Losing a tooth can not only create a cosmetic concern, but can affect your ability to eat, change the shape of your jaw bone, affect your sinuses, and more. The good news is that missing teeth can be saved with dental crowns.
One of the first questions dentists get asked from patients is “what is the cost of a dental crown?” or “how much do dental crowns cost?” Before we dive into the cost of dental crowns, including the various types of crows, let’s dive into the basics of dental crowns.
What is a dental crown?
The dental crown is an artificial restoration covering just the tooth’s visible part. It may be used to restore a broken tooth or to close up spaces created by teeth that have been moved out of alignment. A crown is a single unit of material. It is shaped to fit the tooth and is usually made from high-quality porcelain or high-strength metal, like gold or titanium. The cost of the crown depends on your dentist’s estimate of the amount needed and possibly your insurance coverage. The average cost of a crown differs depending on your area.
What is the cost of a dental crown?
The cost of a dental crown can vary based on several factors, including the material (porcelain or metal) and the tooth location. The average cost of a permanent upper crown ranges from $500-1200, while the average cost for a lower permanent crown has an average fee of $200-600. The materials used in creating dental crowns can also play a role in their price; porcelain crowns are often more expensive than metal ones because porcelain is thinner but more natural looking, while metal typically reflects light and shows less detail.
Dental Crowns costs by type of crown
The cost of dental crowns can vary greatly by type used. Here are the average costs of different crowns.
1. Porcelain dental crowns
Porcelain is among the most favored materials because it is white, solid, and almost invisible. Porcelain Crowns cost between $500-$1200. The cost of a porcelain crown is based on the tooth’s size, shape, and location needing restoration.
Pros
- Durability, strong and will not break repeatedly
- Excellent resorption strength
Cons
- Expensive
- Too thin, so cannot cover all teeth on the dental arch without gaps
- Not as easily bonded with your gums as other materials are
2. Zirconia dental crowns
Zirconia is a durable, heat-resistant, and abrasion-resistant material that dentists use in many different ways. Zirconia is used to create both temporary and permanent dental crowns, usually made from the same material. Although some dentists choose to use only zirconia for their crowns, others prefer to use metal as well.
Pros
- Low cost
- Durable and strong
- Relatively stable and supportive
- Can be molded in any shape
Cons
- Not as strong as the porcelain crown
- Similar cost to the porcelain crown
3. Metal dental crowns
Metal dental crowns replace a tooth’s entire structure, often after a bad root canal or other severe dental problem. Metal restorations are also used during the initial fitting of a denture. The cost of metal crowns is usually less than that of porcelain crowns and zirconia crowns, but they do not match the durability and strength of those materials.
Pros
- Strongest and most durable
- Can be fabricated to fit any size tooth or dental arch
- Can be bonded to a tooth’s surface with more ease than porcelain crowns can
Cons
- Not as durable or strong as porcelain crowns
4. Porcelain fused to metal
Porcelain fused to metal dental crowns are the most famous crowns in the United States. This type of crown combines the integrity and strength of porcelain with the durability and strength of the metal.
Pros
- Stronger than other materials used for dental restorations (porcelain, zirconia)
- Easy to make adjustments and removals (more stable)
Cons
- More expensive than other materials used for dental restorations
5. Temporary crown
This type of crown protects and stabilizes a tooth damaged by an infection or accident. A dental emergency can cause the tooth to fracture or crack, causing pain, infection, and sensitivity. When this happens, most patients can only open their mouths with the aid of a temporary crown for about two weeks. Permanent crowns are then fitted for the tooth at a later date.
Pros
- cheaper and less challenging to fit than full-fledged permanent restorations options
- Durable
Cons
- The need to wait for one to six months for a permanent crown
- Not as long-lasting as other types of dental crowns
Does dental insurance cover crowns?
Most dental insurance plans cover a majority of the cost of the restoration. However, there are instances when dental insurance does not pay for a specific dental service. Dental insurance does not often cover crowns because of their high cost, but it may pay for other restorations, including bridges and teeth.
How much does a dental crown cost when paying out-of-pocket?
Consider several things when figuring out how much a dental crown will cost you. It highly depends on the tooth’s location, the need for a crown, and the material used to make the crown. The average cost of a dental crown ranges from $500 to $1200, so it’s essential to speak with your dentist about any additional fees that may come along with your treatment.
How much does a dental crown cost with in-network dental insurance?
According to in-network dental insurance plans, dental crowns typically cost between $500 and $2,300 out of pocket. These plans typically cover a majority of the cost of all dental services. In addition, in-network dental insurance covers 80% to 100% of the cost of dental crowns. It would help if you spoke with your dentist or a team member about any additional fees that may come with your treatment.
How long should my dental crown last?
Your dental crown will last anywhere from 3 to 25 years, depending on the quality of the material used and how well you take care of your dental crown. It is important to remember that you can replace your old dental crown with a brand new one to restore the integrity and appearance of your smile.
3 Benefits of dental crown
According to westbocadental.com, replacing a tooth with a crown is the only option for some people. Crowns provide these patients the opportunity to restore their smiles and improve the appearance of the surrounding teeth. The following are three benefits a patient would enjoy by consideration of a dental crown.
1. Restore teeth
Dental crowns are commonly used to restore teeth damaged by an injury or a cavity or in cases where tooth decay has destroyed the outer layer of the tooth, known as the enamel. Replacing a missing tooth with a dental crown can also improve the appearance of your smile. Adding a crown to your smile helps you eat and speak with confidence again.
2. Improve chewing ability
Many individuals who require dental crowns commonly need to have their dentition reduced for proper fit. In these cases, a slight adjustment to the bite is often all that is needed. At WestBoca Dental, we can provide the necessary adjustments when a dental crown has been placed in your mouth.
3. Prevent receding gums
Dental crowns can be used to stop or slow the progression of gum recession. This can often be done using a custom-made appliance such as an orthodontic retainer.
Dental crowns restore the appearance of your smile and prevent tooth loss. If you have been suffering from tooth decay or tooth pain, contact West Boca Dental today for a consultation appointment. As an established dental clinic based in Boca Raton, Florida, we offer quality and affordable dental treatments in a friendly environment. We also accept most major insurance plans.
