How much does a crown cost in the U.S.?
A porcelain or ceramic cap placed over a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance.
What patients actually pay
Based on advertised prices and verified patient reports.
Got a quote?
If your dentist quoted more than $1,890, you're paying more than 90% of patients nationally. Time to get a second opinion.
What is a crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that fully covers a tooth above the gumline. It's typically recommended after a root canal, for cracked teeth, large fillings that have failed, or to cover a dental implant. Most modern crowns are porcelain or ceramic for a natural look.
Why prices vary
These four factors explain most of the price differences you'll see.
- 1
Material
Porcelain/ceramic ($1,200–$1,900) vs. metal-based ($900–$1,400) vs. all-zirconia ($1,400–$2,200).
- 2
Location
Urban coastal markets (NYC, SF, LA) run 30–50% higher than the national median.
- 3
Specialist vs. general dentist
Prosthodontists charge 15–25% more than general dentists for the same crown.
- 4
Additional procedures
Core buildup (D2950, +$290) and post-and-core (D2954, +$380) are commonly needed.
No verified crown deals listed in the U.S. right now.
Browse all Cosmetic Dentistry dealsHow a dental crown works — materials, process, recovery
What insurance usually covers
Most PPO plans cover 50% of crown costs up to your annual maximum (typically $1,000–$1,500/yr). HMO plans may have a fixed co-pay of $300–$600.
See dental insurance plans →Questions to ask your dentist
Bring these to your crown consultation. Most dentists will respect a prepared patient.
- What material will you use and why?
- Is a core buildup or post needed? What's the extra cost?
- Do you offer a cash-pay discount?
- What's the warranty if it fails or chips?
How we calculate this: Prices are aggregated from publicly advertised fees and anonymized patient treatment-plan submissions across the U.S. We do not use insurance-network "negotiated rates" — these are real out-of-pocket prices patients actually pay.
Sample size: 1,847 verified data points. Last updated: October 2026. Some figures are supplemented with industry benchmarks where local data is limited.
Prices vary by location, dentist experience, materials, and complexity. This page is informational only — always confirm pricing directly with the dental office.