If your dentist recently told you that you need a crown, one of the first things that probably came to mind was the cost. Dental crowns are a common restorative treatment, but they aren’t cheap — especially without insurance. However, with coverage, your out-of-pocket cost can be much lower. So, how much does a dental crown cost with insurance? The answer depends on several factors like the crown material, the procedure’s complexity, and your specific insurance plan.
In this guide, we’ll break everything down in simple terms to help you understand what you’ll pay, what’s covered, and how to get the best value from your dental insurance.
Understanding How Much a Dental Crown Costs With Insurance
The average cost of a dental crown with insurance ranges from $300 to $1,000 per tooth. Without insurance, that same procedure could cost anywhere from $800 to $2,500, depending on the type of crown and where you live.
Dental insurance usually covers part of the cost — typically 50% of the total amount, after you’ve met your deductible. For example, if your porcelain crown costs $1,200 and your plan covers half, you’ll pay about $600 out of pocket.
The actual price, though, depends on several factors such as:
- The crown material (porcelain, metal, zirconia, or ceramic)
- Your insurance provider and coverage limits
- The location and reputation of your dental clinic
- Whether additional procedures like root canals or buildups are needed
Understanding these details helps you estimate how much you’ll really spend.
What a Dental Crown Is and Why You Might Need One
Before diving deeper into the cost, it helps to know what a dental crown actually does. A dental crown is a cap that covers a damaged, decayed, or weakened tooth. It restores the tooth’s shape, strength, and appearance while protecting it from further damage.
Dentists usually recommend crowns for reasons like:
- Restoring a broken or severely worn-down tooth
- Protecting a weak tooth after a large filling or root canal
- Covering a dental implant
- Improving the look of a misshaped or discolored tooth
Because crowns play both a functional and cosmetic role, insurance companies classify them as major restorative procedures. That means they’re usually covered — but not fully — under most dental plans.
How Dental Insurance Covers Crown Costs
Dental insurance plans typically separate treatments into three categories: preventive, basic, and major. Crowns fall into the major services category, which usually includes things like bridges and dentures.
Most plans cover 50% of major services after you meet your deductible. For instance, if your plan’s deductible is $50 and your crown costs $1,200, your insurance would pay $600 (half), and you’d owe the remaining $600 plus your deductible.
However, keep in mind that dental plans also have annual maximums, which are caps on how much the insurer will pay each year. Most plans limit coverage between $1,000 and $2,000 annually. If your total dental expenses for the year exceed that amount, you’ll need to pay the rest yourself.
The Different Types of Dental Crowns and Their Costs
The material your dentist uses for your crown has one of the biggest impacts on cost. Here’s a quick look at what you can expect to pay for each type when you have insurance:
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns: These are durable and natural-looking, costing about $500–$1,000 with insurance.
- All-porcelain or ceramic crowns: Great for front teeth, they look the most natural but can be pricier — around $600–$1,200 with insurance.
- Metal crowns (gold or alloy): Extremely strong and long-lasting, they typically cost $400–$900 with insurance.
- Zirconia crowns: Known for strength and aesthetics, these can cost between $700 and $1,500 with insurance.
Your dentist will usually recommend the best material based on where the crown will go (front vs. back tooth) and your cosmetic preferences.
Other Costs That May Affect the Total Price
When asking how much a dental crown costs with insurance, it’s important to consider that additional procedures may increase the final bill. For example, if your tooth is severely decayed, your dentist may need to perform a root canal first, which can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,500 depending on the tooth and your coverage.
You might also need a core buildup — a process of rebuilding part of the tooth structure to support the crown — which can add another $100–$300.
While insurance usually helps cover these additional procedures, they may count separately toward your annual maximum. So if you’ve already had other major work done this year, your plan may not cover as much.
How to Maximize Your Dental Insurance for a Crown
To get the most out of your dental insurance, there are a few smart strategies to follow.
First, check your annual maximum and remaining benefits before scheduling your crown procedure. If you’re close to your yearly limit, ask your dentist if they can split the treatment into two calendar years — for instance, starting in December and finishing in January — so you can use benefits from two plan years.
Also, ask your dental office to submit a pre-treatment estimate (also called a preauthorization) to your insurance company. This will give you a clear breakdown of what’s covered and how much you’ll owe before the procedure starts.
Lastly, if you expect to need multiple crowns or major dental work, consider upgrading your dental plan during the next enrollment period to one with higher coverage for major services.
Are There Situations When Insurance Won’t Cover a Crown?
Yes, sometimes even with insurance, a dental crown might not be covered. This usually happens when the crown is placed for cosmetic reasons rather than medical necessity.
For example, if you simply want to improve the look of a tooth that’s slightly discolored or misshaped, your insurance may deny the claim because it’s considered elective or cosmetic.
Insurance also won’t pay for replacement crowns if they’re done too soon — most policies have a waiting period of at least five years before they’ll cover the same tooth again.
Options If You Need a Crown But Don’t Have Enough Coverage
If your dental insurance doesn’t cover enough of the cost, or if you’ve already reached your annual maximum, there are still ways to make treatment affordable.
You can look into dental savings plans, which are membership-based programs offering discounts of 10% to 60% on most procedures. Unlike insurance, there are no deductibles or waiting periods.
Some dental offices also offer payment plans or financing options through companies like CareCredit, allowing you to spread the cost out over time.
Finally, dental schools often provide high-quality care at reduced rates since supervised students perform the procedures. It might take a bit longer, but it’s a budget-friendly option.
Final Thoughts: How Much Does a Dental Crown Cost With Insurance?
So, how much does a dental crown cost with insurance? In most cases, you can expect to pay between $300 and $1,000 out of pocket, depending on your plan, deductible, and the crown material.
While dental crowns can be expensive, they’re a long-term investment in your oral health and overall comfort. Insurance helps ease the financial burden, but understanding your coverage — and planning ahead — can make the process much smoother.
If you’re unsure about your costs, don’t hesitate to talk with your dentist’s billing office or call your insurance provider directly. A few simple questions now can save you hundreds of dollars later.