When our dentist informs us that one of our teeth is severely damaged and cannot be fixed with a filling, we should opt for a dental crown. These are very durable and look just like a real tooth. However, we may not know how much a crown should cost without insurance if our insurance plan does not have this service.
The care that crowns require is very simple and becoming increasingly popular. However, we should consider that if we do not have dental insurance, the price of crowns could be high.
What is the price of a dental crown without insurance?
The cost of a dental crown is very important, especially when we have to pay for it out of pocket because we do not have insurance. Typically the price can range from $500 to $3,000 or more, depending on the type of crown.
The price can vary depending on different factors, such as the dental professional and location. Also, the materials used and the tooth to be fixed influence the price.
The materials that can be used are:
Porcelain or ceramic.
These types of crowns are the ones that will look more natural in our mouth and that can fit perfectly to our teeth. They are usually priced between $800 and $3,000.
Porcelain with metal
These money-saving crowns allow us to save money by fusing metal with porcelain. These are durable but have a gray line along the gum line. Typically these crowns are priced between $500 and $1,500.
Metal or gold
There are different metals that crowns can be made from, being a very durable option. However, these will not have the natural color of our teeth. A gold crown can cost anywhere from $600 to $2,500.
Zirconia
These types of crowns allow us to have the durability and strength of metal crowns combined with the look of porcelain. However, their average cost can range from $800 to $3,000.
It is important to consider that to get a dental crown. We will need to visit the professional more than once because it is a process that involves several steps. If we do not have insurance, we will incur other expenses for the different exams and procedures involved in placing a dental crown.
What is the price with insurance?
The percentage of coverage we will have with insurance for a dental crown will depend on our plan. If it is categorized as a major service, we could save up to 50%, so for $2,000 crowns, we would only end up paying $1,000.
However, not all plans offer the same coverage, so it is always best to ask about our insurance coverage. In most cases, coverage will be offered for crowns that are part of medical treatment but not cosmetic.
How long does a dental crown last?
When we have a very good quality crown, it will last many years but may eventually need to be replaced. We usually pay the same price as the original installation for a crown replacement.
We should note that some insurances will require us to have a certain amount of time to be eligible for a crown replacement. Typically, the durability is over ten years, although in some cases, they may deteriorate sooner depending on many factors.
Is it a good idea to get a dental crown?
Dental crowns are specially designed to restore teeth that have been broken, have cavities, or need an implant to replace a tooth. Dental crowns are one of the best solutions we can find in all these cases.
In addition, with proper care, a dental crown can last well over 15 years. For this reason, it will be a long-term investment, allowing us to have a beautiful smile again.
Why are dental crowns so expensive?
The technology necessary to create a crown and the materials and the dentists’ experience make the treatments quite expensive. If we have insurance, it will cover most of this cost, and therefore we can save money.
It is best to make an appointment with a specialist, as this will give us a clear idea of what we will need to restore our teeth to perfection. In many cases, medical restorations are necessary, and in other cases, they are used aesthetically to improve the smile considerably.