Dental Crown Costs 2026 - 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?

The average cost of a dental crown in Australia ranges from $1,500 to $2,700 per tooth depending on the dentist and the quality of treatment.

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 it is 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, like porcelain, ceramic, and metals. 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 coverage, so always check your level of coverage with your private health insurance provider to best understand 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: During this visit, the tooth will be prepared suitably. Please note that multiple visits may be necessary, depending on what is required for the tooth by the dentist.

• Tooth impression: An impression of your top and bottom jaw will be taken to help fabricate a crown for 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 insertion 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 are taken of your teeth located in the area where the dental crown will be placed.  

• Crown creation: Dentists use the measurements of your jaw and teeth placement provided by the digital scans to create the dental crown.  

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

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, or 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. The materials used to make the crown can also impact its longevity, as some materials are sturdier than others.

Diet can also be an influencing factor in the longevity of the crown. Avoiding sugary foods or biting on hard foods can help prolong the lifespan of your crown.

Are dental crowns covered by Medicare?

Medicare does not cover the cost of dental crowns - in the majority of cases, you will need to pay out of pocket for the dental crown treatment.

Private health insurance may still apply, however. Dental crowns are usually included as an optional extra cover in private health insurance plans, and the amount covered usually goes up to a shared limit for other types of dental treatment.

Most dental clinics accept private health insurance, but you should always check beforehand whether your provider is eligible.

Aside from private health insurance, many dental practices now offer instalment plans to make the cost of dental crowns more manageable for patients.

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.