedure and any additional costs.
Are there any financing options for crowns without insurance?
Yes, you can use either the cash/card option or even you can use the CareCredit card, depending on your service provider.
Can I negotiate the cost of a crown without insurance?
Yes, in some cases, you can negotiate the cost of a replacement crown with your dentist to give you a discount. You can even find the cheapest type of crown with affordable crown options.
However, this will depend on the specifics of your situation and the policies of your dental practice.
Can I get a dental crown done at a dental school?
Yes, some dental schools offer discounted rates for certain procedures for such metal crowns. As a result, dental crowns cost less.
Going to a dental school may cost less money than going to private practice for a crown. But there could be extra fees that you have to pay too.
Exploring how much does a crown cost without insurance has a simple answer the price without coverage will affect your pocket.
Try a payment plan or pay cash and get a discount to save money if you pay the dental crown price without coverage.
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About the author
RN Lisa Green
As a Registered Nurse, Lisa Green has worked in hospitals, nursing homes, and community health centers across New York. With extensive experience in patient education on various medical topics, she is also passionate about helping people understand their rights and responsibilities when it comes to healthcare. At DbdPost, Lisa covers medical news stories while providing advice about different health topics.
