Types of Dental Crowns and Cost: 2026 Complete Price Guide by Material

What Is a Dental Crown (Dental Cap)?

A dental crown is a custom-made tooth-shaped restoration that fits over the entire visible portion of a tooth, from the gum line up. It restores the tooth’s shape, size, strength, and appearance — protecting it from further damage and restoring full chewing function.

‘Dental crown’ and ‘dental cap’ are the same thing. ‘Crown’ is the clinical term used by dentists; ‘cap’ is the everyday term patients commonly use. Both refer to the same restoration.

Common reasons a dentist recommends a crown:

• Large cavity that cannot be repaired with a filling alone
• Cracked, fractured, or chipped tooth that needs structural support
• Tooth following root canal treatment (root canal weakens the tooth internally)
• Severely worn tooth from bruxism (teeth grinding)
• Cosmetic improvement for a misshapen or discolored tooth
• Anchor for a dental bridge spanning a gap left by missing teeth
• Cover for a dental implant post as the final restoration step

How Much Does a Dental Crown Cost? 2026 Price by Type

Crown costs vary significantly by material. Here is a complete 2026 comparison of all major crown types:

Note: Prices above are for the crown restoration only. Add-on costs may include: X-rays ($50–$200), tooth preparation/buildup ($100–$400), anesthesia (usually included), and any prior root canal ($700–$1,600) if needed.

Zirconia Crown Cost 2026

Zirconia crowns are the most popular all-around crown material in 2026, used for both front and back teeth. Made from zirconium dioxide ceramic, they combine the strength of metal with the aesthetics of porcelain.

Zirconia crowns are also used as the final restoration for dental implants. A zirconia implant crown sits on a titanium or zirconia abutment and is virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth.

Zirconia Crown vs. Porcelain Crown Cost: Which Is Better?

This is the most-searched crown comparison question. Here is the side-by-side breakdown:

Bottom line: Zirconia is the more versatile choice for most patients. All-porcelain (especially lithium disilicate brands like IPS e.max) offers slightly better light translucency and is preferred by some cosmetic dentists for upper front teeth where maximum natural appearance is the top priority.

PFM Crown Cost (Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal)

PFM crowns have a metal substructure (typically a base-metal alloy or sometimes precious metal) with a porcelain layer baked on top. They have been the standard crown type for decades and remain a reliable, cost-effective option.

PFM vs. Zirconia: PFM crowns are typically $200–$600 cheaper than zirconia. However, the metal margin can eventually show as a dark gray line at the gum line as gums recede — a cosmetic concern for front teeth. Zirconia eliminates this issue entirely. For back teeth where visibility is less critical, PFM remains an excellent value option.

Metal Crown Cost: Gold, Silver-Colored Alloy, and Stainless Steel

Gold Crown Cost

Gold crowns (full-cast gold alloy) are the longest-lasting crown option, with clinical performance documented beyond 30 years. They require the least tooth removal for preparation and are exceptionally gentle on opposing teeth.

Silver-Colored Metal Crown Cost (Base Metal Alloy)

Silver-colored metal crowns use base-metal alloys (nickel-chromium or cobalt-chromium). They are strong, durable, and less expensive than gold but have a noticeable silver/metallic appearance.

Are Silver Crowns Cheaper Than Porcelain?

Yes — metal crowns (silver-colored alloy) are generally cheaper than porcelain or zirconia crowns by $200–$700 per tooth. However, the aesthetic tradeoff is significant. Most patients choose porcelain or zirconia for any visible teeth and accept metal/gold only for back molars.

Silver Caps on Teeth for Adults: Cost and Options

Silver (metallic) caps for adult teeth are typically full-cast metal crowns — either gold alloy or base-metal alloy. They are occasionally used for adult back teeth when maximum durability is the priority and aesthetics are secondary.

Permanent silver teeth (full mouth metal restorations) are uncommon in modern dentistry outside of specific clinical needs. Most patients requesting ‘silver caps’ for aesthetic reasons are interested in metal grills — a cosmetic accessory, not a dental restoration.

Temporary Crown Cost: How Much and What to Expect

A temporary crown is a short-term placeholder placed over a prepared tooth while the permanent crown is being custom-fabricated in a dental laboratory (typically 2–3 weeks). It protects the tooth, maintains aesthetics, and holds the spacing.

How Much Is a Temporary Crown Without Insurance?

Temporary crowns typically cost $200–$500 without insurance as a standalone fee. However, many dentists include the temporary crown in the overall crown treatment fee, so you may not see it as a separate line item. Always ask your dentist whether the quoted crown price includes the temporary.

Temporary Crown vs. Permanent Crown: Key Differences

What to Do If a Temporary Crown Falls Off

1. Retrieve the crown if intact — keep it safe, as the dentist may recement it
2. Do not leave the prepared tooth exposed — it is sensitive and can shift
3. Use over-the-counter temporary dental cement (Dentemp, DenTek) to reposition it temporarily
4. Contact your dentist immediately and schedule a same-day or next-day appointment
5. Avoid chewing on that side until the crown is recementing by the dentist

Temporary crowns fall off most commonly from eating sticky foods (caramel, gum, hard candy), using teeth as tools, or simply because temporary cement is designed to be weak. Avoid these activities while wearing a temporary crown.

