Are your teeth damaged or severely decayed? This issue is common, and it is not always in your control. Crowns are one of the best ways for dentists to fix your teeth. They look and function like actual teeth, allowing patients to feel whole again. This solution sounds great, but are dental crowns worth the cost without insurance?
What are dental crowns?
As you probably know, teeth are much longer than what you see. The crown is the visible part of the tooth. An artificial crown can be placed in the mouth when someone damages this part of their tooth. Dental crowns can improve the appearance of teeth, but they are for more than aesthetics. Sometimes crowns are needed to restore functions like chewing.
Crowns help when your tooth is:
- Discolored
- Misshaped
- Chipped
- Cracked
- Broken
- Decayed
When you think of a dental crown, picture an outer shell shaped like a tooth. Your dentist would place this over a single tooth to fix the above issues. In some cases, tooth decay gets to a point where a filling will no longer help. Crowns may also be perfect for patients that need a root canal or dental implants.
» MORE: Without insurance, how much does a chiropractor cost?
What are the different types of dental crowns?
There are temporary crowns and permanent crowns. You may be able to figure out how they differ by reading their names. To be more specific, here are the differences according to Dentist Parker:
| Temporary crowns | Permanent crowns |
| Made in your dentist’s office | Made in a dental laboratory |
| Made with cheap materials like metal or plastic | Made with better materials like gold, ceramic, stainless steel, or porcelain |
| Do not look natural | Do look natural |
| A temporary solution to be used until permanent crowns come in (a few weeks) | Designed to be a permanent option that is worn until they must be replaced (5-15 years) |
» MORE: What’s the difference between homeowners’ insurance and mortgage insurance?
According to WebMD, permanent crowns may use:
- Stainless steel: Often used temporarily to protect the tooth while creating the permanent crown. These tend to be the best choice for children’s teeth.
- Metal: Often last the longest because they withstand biting and chewing. These crowns rarely chip or break. They do not appear natural and instead have a metallic color, so they are perfect for the molars towards the back of the mouth. Metal crowns tend to be pricey.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal: These dental crowns can be color-matched, but sometimes the metal portions show. These crowns tend to cause more wear to teeth.
- All-resin: Tend to come at a low cost compared to other types of crowns. They wear down and may end up having fractures down the line.
- All-ceramic or all-porcelain: Provide the best color match to natural teeth. These are great for both front and back teeth.
» MORE: How Much Does Flood Insurance Cost? (Full Pricing Guide)
What affects the price of dental crowns?
One of the biggest things that affect the price is the materials used to create permanent crowns. Some are more expensive than others. There are quite a few other things that can affect the cost of dental crowns.
Factors that affect the price of crowns include:
- Where you live
- The dental professional you choose to visit
- The location of the tooth or teeth
- The size and shape of the tooth
- The extent of the damage
- Any necessary visits before the procedure
- X-rays
- Anesthesia
- Follow-up appointments
- Aftercare
- Materials used
According to Cost Helper, a crown typically requires two office visits.
A tooth will either be filed down or built up using filling material during the first visit. In some cases, a crown will need more support than what is there. In other cases, parts of your tooth may need to be removed to create space for the crown. Next, an impression will be made and sent somewhere to create the necessary crown. They will place a temporary filling on the tooth.
After waiting a few weeks, a patient will go in for the second visit. First, the temporary filling will be removed. Then the permanent crown will be placed over the tooth and cemented down. In addition to these two visits, a patient may need to pay for a follow-up visit.
According to WebMD, a permanent crown can last anywhere from 5-15 years, so a patient may have to replace their crown throughout their life which comes at an additional cost.
In addition to exams and visits, a patient might have to pay for x-rays. Then there is the differing cost between materials, the dentist you choose, and so much more.
» MORE: Is Earthquake Insurance Worth It? (Pros & Cons)
How much do dental crowns cost without insurance?
It is impossible to give an exact answer because of the many factors that affect the cost. According to Cost Helper, patients can expect to pay:
- $500-$1,500+ for porcelain-fused-to-metal
- $600-$2,500+ for metal
- $800-$3,000+ for all-porcelain
From the prices listed on Cost Helper, we can assume that patients would likely pay somewhere between $500 and $3,000 or more per crown. However, according to the Consumer Guide to Dentistry, dental crowns cost anywhere from $1,000 and $3,500. In that case, the lowest you might pay is still pretty high, coming in at $1,000.
» MORE: Is Travel Insurance Worth? (Pros & Cons)
Does insurance help pay for dental crowns?
Sometimes dental crowns are sought out to make someone look and feel better, but they can be beneficial for other reasons. Crowns can help restore functions for a patient. In many cases, crowns are considered essential.
Dental insurance does not always help with the cost. According to Investopedia, insurance only covers crowns if they are believed to be medically necessary. Insurance will likely cover 50% of this cost if crowns are considered necessary.
Without an insurance plan, you would be responsible for paying the entire cost out of pocket. Crowns can seem nearly impossible for some people to take on, especially if they do not have insurance.
» MORE: What Good Is Renters Insurance? Pros and Cons
How to pay less for dental crowns when you do not have insurance?
- Ask about payment plans: While payment plans do not take away from the amount you have to pay, they can still help. Most dental offices have at least one payment plan option. Be sure you communicate that this is the route you would like to take before going forward with crowns.
- Find a dental school near you: Future dentists enrolled in dental schools need patients to practice on to help them become skilled. That is where you come in. There may be a dental school near you that will happily provide you with a discount. The dental student will be watched closely by a certified professional. You will be in good hands but get a better price.
- Compare the prices in your area: While the cost of your dental crown depends a lot on the state of your teeth, some dentists offer better prices than others. Call around and compare the costs to find the best option for you.
Keep in mind that crowns last between 5 and 15 years as it is. If the cheapest materials are selected to make your crown, it may end up costing you in the future. You will likely need to replace them more often, and it could cause other issues down the line.
If you need dental crowns, it is worth biting the bullet. Be sure to communicate with your dentist fully to ensure you get the best care within your price range.
» MORE: Medicare vs. Private Insurance: What’s The Difference?