How much do crowns cost in Australia?

What determines the cost of a dental crown?

The material you pick makes the biggest difference in crown pricing. Porcelain crowns cost $1,500 to $2,500, metal crowns range from $1,200 to $1,800, and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns sit in the middle at $1,400 to $2,200.

Your dentist’s location affects the price too. Dentists in major cities charge more than those in regional areas because their running costs are higher. The complexity of your case matters as well – crowns that need extra prep work or custom shaping will cost more than straightforward cases.

What types of dental crowns can you get?

You can choose from four main crown types, and each one works better for different situations.

1. Porcelain Crowns ($1,500 – $2,500)

These crowns look the most natural and work best for front teeth. They match your tooth color perfectly and don’t show any metal. Porcelain resists stains and lasts 10 to 15 years with proper care.

2. Metal Crowns ($1,200 – $1,800)

Metal crowns use gold alloy or other metal mixes. They’re the strongest option and rarely break or wear down. Dentists recommend them for back molars where chewing pressure is highest. The gold color makes them a poor choice for visible teeth.

3. Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns ($1,400 – $2,200)

These crowns combine a metal base with a porcelain outer layer. They give you strength and a natural look, though the metal sometimes shows as a dark line near the gum. They work well for both front and back teeth.

4. Zirconia Crowns ($1,800 – $2,500)

Zirconia is a newer material that’s as strong as metal but looks like natural teeth. These crowns resist chips and stains better than regular porcelain. They cost more but last longer and need fewer replacements.

Does health insurance cover dental crowns?

Private health insurance covers 50% to 80% of crown costs if you have extras cover. Most policies include dental crowns under major dental services, but you’ll hit an annual limit that caps how much the insurance will pay back.

Basic extras policies typically cover up to $800 per year for major dental work. Mid-level policies increase this to $1,200, and top-tier policies cover up to $1,500 or more. Check your specific policy because every insurer sets different limits.

You’ll also need to serve a waiting period before claiming crown coverage. Most insurers require a 12-month waiting period for major dental work like crowns. If you just bought insurance, you’ll pay the full crown cost out of pocket until the waiting period ends.

What extra costs should you expect?

The crown price doesn’t include everything you’ll pay. Most people need additional treatments before getting a crown fitted.

Root canal treatment adds $1,000 to $2,200 to your total bill. Dentists perform root canals when decay reaches the tooth’s nerve, and you need this done before placing a crown. The crown then protects the weakened tooth structure.

X-rays and scans cost $50 to $200. Your dentist needs these images to check the tooth damage and plan the crown placement. Most clinics include this in their quote, but some charge separately.

Tooth build-up or core work runs $200 to $400. If your tooth has extensive decay or damage, the dentist needs to rebuild the structure before fitting the crown. This creates a stable base for the crown to attach to.

Temporary crowns cost $150 to $300. You wear a temporary crown for two to three weeks while the lab makes your permanent crown. This protects your tooth and maintains spacing while you wait.

How long do dental crowns last?

Dental crowns last 10 to 15 years on average, but proper care extends their life to 20 years or more. The material affects durability – metal crowns often last 20+ years while porcelain crowns typically last 10 to 15 years.

Your daily habits determine how long your crown survives. Grinding your teeth wears crowns down faster, and eating hard foods increases the risk of cracks. Smoking and poor oral hygiene lead to gum problems that weaken the crown’s foundation.

Regular dental checkups catch problems early. Your dentist spots small cracks or loose crowns before they become major issues. Professional cleanings every six months remove plaque buildup that damages the crown and surrounding teeth.

Can you get cheaper dental crowns?

You can reduce crown costs through dental schools, payment plans, and public dental services.

Dental schools charge 30% to 50% less than private dentists. Students perform the work under supervision from experienced dentists, so you still get quality care. The process takes longer because instructors check each step, but the savings are substantial.

Payment plans let you spread the cost over 6 to 24 months. Many dental clinics partner with financing companies that offer interest-free periods. You pay a portion upfront and make regular payments until you clear the balance.

Public dental services help eligible patients through Medicare and state programs. You need a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card to qualify. Wait times vary from a few weeks to several months depending on urgency and location.

What happens during the crown procedure?

Getting a crown takes two appointments spread across two to three weeks.

The first visit takes 60 to 90 minutes. Your dentist numbs the tooth, removes decay, and reshapes it to fit the crown. They take impressions of your teeth and place a temporary crown while the lab makes your permanent one.

The lab needs two to three weeks to create your custom crown. Technicians use your tooth impressions to craft a crown that matches your bite and tooth color. Some clinics offer same-day crowns using digital scanners and in-house milling machines.

The second visit takes 30 to 60 minutes. Your dentist removes the temporary crown, checks the fit of your permanent crown, and cements it in place. They adjust the bite to make sure your teeth close together properly.

How do you care for dental crowns?

Crowns need the same care as natural teeth. Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss once daily around the crown margins. Food particles and plaque collect where the crown meets your gum, so clean this area carefully.

Skip hard and sticky foods that stress the crown. Ice, hard candy, and nuts can crack porcelain crowns. Sticky foods like caramel pull at the crown edges and loosen the cement over time.

Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth. Grinding puts extreme pressure on crowns and causes cracks or loosening. Your dentist makes a custom guard that protects your crowns while you sleep.

Visit your dentist every six months for checkups. Professional cleanings remove tartar that brushing misses, and your dentist checks that your crown stays secure and undamaged.

Are dental crowns worth the cost?

Dental crowns protect damaged teeth and prevent extraction. A crown costs $1,200 to $2,500, while replacing a missing tooth with an implant costs $3,000 to $5,000. Saving your natural tooth with a crown is cheaper than extraction and replacement.

Crowns restore full chewing function and stop tooth pain. A cracked or decayed tooth hurts when you eat and limits what foods you can handle. A crown covers the damage and lets you eat normally again.

The investment lasts 10 to 15 years, which works out to $80 to $250 per year. This reasonable annual cost maintains your oral health and prevents bigger dental problems down the track.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a crown cost without insurance?

You’ll pay the full $1,200 to $2,500 without insurance. Porcelain crowns cost more while metal crowns cost less. Ask your dentist about payment plans that spread the cost over several months.

Do Medicare or public dental services cover crowns?

Medicare doesn’t cover dental crowns for most people. Public dental services cover crowns for Health Care Card and Pensioner Concession Card holders, but wait times can stretch for months unless it’s an emergency.

How much do same-day crowns cost?

Same-day crowns cost the same as traditional crowns, between $1,500 and $2,500. Some dentists charge slightly more for the convenience of completing treatment in one visit instead of two.

What’s the cheapest type of dental crown?

Metal crowns cost the least at $1,200 to $1,800. They work well for back teeth where appearance doesn’t matter. The gold color makes them unsuitable for front teeth.

Can you negotiate dental crown prices?

Some dentists offer discounts for upfront payment or if you need multiple crowns. Always ask about payment options and discounts before starting treatment. Getting quotes from several dentists helps you find competitive pricing.

How much does it cost to replace an old crown?

Replacing a crown costs the same as a new crown, $1,200 to $2,500. The dentist removes your old crown, checks the tooth underneath for new decay, and fits a new crown. You might need additional work if decay developed under the old crown.

Do private health insurers cover the full crown cost?

Insurance covers 50% to 80% up to your annual limit. If your crown costs $2,000 and your policy covers 60% with a $1,200 annual limit, you’ll receive $1,200 back and pay $800 yourself. Check your policy details for exact coverage amounts.