Cheapest Crown for Tooth: Getting Quality Without Breaking the Bank

Dental healthcare costs indeed depend on the treatment choice! Dental crowns or tooth caps vary with the type of material they are made from. Typically, they are made from materials like porcelain, zirconia, E max, a combination of metal and porcelain, and metals like gold, nickel, chromium, or palladium.^[1] While the metal crowns are hardy, porcelain and zirconia crowns are top choices mainly for their close resemblance to the natural teeth. The costs of porcelain and zirconia crowns are quite high compared to the other types.  Plus, the procedural costs for getting diagnostic tests pre and post-treatment procedures like root canals or dental implants can add up weight to the final bills.

What Functions Do Dental Crowns Satisfy?

Dental crowns are tooth-colored caps that cover the entire tooth structure. They are used to restore the lost functions of fractured, worn-down, or broken teeth and severely decayed root canal-treated teeth. In these cases, dentists use crowns to add strength to the existing tooth structure. Performing daily activities of biting and chewing with a weakened tooth can cause further damage. Crowns add strength to the existing tooth structure while still resembling natural teeth. Some candidates also get crowns to address cosmetic issues like chips and cracks. While crowns are most used for the back teeth, their application in the front teeth is no less to be appreciated. 

Dental Crown Procedure 

Getting dental crowns for damaged teeth requires a minimum of two dental visits. In case you need preparatory procedures like root canal therapy or dental implants for a missing tooth, it would require an extra visit. Typically, it follows the steps mentioned below.

• Initial consultation: Includes dental examination to understand the existing issue and decide on the right dental crown type.   
• Diagnostic tests: Tests like X-rays to investigate the signs of dental caries and required root canal treatment.
• First dental appointment: Tooth reshaping to remove brittle or cracked portion followed by impression collection for crown preparation.
• Second dental appointment: Fixing permanent crown using dental cement and checking the perfect fit. 

Same-day crowns will be fixed during a single dental visit. This procedure requires state-of-the-art- technology like digital scanners and Computer-aided design/ computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM). These modernized tools collect tooth impressions accurately. Besides, advanced crown fabrication using 3-D models will take just 15 minutes to prepare custom-fit crowns. This method can be relatively expensive. Plus, same-day crowns have compromised durability compared to the traditional ones. More importantly, this method cannot effectively detect tooth fractures lying below the gum line. Now, let’s learn about various factors that determine dental crown costs.  

Factors Deciding the Dental Crown Cost

The cost of dental crowns in any country typically depends on the following factors:

• Type of crown material: High-quality materials that resemble natural teeth cost more. For instance, porcelain and zirconia crowns cost more than metal crowns.
• Dentist’s expertise: Highly qualified and experienced dentists typically charge higher dental prices than those with less expertise. 
• Geographical location: The higher the cost of living in the clinic area, the greater the burden of clinic maintenance, equipment, and material costs, which add up to the crown treatment costs.
• Extent of tooth damage. Higher decay or damage would require extensive tooth preparation for crown placement. Procedures like implants or root canal treatment will cost more than routine crown treatment.
• Crown fabrication costs: Dentists take the tooth impressions for crown fabrication. Dental labs employing advanced tools like digital impressions collection and CAD/CAM for crown preparation tend to charge higher prices.
• Treatment plan and insurance coverage: Medically necessary Crowns will be covered by dental insurance. Insurance coverage eases off the price burden to some extent. 
• Damaged tooth position: Back teeth like molars and premolars are barely visible outside, and people tend to get metal crowns to satisfy their durable needs.^[2] Front teeth deal with aesthetics and typically need tooth-colored, expensive porcelain or zirconia crowns.   

Plus, the routine charges for a dental examination, diagnostic X-rays, anesthesia, and aftercare medicine add up to the final bills. Typically, these depend on the dentist one chooses for the crown treatment. Now, let’s get deeper into understanding dental crown prices.

