Whichever way you look at it, the dental crown cost in Australia isn’t cheap. On average, you can expect to fork out somewhere between $1,100 and $2,100 per crown.
This article explores the reasons behind the cost of tooth crowns and why their benefits far outweigh the cost.
So, what is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped ‘cap’ that fits over a tooth for protection or cosmetic enhancement. Dentists use dental crowns to restore a tooth’s size, shape, and strength and improve its overall appearance.
Crowns are recommended as a solution for teeth that have become damaged for many reasons. These include:
- Badly decayed teeth
- Broken teeth
- Severely discoloured teeth
- Teeth with loose fillings
- Teeth with an insufficient structure to hold a filling
- Teeth left weakened following root canal treatment
What are the types of tooth crowns?
Several types of dental crowns are available, including those made from ceramic, resin, porcelain fused to metal, and even gold.
The type of crown you have is likely to depend on its position in your mouth and your specific dental needs. A dentist can help determine the right crown for you.
The teeth crown procedure at a glance
Traditional dental crowns generally require a minimum of two dental visits. During the first visit, the dentist will prepare your teeth and take an impression to create a mould that’s sent to the dental lab that makes your bespoke crown.
When opting for a porcelain or ceramic crown, the dentist will also have to provide the lab with a colour match to your existing teeth for a natural-looking smile.
While you wait for your new crown, your dentist will fit you with a temporary crown to protect the prepared tooth and complete your smile. After a few weeks, the dentist will fit your dental crown during a second appointment.
Why do tooth crowns cost so much?
There are several reasons that dental crowns are expensive. The primary reason for their cost is that each dental crown is custom made for the individual.
Advanced CAD technology is required to make dental crowns. Not only does a crown repair a damaged tooth, but it’s also carefully designed to match the shape, size, and colour of the existing tooth, so it blends seamlessly into your smile.
Costs may also rise if your dentist has to carry out more extensive prep work before installing the crown. For example, you may need root canal treatment or a dental implant, which will make the price soar.
There are also materials and the time taken to create a dental crown to take into account.
Dental lab costs also affect the overall crowns cost, and depending on the type of dental crown, they can account for anywhere between 20 and 35% of the total price.
When you factor in the cost of materials, high-end equipment, premises, staff, and around 2 hours of chair-time for a single dental crown, it’s easy to see how procedure costs quickly mount up.
A durable tooth replacement solution
That said, since dental crowns provide the strength, durability and function of your natural teeth, they are far more durable than less expensive solutions such as dental fillings. As such, they can be considered a cost-effective solution.
When considering tooth crown cost, it helps if you remember that crowns can last for many years. Most crowns can last for at least five years and as long as 15-20 years. Over an average of 10 years, even at the cost of $2,000, that’s only $200 a year for a dental crown that restores your smile, your bite function, and your confidence. The value of a dental crown boils down to the many years you will be wearing it.
So now you’re better informed about the cost of a dental crown.
What if we told you there was an even better alternative to a traditional crown? A solution that speeds up the process of creating and fitting your crown.
One-day CEREC crown
CEREC crowns are technologically advanced and more efficient than regular crowns.
While receiving a traditional dental crown can take weeks, CEREC utilises the latest CAD/CAM technology that enables dentists to design, create and install a beautiful ceramic crown in the dental clinic, in a single appointment.
You probably think that one-day crowns would cost more than regular dental crowns, but you’d be wrong. The cost is typically the same, and when you consider there is no need for a messy impression, temporary crown, and repeated visits, it just might be a no-brainer.
How much does a dental crown cost? – The takeaway
Some of the biggest price differences will arise from a particular dentist’s pricing structure. There is no set price limit, and the ADA merely guides dentists.
How much of the cost will my health insurance cover?
Once you’ve spoken to your dentist and discussed your treatment options and alternatives, you can ask your health insurance for a quotation. Dental crowns fall under the ‘major dental’ category, so be sure to check your policy includes this type of cover.
Do you need a crown?
Why not contact the experienced team at No Gaps Dental on (02) 8806 0227. We use the finest materials and the latest technologies at a price that will put a smile back on your face. Use our online booking service to schedule a consultation at a No Gaps clinic of your choice.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.