Front Tooth Crown Cost

Crowns on front teeth (incisors and canines) require higher aesthetic standards than back tooth crowns. The crown must precisely match the color, translucency, shape, and surface texture of adjacent natural teeth — making material selection especially important.

Front tooth crown cost with insurance: With standard dental insurance covering 50% of major restorative procedures (after deductible), expect to pay $400–$1,000 out of pocket for a front tooth crown.

Molar Crown Cost (Back Tooth Crown)

Molar crowns endure the highest chewing forces in the mouth, making material strength the top priority for back teeth. Aesthetics are secondary since molars are not visible during normal smiling.

Full-contour zirconia has become the preferred molar crown material in most US dental practices as of 2026 — combining the strength of metal with tooth-colored aesthetics at a competitive price point. Gold crowns remain the premium choice for patients who are heavy grinders or place maximum longevity above all other factors.

Resin Crown Cost

Resin (composite) crowns are the least expensive crown type but also the shortest-lasting permanent option. They are primarily used when cost is a major constraint or as an interim solution.

Composite resin crowns are appropriate for patients who cannot afford ceramic or metal restorations and need protection on a budget. Plan for replacement every 3–5 years. For children, composite strip crowns (‘pedo crowns’) are commonly used as an affordable aesthetic option for front baby teeth.

Stainless Steel Crown Cost (Pediatric / Kids)

Stainless steel crowns are the standard restoration for severely decayed baby (primary) teeth in pediatric dentistry. They are prefabricated in standard sizes and fitted chairside — no dental lab needed — making them affordable and fast to place.

White crowns for kids (zirconia pediatric crowns) are now available and increasingly popular. They look natural and are ideal for front baby teeth. Brands like NuSmile and EZ-Pedo offer tooth-colored pediatric crowns at $500–$1,000 per crown — more expensive than stainless steel but aesthetically preferred by many parents.

Dental Crown Cost With and Without Insurance

Most dental insurance plans classify crowns as a ‘major restorative’ procedure, typically covered at 50% after the annual deductible. However, annual benefit maximums ($1,000–$2,000) significantly limit how much insurance actually pays for expensive crowns.

Important insurance rules for crowns:

• Waiting periods: Most plans require 12 months of enrollment before covering crowns
• Frequency limitations: Insurance typically covers crown replacement only every 5–7 years on the same tooth
• Missing tooth clause: If the tooth was missing before you enrolled, some plans won’t cover a replacement crown
• Annual maximum: Most plans cap at $1,000–$2,000/year — a $2,000 crown will likely hit the maximum

Crown Replacement Cost

Dental crowns eventually need replacement due to normal wear, damage, recurrent decay underneath, or chipped porcelain. Crown replacement follows the same procedure as a new crown but may require additional buildup if the underlying tooth structure has changed.

When does a crown need replacement? Average crown lifespans: zirconia/gold 15–25+ years; PFM 15–20 years; all-porcelain 10–15 years; composite resin 3–7 years. Signs you need a replacement: crown is loose or fell off, visible crack or chip, pain when biting, recurrent decay at the crown margin, or dark line visible at gum level (PFM gum shadow).

Root Canal and Crown Cost Combined

A root canal is frequently followed by a crown placement, as root canal treatment removes the inner pulp that provides moisture and nutrients to the tooth — making it more brittle and prone to fracture without a crown to protect it. Dentists typically recommend a crown on all root canal-treated back teeth.

With insurance covering 50% on both procedures: expect $900–$2,000 out of pocket for a molar root canal and crown combined, depending on your annual maximum.

What Is the Cheapest Crown Option?

For patients on a budget, here are the most affordable crown paths ranked from lowest to highest cost:

1. Composite resin crown: $400–$800 — least expensive permanent crown, but shortest lifespan (3–5 years)
2. Stainless steel crown: $400–$900 — affordable prefabricated option, primarily for children
3. Dental school treatment: 40–60% below private practice. A $1,500 zirconia crown may cost $600–$900 at an accredited dental school
4. Dental discount plans (not insurance): Annual fee of $100–$200 provides 15–50% savings at participating dentists
5. Mexico / dental tourism: $200–$600 for zirconia crowns at reputable dental clinics in Tijuana, Los Algodones, or Monterrey — significant savings but requires travel planning
6. PFM crown: $800–$2,000 — the least expensive option for a reliable, long-lasting tooth-colored permanent crown at a regular dental practice

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Crown Costs

Q1: How much does a dental crown cost without insurance?

A dental crown costs $400–$2,500+ per tooth without insurance in the US in 2026, depending on the material. Resin crowns start at $400. Zirconia, porcelain, and gold crowns range from $900–$2,500. The national average for a permanent crown is approximately $1,000–$1,500.

