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Many dental procedures are covered by dental insurance, from routine maintenance to major services such as dental crowns. Crowns can be crucial to restoring tooth function and preventing severe dental issues from developing, but costs can be financially straining without insurance. This article explains how dental crowns work and the factors that impact their cost to help you understand your treatment options and get the care you need to restore your smile.
Dental crowns are teeth-shaped, custom-made caps that restore the appearance and function of real teeth that have decayed or been damaged. This helps the patient regain the ability to eat and speak normally while supporting tooth, gum, and jaw health. Here's how the process works:1
Dentists can make crowns from several different materials, each varying in their benefits and drawbacks:1
Porcelain crowns are made of porcelain to match the color and shade of your other teeth. This can ensure the best appearance compared to other materials, such as metal crowns. As an alternative to metal crowns, it can also suit patients with metal allergies. However, porcelain can chip away over time, especially if not well cared for. For example, patients who grind their teeth may wear down their porcelain crowns faster.
Zirconia is a type of ceramic material used to make crowns that are stronger than porcelain and even some metal alloys. They also wear less on other teeth than porcelain crowns. This helps the crown last longer and resist more force while reducing the chance of sharp edges developing through wear and tear.
Dentists may use various metals to craft crowns, such as gold, nickel, chromium, or palladium.
PFM crowns are made of metal but have a porcelain layer on top to mimic the surrounding teeth. This helps combine the durability of metal with the appearance of porcelain. However, the porcelain layer is still prone to chipping without proper care and maintenance, which can reveal the metal layer underneath.
Most dental crowns can cost $800 to $2,500, with an average cost range of $1,100 to $1,300. Additionally, a temporary dental crown can cost $200 to $700, with an average of $450.2
Dental crowns vary widely in cost based on several factors:
The material used plays a significant role in dental crown costs. For example, zirconia tends to be on the higher end since it's a newer material that combines the strengths of other materials.1 Meanwhile, certain metals may cost less than each other. For instance, a nickel-chromium alloy will likely cost less than a gold alloy. Porcelain tends to fall in the middle since it matches the tooth more closely while still being relatively durable.
The more complex the tooth placement and procedure is, the more it may cost. For instance, teeth that are harder to access, such as back teeth, may cost more due to the extra care and work needed. Similarly, if the tooth requires more prep for the crown, you will pay more. Front teeth may also increase costs, as the dentist will need to be more precise to ensure a seamless appearance.
Sometimes, dentists must perform other procedures to prepare for the dental crown. For instance, if the target tooth has a pulp infection, the dentist may need to perform a root canal first to prevent the condition from worsening. This will result in higher costs since you must pay for the root canal.
Dental insurance plans vary in their coverage for major procedures, such as crowns. Some plans may cover half, whereas others may offer more coverage. Additionally, plans can vary in deductibles, copays, and coinsurance you must pay for a dental crown procedure.
Dentists with specialized training in surgical procedures or restorative dentistry may charge more for dental crown services. You may pay more, but you could potentially experience higher-quality results and a better overall treatment experience.
Location can impact crown costs since the dentist must charge based on the cost to stay in business. For example, dentists in urban areas may charge more due to the higher cost of living and demand for services. Meanwhile, dentists in rural areas may charge less if the cost of living is lower, but you may have fewer options within a close distance.
The state you live in can also impact crown costs. States may vary in laws and regulations pertaining to dental care. For example, a state with more stringent operational standards or tighter business regulations could drive up dental costs.
Dental insurance can help cover the cost of dental crowns in many cases since they are often medically necessary to restore tooth health and prevent further damage to structures like the jaw.2 Many dental plans have a 100-80-50 structure, meaning they cover:
Since dental crowns are a major service, many plans offer 50% coverage. However, some plans charge higher premiums for more coverage, such as up to 80%. These plans may work well for people who expect to need more major services, such as multiple crowns or other procedures alongside dental crowns.
Additionally, plans often have annual maximums, usually between $1,000 and $2,000.3 For those types of plans, you must pay your out-of-pocket expenses for any coverage exceeding this amount each year. Finally, dental insurance may require a waiting period for dental crowns. Waiting periods may range from a few months to a year.
Crowns do more than just restore your smile's appearance. They help you regain proper tooth function and protect more vulnerable structures within your mouth and jaw. Dental insurance plans from Aflac can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket dental costs, helping put the care you need within financial reach. Speak with an agent today to explore our plans and get a quote.
1 Cleveland Clinic — Dental Crowns. Updated April 14, 2023. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10923-dental-crowns. Accessed June 24, 2024.
2 GoodRX — How Much Does a Dental Crown Cost? Published June 10, 2022. https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/dental-care/dental-crown-cost. Accessed May 30, 2024.
3 Investopedia — Does Dental Insurance Cover Crowns? Updated December 15, 2023. https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/113015/does-dental-insurance-cover-crowns.asp. Accessed June 24, 2024.
Content within this article is provided for general informational purposes and is not provided as tax, legal, health, or financial advice for any person or for any specific situation. Employers, employees, and other individuals should contact their own advisers about their situations. For complete details, including availability and costs of Aflac plans, please contact your local Aflac agent.
Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. In New York, Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.
In Delaware, Policies A81100–A81400. Policies A82100R–A82400R. In Idaho, Policies A81100ID–A81400ID. Policies A82100RID–A82400RID. In Oklahoma, Policies A81100OK–A81400OK. Policies A82100ROK–A82400ROK. In Virginia, Policies A81100VA–A81200VA. Policies A82100RVA–A82400RVA.
Coverage underwritten by Tier One Insurance Company:
Dental, Vision and Hearing: In Arkansas, Policy T80000AR. In Delaware, Policy T80000. In Idaho, Policy T80000ID. In Oklahoma, Policy T80000OK. Not available NY or VA. Dental claims are administered by Aflac Benefits Solutions, Inc. Vision claims are administered by EyeMed Vision Care, LLC. Hearing claims are administered by Nations Hearing. Dental, Vision and Hearing: In Arkansas, Policy T80000AR. In Delaware, Policy T80000. In Idaho, Policy T80000ID. In Oklahoma, Policy T80000OK. Not available NY or VA. Dental claims are administered by Aflac Benefits Solutions, Inc. Vision claims are administered by EyeMed Vision Care, LLC. Hearing claims are administered by Nations Hearing. Tier One Insurance Company is part of the Aflac family of insurers.
Coverage may not be available in all states, including but not limited to DE, ID, NJ, NM, NY or VA. Benefits/premium rates may vary based on state and plan levels. Optional riders may be available at an additional cost. Policies and riders may also contain a waiting period. Refer to the exact policy and rider forms for benefit details, definitions, limitations and exclusions.
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