Crown Prices for Teeth

Dental crown costs depend on the clinic's geographical location. They typically cost more in developed countries like the United States or Canada. Dental crown cost without insurance in the United States is between $1,500 and $2,000 per unit, which is similar to that in Canada. Dental tourism destinations like Mexico, Costa Rica, Turkey, Thailand, and India offer the cheapest crown for tooth. 

Crown costs in Mexico fall between $420 and $490 per unit. This price is nearly four times lower than the Stateside price. On the other hand, the cheapest Turkey crowns cost you between $200 and $400. Other dental tourism destinations like India offer still lower prices. With around $130 for a single zirconia crown in India, one can save substantially on these cheap crowns for teeth by opting for dental tourism. Below, we tabulated the country-wise costs for popular dental crowns.

Country-wise dental crown costs

# Per unit costs mentioned here are case-dependent.

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While the table covers natural-looking porcelain and zirconia crowns, relatively less aesthetic all-metal crowns cost quite less. Single all-metal crowns cost you $600 and $800 in the US and Canada. While these hardy crowns are less expensive, they do not carry the same aesthetic standards as the porcelain and zirconia crowns. It's primarily because of the metal body. Further, they can cause metal allergies. 

Many Americans and Canadians look for dental tourism options in case they require multiple crowns or full mouth reconstruction. It is because the expensive per unit cost in the home country can burn their pockets when it comes to full mouth reconstruction. However, dental tourism is a broader perspective to consider. Looking for cheaper options in the home country can help otherwise. Here, we covered other dental fixes that offer similar results to dental crowns. 

Alternative To Crown for Cracked Tooth 

Treatments like dental bonding, teeth contouring, and veneers offer similar results to dental crowns. They have a similar impact on restoring the functions of cracked teeth as the crowns do.   

• Dental bonding: The dentist applies tooth-colored bonding material to the cracked surface to close the gaps. After curing, they smoothen and polish the surface to attain a natural finish. Dental bonding prices begin at just $150 per tooth in the United States. It can go slightly higher depending on the intensity of the cracks and the dentist chosen. 
• Teeth contouring: Teeth contouring involves reshaping the tooth surface to remove the rough edges and cracks. It is also called odontoplasty and can cost you between $50 and $300, depending on the damage and technology used. Using dental lasers typically incurs higher costs compared to traditional drills.  
• Dental veneers: These thin tooth-colored shells cover the tooth's front surface and are purely for cosmetic purposes. Veneers add radiance to dull smiles and are slightly costly at around $1,500 per tooth in the United States.   

While aesthetic veneers are too expensive, other cheaper alternative to a dental crown have disadvantages. Dental bonding isn’t durable. The bonding material can chip during daily activities like chewing and biting. On the other hand, tooth contouring involves enamel removal from the tooth surface, causing tooth sensitivity in most cases. Settling for cheaper treatment approaches that carry potential risks cannot be a practical choice, especially when cheap dental crowns are still available! Are you wondering how? The upcoming section will help!  

How To Get Cheap Dental Crowns?

Not everyone will be convinced with the treatment alternative to crown for teeth. Below, we listed some simple ways to get cheap dental crowns.

• Dental insurance plans: The cheapest way to get dental crowns is getting them with dental insurance. Many insurance providers offer partial coverage for medically necessary dental crowns. This will not apply if you are looking for crowns for cosmetic reasons. However, you will need to find reliable clinics and dentists who accept insurance. 
• Tax-advantaged accounts: The flexible spending account (FSA) and health savings account (HSA) cover a variety of dental treatments, such as dental crowns. While the former is part of an employee benefit program, the latter is a government-regulated savings account. Check out what applies to you along with the terms and conditions since the funds rolling over to next year vary with your choice. 
• Discounted dental work: Getting the cheapest crown for tooth near me is possible when you approach dental schools. While students perform the crown procedure, the treatment is directed by qualified dentists. Alternatively, you can also look for community health clinics offering affordable dental services. This is one of the best ways to get the cheapest dental crowns.   
• Payment plans: Some dentists accept credit card payments and monthly payment plans. This is perfect in case you are uninsured and cannot afford to make a full payment in one shot. Ask your dentist about the payment methods they accept. While the plans vary with the dentist, effective communication of your financial constraints can help better.    

