If you have a cracked, badly damaged, worn-down, or heavily decayed tooth, your dentist may recommend a dental crown to protect it and restore its shape and function. But before agreeing to treatment, one of the first questions most people ask is, “How much does a crown cost?”
In the United States, a dental crown typically costs around $800 to $2,500 per tooth, although prices can be lower or considerably higher depending on the dentist, location, crown material, and complexity of the treatment. Many patients can expect to pay somewhere around $1,000 to $1,500 for a standard crown.
For example, Aspen Dental currently reports an average dental crown price of about $1,269 per tooth, with its published range running from approximately $902 to $2,051.
Dental Crown Cost in the USA
| Crown Type | Cost Per Tooth |
|---|---|
| Porcelain crown | $1,000–$2,500 |
| Ceramic crown | $1,000–$2,500 |
| Zirconia crown | $1,000–$2,500 |
| Porcelain-fused-to-metal crown | $800–$2,000 |
| Metal crown | $800–$2,000 |
| Temporary crown | $300–$600 |
These are general U.S. price ranges rather than fixed national prices. Dental offices can charge considerably different amounts depending on the region and laboratory used.
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How Much Does a Crown Cost Without Insurance?
Without dental insurance, you can generally expect to pay approximately $800 to $2,500 for one dental crown.
A straightforward crown may be closer to the lower end, while premium ceramic or zirconia restorations from a specialist or high-cost metropolitan practice can reach the upper end.
Remember that the crown itself is not always the entire dental bill.
You may also have charges for:
- Dental examination
- X-rays
- Tooth preparation
- Core buildup
- Root canal
- Temporary crown
- Final crown
- Crown placement
This is why asking for the total treatment cost is more useful than asking only for the crown price.
How Much Does a Porcelain Crown Cost?
A porcelain crown generally costs around $1,000 to $2,500 per tooth.
Porcelain and ceramic crowns are popular for visible front teeth because they can be made to closely resemble natural teeth. The final price depends on the specific material and laboratory used.
Some dentists may recommend all-ceramic or zirconia restorations instead, particularly when strength is an important consideration.
How Much Does a Zirconia Crown Cost?
A zirconia crown typically costs approximately $1,000 to $2,500 per tooth in the United States.
Zirconia is a strong ceramic material that can be used for both front and back teeth. Your dentist will determine whether it is appropriate based on the location of the tooth, bite and amount of remaining tooth structure.
How Much Does a Crown Cost at Aspen Dental?
Aspen Dental currently reports an average crown cost of $1,269 per tooth, with a published range of approximately $902 to $2,051.
Aspen says its crown pricing includes the lab-created crown and placement or cementation. However, additional procedures may increase the final bill.
This makes Aspen’s published figure useful when comparing prices between large dental providers.
How Much Does a Crown Cost at Other Dental Clinics?
Prices can vary significantly between dental providers.
| Dental Provider | Published / Typical Crown Cost |
|---|---|
| Aspen Dental | $902–$2,051 |
| General U.S. dental offices | $800–$2,500 |
| Specialist/high-cost practices | $1,500–$3,000+ |
When comparing dental offices, make sure you are comparing the same type of crown and checking whether preparation, X-rays and placement are included.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Crowns?
Dental insurance often provides some coverage for crowns, but the amount depends on your specific policy.
Many dental plans classify crowns as major restorative treatment. Your plan may have:
- A deductible
- A percentage-based coinsurance
- An annual maximum
- Waiting periods
- Restrictions on replacement crowns
For example, if a crown costs $1,200 and your insurance covers 50% after your deductible, your actual out-of-pocket cost could be substantially lower than the full $1,200.
Before treatment, ask your dentist’s office to submit a pre-treatment estimate to your insurance company.
How Much Does a Crown Cost With Insurance?
Your out-of-pocket cost could be anywhere from a few hundred dollars to more than $1,000 depending on your coverage.
A simple example:
| Crown Price | Insurance Pays 50%* | Patient Pays* |
|---|---|---|
| $800 | $400 | $400 |
| $1,000 | $500 | $500 |
| $1,500 | $750 | $750 |
| $2,000 | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| $2,500 | $1,250 | $1,250 |
*This is only an example. Deductibles, annual maximums, waiting periods and plan-specific rules can change the actual amount.
Why Are Dental Crowns So Expensive?
A dental crown involves considerably more than simply putting a cap over a tooth.
The process can include:
- Examining the damaged tooth
- Taking X-rays
- Removing decay
- Reshaping the tooth
- Taking digital or physical impressions
- Creating the crown in a dental laboratory
- Fitting and adjusting the crown
- Permanently cementing the restoration
The material also affects the price. A basic metal crown may cost less than a highly aesthetic ceramic or zirconia restoration.
The dentist’s experience, laboratory fees and local cost of living can also influence the final price.
Does a Root Canal Increase the Cost of a Crown?
Yes. If the tooth requires a root canal before receiving a crown, the total treatment cost can increase significantly.
A root canal and crown are separate procedures. A dentist may recommend both when the tooth is badly decayed, infected or structurally weakened.
Therefore, if a dentist quotes you $1,200 for a crown, ask whether that amount includes only the crown or the entire treatment.
How Long Does a Dental Crown Last?
A properly maintained dental crown can last many years, but its lifespan depends on oral hygiene, biting forces, the material used and the condition of the underlying tooth.
Brushing twice a day, flossing around the crown and attending regular dental checkups can help protect the restoration.
People who grind or clench their teeth may require additional protection, such as a night guard.
Is a Dental Crown Worth the Cost?
A crown can be worthwhile when a tooth is too damaged or weakened to be successfully restored with a filling.
However, a crown is not automatically the best solution for every damaged tooth. Depending on the condition of the tooth, your dentist may recommend a filling, inlay, onlay, veneer or extraction instead.
It is reasonable to ask your dentist:
- Why do I need a crown?
- What happens if I don’t get one?
- Which crown material do you recommend?
- Is a root canal necessary?
- Does the price include X-rays and preparation?
- How much will insurance pay?
- Are there less expensive alternatives?
Getting an itemized estimate can prevent unexpected charges.
Dental Crown Cost FAQs
How much does a crown cost on average?
A dental crown generally costs around $800 to $2,000, although premium restorations can cost $2,500 or more. Aspen Dental currently reports an average of approximately $1,269 per tooth.
How much does a crown cost without insurance?
Without insurance, expect approximately $800–$2,500 per tooth, depending on the crown material, dentist and location.
What is the cheapest type of dental crown?
Metal or porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are often less expensive than premium all-ceramic or zirconia options. However, the cheapest option is not necessarily the best choice for every tooth.
How much is a porcelain crown?
A porcelain or ceramic crown commonly costs around $1,000–$2,500 per tooth in the U.S.
Does insurance pay for dental crowns?
Many dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for crowns, but benefits vary. Check your deductible, coinsurance, annual maximum and waiting-period requirements before treatment.
How much does a crown cost at Aspen Dental?
Aspen Dental currently reports an average price of $1,269 per crown, with a published range of approximately $902–$2,051.
What is the total cost of getting a crown?
The total can be higher than the crown price if you need an examination, X-rays, tooth buildup, root canal, temporary crown or other treatment. Always ask for a complete treatment estimate rather than only the crown fee.
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