Dental crown costs in the UK: materials and your treatment plan
Originally published
The cost of a dental crown depends on the material, the tooth being treated and any care needed before the crown can be fitted. Comparing the crown fee alone may not tell you the cost of the whole treatment.
A consultation should establish whether a crown is suitable, what alternatives there are and what the proposed price includes. You can then decide with a clearer idea of the treatment and its limitations.
What does a crown do?
A crown covers the prepared, visible part of a tooth. It can restore shape and function when a tooth is weakened or damaged. A veneer mainly covers the front surface and serves a different purpose.
A crown needs a tooth that can support it. It is not a rescue for every tooth that is beyond repair. The dentist checks the remaining structure, roots, gums and bite before recommending treatment.
A badly broken tooth or one with a large filling may benefit from a crown. Some root canal-treated teeth also need protection, depending on how much sound tooth remains and the forces on it. Root canal treatment does not mean that every tooth automatically needs the same restoration.
A crown can change appearance, but preparing a tooth involves removing tissue. If your main concern is a gap, colour or shape, ask about less invasive options such as bonding, whitening or orthodontics where appropriate. An attractive result also depends on the gums, tooth position and your individual circumstances, not just the material chosen.
A crown supported by an implant is a separate treatment from a crown on a natural tooth. Do not assume the crown fee below includes an implant or its connecting components; our implant fees describe those separately.
Current crown fees at Medical-Dent
The following prices are for the named crown options in our fee list:
| Crown option | Fee |
|---|---|
| Porcelain-fused-to-metal crown | £500 |
| Zirconia crown | £500 |
| Full ceramic crown | £600 |
These are our listed fees, not a UK-wide average or an automatic total for every case. Check our prosthodontic fees and ask for the cost of your proposed plan.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns have a metal base covered with porcelain; an edge can sometimes become visible near the gum. Zirconia is itself a type of ceramic. The separate names in our price list identify the options offered, rather than meaning that zirconia is not ceramic.
Material choice depends on the tooth’s position, the bite, the space available and the appearance you want. There is no single best material for everyone, and no crown can be promised to look undetectable in every situation.
What else might be part of the treatment?
Before a crown is made, a tooth may need treatment for decay, a new core to build it up, or root canal treatment if there is a clinical reason. These are not automatically needed or included in the crown fee.
Ask whether the written estimate covers the assessment, any investigations, preparation, temporary restoration, final fitting and planned reviews. A temporary crown may protect the prepared tooth while the final restoration is being made; it is not intended to be a permanent substitute.
Our listed crown options use a digital CEREC scan instead of a conventional impression. Your dentist will explain the steps and number of visits for your case. The use of a scanner does not by itself guarantee a same-day crown, a particular level of comfort or a better result than every alternative technique.
Weighing up treatment and aftercare
A crown can protect and restore a suitable tooth, but it does not prevent every future problem. Discuss the risks, including sensitivity, possible future root canal treatment, chipping or the need for replacement. Continue cleaning the tooth and gum margin, as decay and gum disease can still occur.
If a tooth is cracked or painful, arrange assessment rather than deciding from the price list that it either must have a crown or can safely be left untreated. Sometimes another restoration or monitoring is appropriate; sometimes delaying necessary care makes the tooth harder to save.
Paying for a crown
If you are considering instalments, read our current finance information and ask the team about eligibility and the total amount repayable for your plan. Approval is not guaranteed, and an old monthly-payment example should not be treated as a current quote.
Contact the practice if you would like an assessment or an explanation of the options on your treatment plan.