Q2: What is the cheapest type of dental crown?

Composite resin crowns ($400–$800) and stainless steel prefabricated crowns ($400–$900) are the least expensive options. PFM crowns ($800–$2,000) are the most affordable option for a long-lasting, tooth-colored permanent crown. Dental schools offer all crown types at 40–60% below private practice pricing.

Q3: Is a zirconia crown worth the extra cost over porcelain?

For most patients, yes. Zirconia crowns are stronger, last longer (15–25+ years vs 10–15 for standard porcelain), can be used for both front and back teeth, and cost a similar amount ($1,000–$2,500). All-porcelain is still preferred by some cosmetic dentists for upper front teeth requiring maximum light translucency (e.g., IPS e.max crowns).

Q4: Are silver crowns cheaper than porcelain crowns?

Yes. Silver-colored metal alloy crowns ($800–$1,800) are generally $200–$700 cheaper than porcelain or zirconia crowns per tooth. Gold crowns ($900–$2,500) can be similar in price to ceramic options. The tradeoff is aesthetics — silver crowns are metallic in color and best suited for non-visible back teeth.

Q5: How much is a temporary crown?

A temporary crown costs $200–$500 as a standalone procedure. Many dentists include the temporary crown in the total crown treatment fee. Temporary crowns are made chairside from acrylic resin and last 2–6 weeks while the permanent crown is fabricated in a dental lab.

Q6: How much does a front tooth crown cost?

A front tooth crown costs $1,000–$2,500 without insurance in 2026 for zirconia or all-porcelain materials (both recommended for front teeth). With dental insurance covering 50%, expect $400–$1,000 out of pocket. Front tooth crowns require premium aesthetic materials and precise color-matching, which contributes to the higher cost vs. back teeth.

Q7: How much does a molar crown cost?

A molar crown costs $900–$2,500 without insurance. Full-contour zirconia and gold crowns are the most popular choices for molars due to their strength. Gold crowns ($900–$2,500) offer the longest proven track record for back teeth. PFM ($800–$2,000) is a reliable mid-range option.

Q8: What is the difference between a cap and a crown?

A dental cap and a dental crown are the same thing. ‘Crown’ is the clinical term used by dentists; ‘cap’ is the everyday term patients use. Both refer to a tooth-shaped restoration that covers the entire visible portion of a tooth from the gum line up.

Q9: How much does a crown cost after a root canal?

A crown after a root canal costs $800–$2,500 for the crown itself. Combined with the root canal fee ($700–$1,600), the total cost for a molar root canal and crown is $1,800–$4,100 without insurance. With insurance covering 50% of both procedures, expect approximately $900–$2,000 out of pocket.

Q10: How much does crown replacement cost?

Replacing an existing crown costs $800–$2,700, including crown removal, a new custom crown of the same or different material, and any tooth buildup needed. If the original crown is only loose (not broken or decayed underneath), recementation costs $50–$250. Insurance typically covers replacement crowns every 5–7 years on the same tooth.

Q11: Are metal crowns cheaper than porcelain crowns?

Base-metal (silver-colored alloy) crowns are $200–$600 cheaper than zirconia or all-porcelain crowns per tooth. Gold crowns may be equally priced or more expensive than ceramic crowns due to precious metal content. For most patients, the aesthetic limitations of metal make porcelain or zirconia the preferred choice despite the higher cost.

Q12: How much are silver caps on teeth for adults?

Silver caps (metal alloy crowns) for adults cost $800–$1,800 per tooth without insurance. Prefabricated stainless steel crowns (typically used for children but occasionally placed as temporary adult restorations) cost $600–$1,200. Gold crowns cost $900–$2,500.

Q13: How much is a PFM crown?

A PFM (porcelain-fused-to-metal) crown costs $800–$2,000 without insurance. It is the traditional workhorse crown type — combining the strength of a metal substructure with a porcelain outer layer. PFM crowns cost $200–$600 less than zirconia on average and have a 20+ year clinical track record.

Q14: How much do pediatric / stainless steel crowns cost for kids?

Stainless steel crowns for children’s baby teeth cost $400–$900 per crown without insurance. Tooth-colored (zirconia) pediatric crowns (NuSmile, EZ-Pedo) cost $500–$1,000. Many dental insurance plans cover stainless steel crowns for children at 50–80%, making the out-of-pocket cost $80–$450.

Q15: How much does a dental crown cost in New Jersey?

Dental crown costs in New Jersey are in line with national averages: $800–$2,500 per crown depending on material. Advanced Smile Dentistry in Toms River and Woodcliff Lake, NJ offers complimentary consultations to discuss crown options and provide an accurate cost estimate for your specific case.

Which Crown Is Right for You?

The right dental crown depends on four factors: the tooth’s location (front vs. back), your budget, your aesthetic priorities, and how long you want the crown to last. Here is a quick decision guide: