Dental crown cost: calculate your quote item by item

This calculator adds up the dental crown cost from your own quote, subtracts any health fund rebate and shows your own share and budget.

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How it works

  1. Enter the number of crownsType the number from your quote into “Number of crowns”. If your quote shows totals rather than prices per crown, tick “The amounts on my quote are already totals”.
  2. Copy the items from your quoteUnder “Amounts from your quote”, enter “Examination and X-rays”, “Core build-up or post”, “Crown” and “Temporary crown” as listed. Use “Other items” for anything else.
  3. Add your rebate and a reserveEnter a confirmed health fund benefit in “Amount your dental plan or insurer pays (optional)” or “Insurance refund in % (optional)”. Add a buffer in “Contingency reserve in % (optional)” if you like.
  4. CalculateClick “Calculate costs” to see the breakdown, the cost per crown, your own share and the budget including your reserve.

Often 2 visitsCrown treatment often takes two appointments, with a temporary crown in between Source

4 materialsCrowns can be porcelain, zirconia, gold alloy or porcelain combined with metal Source

Major dentalCrowns usually count as 'major dental' in health fund extras cover Source

Not CDBSCrowns are not on the list of services the Child Dental Benefits Schedule covers Source

What makes up the dental crown cost

A crown is an artificial cap that fits over a natural tooth after it has been cut back. The Australian Dental Association says crowns can make a tooth stronger and protect it, and are often suggested for a badly broken, cracked or decayed tooth, or after root canal treatment, particularly on premolars and molars. The dental crown cost on a quote usually includes an examination and X-rays, preparing the tooth, sometimes a core build-up or post, a temporary crown and the final crown made by a dental technician.

The material also affects the price. The ADA lists porcelain, zirconia, gold alloy and porcelain combined with metal, and says porcelain and zirconia can be colour-matched to your other teeth. Some practices offer same-day crowns made in the clinic. This calculator does not use average prices, because healthdirect notes that each clinic sets its own fees. Enter the lines from your written quote, and the tool shows the total, the cost per crown and which items make up the biggest share.

How crown treatment works

According to the ADA, crown treatment often takes two appointments. At the first, the dentist reshapes the tooth so the crown has room to fit, then takes an impression or a 3D digital scan for the laboratory. A temporary plastic crown protects the tooth until the next visit. At the second appointment, the temporary crown is removed and the new crown is cemented in place. Some dentists complete the whole process in one day.

A crown does not mean the tooth will never need treatment again. The ADA notes that teeth with crowns can still decay, and crowns can chip, fracture or stop matching your other teeth. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth daily. Whether a crown or another option, such as a filling, suits your tooth is something to discuss with your dentist. Ask them to explain the benefits and drawbacks of each option and to price them, so you can compare.

  • Which material is quoted, and why?
  • Is a core build-up or post needed first?
  • Are the temporary crown and the review included?
  • What happens if the crown chips or comes loose?

Health funds, Medicare and the CDBS

Healthdirect says most dental care is not covered by Medicare. If you have extras cover, crowns usually count as major dental, and funds pay part of the cost up to a yearly limit. Privatehealth.gov.au explains that waiting periods for extras are set by each insurer and can be 12 months or more for major items. Ask your fund what it would pay for the item numbers on your plan, then enter that amount in the calculator.

For children, the Child Dental Benefits Schedule covers basic services such as check-ups, X-rays, fillings, root canals and extractions, but crowns are not on its list of covered services. Adults with a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card can use public dental services, which differ between states and territories. Healthdirect also suggests asking for the item numbers, comparing a few dentists and asking whether less expensive alternatives exist before you agree to treatment.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a dental crown cost?

There is no set price. Each clinic sets its own fees, and the cost depends on the material, any build-up or post, and whether a temporary crown is included. We do not publish averages. Enter the lines from your written quote in the calculator to see your total, your share after any rebate and a budget with a reserve.

What is included in a crown quote?

A quote may list an examination and X-rays, a core build-up or post, the crown itself, a temporary crown and other items such as a review. Not every plan includes every item. Enter each line in its own field and leave blank anything your quote does not list.

Which crown materials are there?

The ADA lists porcelain, zirconia, gold alloy and a combination of porcelain and metal. Porcelain and zirconia can be colour-matched to your other teeth. Ask your dentist which material suits the tooth and why, because the material affects the price.

Does private health insurance cover crowns?

Many extras policies pay part of the cost of crowns as major dental, up to a yearly limit. Waiting periods for major items can be 12 months or more. Ask your fund what it pays for each item number on your plan and enter the confirmed amount in the calculator.

Does Medicare or the CDBS cover crowns?

Medicare generally does not cover dental care for adults. The Child Dental Benefits Schedule covers basic services such as check-ups, X-rays, fillings, root canals and extractions for eligible children, but crowns are not on its list of covered services. Ask your dentist which items in your child's plan the CDBS covers.

How many appointments does a crown take?

According to the ADA, crown treatment often takes two appointments: one to prepare the tooth and take an impression or 3D scan, and one to fit the finished crown. A temporary crown protects the tooth in between. Some dentists offer same-day crowns.

Why might I need a crown after root canal treatment?

The ADA says crowns are commonly recommended for teeth that have had root canal treatment, especially premolars and molars, because they protect the tooth from chewing forces. Whether your tooth needs a crown is a decision for your dentist. Ask them to explain it before treatment starts.

How long does a dental crown last?

There is no fixed lifespan. The ADA notes that crowns can chip, fracture or stop matching your other teeth, and the tooth underneath can still decay. Good cleaning and regular check-ups help. Ask your dentist what to expect for your tooth.

Can I compare a crown quote from Turkey?

Yes. Run the calculator once for each quote and make sure both include the same items and material. Travel costs and follow-up visits are not part of a dental quote. Smartraveller says Medicare does not cover you overseas, so check your insurance before you travel.

Sources

This tool provides general information and calculates only with the values you enter. It does not replace an examination or advice from a dentist, your health insurer or a financial adviser.

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