Dental Crown Costs 2024 - How Much You Can Expect to Pay

Let’s face it, dental procedures can be pricey but may be necessary in order to maintain good function and condition of your natural teeth. 

Dental crowns are advanced dental procedures that can remedy a variety of dental issues. Designed to cover the existing afflicted tooth (which may be broken, chipped or damaged), dental crowns are an option to maintain your natural smile.  

How much does a dental crown cost in Australia?

Have you ever wondered how much does a dental crown cost in Australia? The average cost of a dental crown is around $1,600 to $2,700 per tooth.

Like with anything, costs can vary. How much a crown is worth in Australia is dependent on several factors, such as the materials used, time spent, etc. all of which affect the price point.

Factors that contribute to dental crown costs

There are a few factors that contribute to how much a dental crown will cost. Understanding these factors will help you make a better informed decision when choosing to have a dental crown. 

Tooth health: If your tooth requires more treatment to restore its health and function, it will inevitably cost more. If is it severely damaged, treatments like root canal or dental implants may need to be considered instead.

Choice of material used: Different types of materials are available for making Crowns. Some materials are more costly than others e.g. gold crowns require gold, which can be quite costly therefore increasing the cost of the crown.

Insurance: Having dental insurance can help lower your out of pocket fees towards your dental treatment. All dental insurances have different levels of cover, so you must always check your level of cover with your own private health insurance provider to best understand your out of pocket expenses.

The process of getting dental crowns

The dental crown process can be done in two different ways.

1. The traditional dental crown process may require multiple visits to the dentist. A brief example of what may be involved is explained below (though this may vary from person to person). 

• Examine the tooth: The first thing that happens is the dentist will examine the tooth and carry out any special tests (e.g. X-rays) needed to help formulate a treatment plan that suits you. This treatment plan may require further treatment prior to your dental crown.

• Preparing the tooth: At this visit the tooth will be prepared suitably. Please note multiple visits may be necessary depending on what is required on the tooth by the dentist. 

• Tooth impression: An impression of your top and bottom jaw will be taken to help fabricate a crown to your existing bite.

• Temporary crown: A temporary crown is put on the prepared tooth, to protect it, until the crown is ready. As it is temporary, it may need recementing if it debonds while you are waiting for the new crown to be prepared. 

• The crown: You will come in for the insert of your new dental crown approximately three weeks later.  The temporary crown will be removed, and the final crown attached.
  

2. The same-day crown process only requires one trip to the dentist after your initial examination appointment has been completed.

• Digital scans: Scans of your teeth in the area that the tooth is prepared are taken. 

• Crown creation: The digital scans are used to create the crown. 

• Placement of the crown: Once the crown has been made it is then placed, using dental cement, onto the tooth. 

When are dental crowns needed?

For most people, a dental crown is needed when their tooth needs to be restored. A dental crown is often used when a tooth has become significantly damaged, decayed, root-filled, has been heavily restored etc. 

The dental crown will cover the tooth sufficiently improving its function and reinforcing the tooth, lowering its chance of fracture. Also, they prominently improve the aesthetic quality of the tooth. 

Why are dental crowns so expensive?

In certain dental scenarios, dental crowns are considered an ‘optimal’ restorative treatment option. A dental crown is expensive because it is a complex treatment. They are custom made so they restore function but also improve the aesthetic of your teeth.

Is there a cheaper alternative to dental crowns?

The cheapest alternative for dental crowns is often protective fillings. A protective filling will fill the cavity in the tooth, providing a protective shield for the tooth. Although fillings are a restorative option, the most ‘optimal’ or ideal option for a heavily restored tooth would be a dental crown. 

Other options can include:

• Provisional Crown: a provisional crown is just a temporary placement until a crown becomes a financial option. The provisional crown may only work for a short period of time. Wearing it for too long puts the tooth at risk of being lost altogether and also increases the risk of the temporary crown coming off. 

• Porcelain Onlays: A porcelain onlay is made of a very sturdy material which is bonded onto your tooth to keep the tooth structure intact.

How long will they last?

How long a dental crown will last is dependent on certain factors. How well you look after your crown is quite crucial to its longevity. Make sure you make regular check-ups with the dentist so they can identify any issues that may be presenting early on.

Things such as your oral hygiene and lifestyle habits can impact the dental crown’s life. Make sure you’re looking after your crown and other teeth, by brushing twice a day and flossing. Also, what material you had the crown made from can impact its longevity as some materials are sturdier than others. 

Diet can also influence the longevity of the crown. Avoiding sugary foods, or biting on hard foods can help prolong the lifespan of your crown. 

Not sure about dental crowns? Consult your local dentist

The best way to determine if you need a dental crown is to visit the professionals. At Bluff Point Dental we provide multiple services including dental crown placements from our Geraldton dental clinic, in Bluff Point. Book an appointment with us and meet our friendly team. We will be able to advise if a dental crown is an option for you and get you smiling again in no time.