An alternative to these tailored financial choices is to plan to get a cheap crown for a tooth abroad. Dental tourism is indeed a cost-saving choice for uninsured and underinsured patients. The following section will help you find places to consider for getting cheap dental crowns.  

Where Can I Get a Crown Done for Cheap?

Many Americans choose to travel for major healthcare procedures, including dental treatments.^[3] The affordable cost of dental crowns abroad will save you considerably on the treatment. Below is the list of the top three countries one can choose for reasonably priced dental work.^[4] 

• Mexico: Mexico is one of the cheapest country for dental crowns, offering high-quality treatment along with substantial savings. Choosing crowns in Mexico, especially in cities like Los Algodones, Tijuana, and Cancun, can save you up to 80% on treatment. First-rated clinics and board-certified dentists offer durable yet high-quality dental crowns.  
• Thailand: Getting dental work here offers a serene experience, and Thailand is the best-chosen country for it. Top-quality dental facilities and internationally trained doctors ensure dental crown success. 
• Turkey: Turkey is a top destination for US—and UK-based dental travelers. World-class clinics and internationally renowned facilities make this choice a preferred one. The country offers cheap crowns for teeth, which cost far less than in the United States.

Getting low-cost dental crowns abroad can indeed save you considerably. However, when overlooked, this can lead to potential risks. Scroll down to understand what a good dental crown means. 

What Is the Cheapest Crown for a Tooth? Points To Consider

A good dental crown is made from high-quality dental materials and is durable and biocompatible. It should offer natural-looking results while being a custom fit, with no margins showing up. Note that the crown edges should properly fit on the tooth structure. Compromising on this can cause plaque accumulation and tooth decay. Plus, fixing it should require minimal tooth enamel removal. Above all, it should restore your ability to chew properly and function normally without causing pain or discomfort.

While dental crowns abroad are an affordable option, one needs to keep an eye on the potential risks before treatment. 

Cheap Crown for Tooth: Know the Potential Pitfalls!

Here are the crucial points one needs to consider when looking for affordable dental crowns abroad.

• Material quality: Enquire about the quality of dental materials. Cheap prices should not mean compromised quality. Durable yet natural-looking materials like porcelain, PFM, or zirconia offer great yet long-lived results.  
• Inconsistent standards: Following adequate dental practices ensures treatment success. Compromising sterilization and safety protocols can greatly impact the outcomes causing infections.
• Follow-up care: Issues that arise after returning home can be worrisome. Getting dental crowns at clinics offering warranties and aftercare support can help you deal with post-treatment problems.  
• Hidden costs: Some dentists can offer lower crown prices by eliminating diagnostic tests and procedural costs like tooth preparation and anesthesia. However, adding these to final bills can be alarming, necessitating financial problems. We recommend you compare prices among some top providers in that location. Plus, enquire about the price inclusions and a detailed price breakdown before getting your treatment.  

Although dental crowns don't require complex surgical procedures, traveling long distances right after treatment can be overtiring. Choose the clinic based on your location. Are you wondering about “cheapest crowns for teeth near me”? Worry not. At Envoy Health, we partner with top-rated clinics in various cities. Mexican cities like Algodones and Tijuana are perfect if you live near the southern States. Choose cities like Cancun or Playa del Carmen if you live in the northern or the midwest. The international airports in these cities have direct flight connectivity to many major US cities. Worried about finding the best dentists for dental crowns? Our platform offers an ocean of choices. Sign up with Envoy Health and reach out to the board-certified dentists. Get a free initial consultation on your journey of affordable dental care.  

References

1. Retrospective Clinical Study Of Tooth‐supported Single Crowns: A Multifactor Analysis
2. Dentist Material Selection For Single-Unit Crowns: Findings From The National Dental Practice-Based Research Network
3. Mojitos And An Mri: Meet The Americans Who Are Getting Health Screenings On Vacation
4. 3 Dental Tourism Hotspots Where Americans Can Cut Treatment Costs