How Much Does a Dental Crown Cost?

If your dentist recommends a dental crown, you're probably wondering about how much of a dent it might make in your wallet. The good news is that there is a range of crowns to choose from. Consulting with your dentist can help you find one that matches both your dental needs and your budget. Find out what the different kinds of dental crowns for your teeth are and how much they cost.

Types of Dental Crowns

The Cleveland Clinic notes that a dental crown is a cap that is placed on top of a damaged tooth. It's used to help restore the tooth's shape, strength, and appearance when a filling doesn't solve the issue.

There are four types of dental crowns: all-ceramic, porcelain fused to metal, base metal alloys, and gold alloys. All-ceramic crowns are made up entirely of porcelain. Zirconia crowns are also now available, and that they're gaining in popularity.

Which Dental Crown Is Right for Me?

The type of dental crown you need depends on the situation. A dentist can help you decide which type of crown is appropriate for your tooth. Porcelain crowns are the best choice for your front teeth because they provide pleasing aesthetics. They can match the shape, size, and color of your original tooth, but porcelain crowns can also be brittle and break under the load of heavy biting. Porcelain fused to metal crowns have a metal base, so while they could chip due to many factors, such as forces applied, occlusion or malocclusion, or laboratory procedures, they're still a durable option.

Meanwhile, base metal or gold alloy crowns might not mimic the look of your natural teeth, but they can handle a lot of bite force. This makes them an excellent choice for your back molars.

What Is the Average Cost of a Dental Crown?

According to the Consumer Guide to Dentistry, a dental crown's cost is typically between $1000 and $3,500. There are many factors that will influence the cost of your new dental crown, including the location of the dentist, the training and expertise of the dentist and dental technician, the laboratory fees, the type of crown, and whether there is coverage from dental insurance. Consult with your dentist on what type of crown fits your dental and financial situation.

Getting Dental Crowns on a Budget

If you're worried about the cost of your new dental crown, you should know that as long as your crown is dentally necessary, your insurance might cover part of it. But don't forget to check with your dental insurance and your dentist for the exact amount covered under insurance.

If you don't have dental insurance, check with your dentist's office about whether they can offer a payment plan.

Caring for Dental Crowns

Now that you've invested in your dental crown, you want to make sure that it lasts you a long time. While your crowned tooth doesn't need special care, the underlying tooth still needs to be protected from decay. Good oral hygiene practices are a must. This should include brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day. You should also avoid biting on hard surfaces if you have a porcelain crown, as this can prevent cracking the porcelain.

It can be tricky to know which dental crown is the right one. Your dentist can be an invaluable resource here! Discuss your dental needs and budget with your dentist so that you can choose the right dental crown for your tooth together.