We are charging $850 for Full Porcelain Crowns using the BEST LAB in the greater Houston area. Affordable and high quality is what our team is all about.
If you are needing a dental crown in the greater Houston area you have probably wondered how much they cost. In this article we will tackle this question and answer other lingering queries that you may have.
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How much do dental crowns cost in Houston, TX?
The average cost of a dental crown in Houston, TX is $1,100.
A number of factors will determine the overall price of your dental crown:
- The type of material used to restore the tooth (Porcelain and Gold are typically more expensive)
- The lab costs associated with the crowns fabrication
- The area of town where you are getting the crown replaced
There are more complex situations that may require reshaping your tooth or gum line to ensure the best fit possible, which could lead to additional costs. However, all the services to be performed are looked at upon your initial visit so that you know what to be prepared for.
Below is a chart of dental crown costs in various areas around Houston. Remember that these are average costs, so prices may vary from office to office.
Will my dental insurance help pay for a dental crown?
This depends on whether your insurance company claims for the procedure to be cosmetic, or medically necessary as it has a negative impact on your daily life.
Most dental insurances will cover a portion of your dental crown costs, usually up to 50%.
The best way to find out is to contact your dentist or your insurance company to find out what they will/will not cover when it comes to getting dental crowns.
Some other factors that will come into play with your dental insurance include:
- Whether the tooth being crowned needs a filling or a build up prior to being crowned.
- If you insurance policy has a waiting period prior to becoming active.
What are the different types of dental crowns and their costs?
There are a variety of crowns that you can get for your teeth, and for some options, a particular kind might be suitable. The type of material that is used to make it determines the overall cost of dental crowns, as some materials can be obtained cheaper than others.
Gold Crowns
The cost of gold crowns is usually $1,500 per tooth on average without insurance.
Gold crowns (which are commonly referred to as metal crowns) are the oldest, yet most reliable dental crowns on the market.
Since the price of Gold continues to rise, these have become the most expensive dental crowns on the market today.
Known for being the most durable dental crown to exist today, it is often an option preferred by your dentist when they want to ensure that your back teeth are protected and that they can be strong against their usage.
However, due to cosmetic concerns, gold crowns are typically not recommended for anterior (front) teeth. So, unless that’s the style you prefer, you might want to consider another material such as Porcelain.

Porcelain Crowns
The cost of porcelain crowns is usually $1.300 per tooth on average without insurance.
Completely made of porcelain, this type of dental crown has become the most popular option of today among dental offices around the world. Of course, it has an embracement of aesthetics that really allows one to refine it to match your smile the best.
Also, those who find themselves allergic to metal will find that this is the best alternative to gold crowns since no metal is used whatsoever. Porcelain crowns are custom-tailored and crafted in an off-site laboratory. Expect it to take 2 visits for a porcelain crown to be seated properly.

Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM Crown)
The cost of porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns is usually $1,000 on average without insurance.
These type of dental crowns have a metallic substructure coated with a Porcelain shell.
While it may not be as popular or cosmetic as an all-porcelain crown, it still serves its purpose in the world of tooth replacement rather well. For those who don’t have the risk of being allergic to certain types of metals, the added element to the structure makes this an extremely durable solution.
The main downfall is that over time, it may appear grey at the gum line where it’s seated on the tooth. Overall, this is one of the better solutions and considered to be one of the less expensive options if you are in need of a dental crown.

Zirconia Crowns
The cost of zirconia crowns is usually $1,200 on average without insurance.
This is one of the least expensive routes that you can take when it comes to restoring your teeth with any kind of crown. The reason for this is that it’s made of zirconia, which is a much more durable material than porcelain, but a lot more cost effective.
Think of zirconia crowns as a cross between metal and porcelain crowns. It has the durability that gold crowns are known for having while having the amazing appearance that porcelain is able to provide. If you can afford to go this route, you definitely get what you pay for.

Dental Financing Options for Crowns
There are many ways that you can cover the cost of dental crowns. One of the most popular among our patients is what is known as a Dental Savings Plan. It cuts down the cost of dental services significantly while giving you a chance to invest in your long-term oral health.
You can also embrace a third-party dental financing company, such as CareCredit. Our team has seen a lot of cases with our patients where they were able to get their dental crowns without having to pay any money down on them. These third party finance companies allow for no interest financing for up to 24 months for those who qualify.
See Also: Dental financing options
Other Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Crowns
Can dental crowns be whitened?
No they cannot. Dental crowns are composed of metals, or Porcelain, so the bleach that is used during teeth whitening will not make them any whiter.
Can dental crowns get cavities?
The teeth that are under your crown still have a chance to get a cavity, even though a crown is used to protect it. The reason being is that the tooth is still there, and unlike your crown, it isn’t made of synthetic material. Your crown itself can’t get cavities, but the tooth underneath can.
Do dental crowns need to be replaced?
While there are cases where crowns have lasted up to 30 years for patients, dental crowns are still something that you want to pay attention to. Over time, a dental crown can wear, or even become loose, which creates a need for a crown replacement.
On average, most dental crowns will need to be replaced every 10 years.
Do dental crowns stain?
No. Porcelain crowns do not stain, nor do other metallic crowns such as Gold or Zirconia.
Which dental crowns last the longest?
Gold crowns are usually the dental crowns that last the longest, as ceramic dental crowns can have a need to be replaced within 10-15 years. At Best Dental, we have seen Gold crowns that have lasted over 30 years.
How much does Best Dental charge for a Dental Crown?
We normally charge $1,200 for our dental crowns, but this month we are holding a crown special of only $850 for a full Porcelain crown. This will give you the same high quality crown that you deserve while saving you a lot of your hard-earned dollars.
How is a dental crown procedure performed?
There are a series of steps in constructing a dental crown. Let’s go over those steps now:
- Your tooth that is to be crown is numbed with a local anesthetic (Lidocaine is the most common one used today).
- Your dentist will grind and prepare your tooth with a dental handpiece to shape it properly.
- After the tooth has been shaped, an impression of a tooth is taken either with impression material, or a custom digital impression.
- This impression is sent over to a custom lab that fabricates your crown (if your dentist has a Cerec Milling machine at their office you may be able to get a same-day dental crown made at their office).
- An interim crown is made in the meantime to prevent the space between the prepared tooth from closing.
- Once is final crown is sent back to your dentist, he or she will remove your temporary crown and cement the final crown in place.
Do I really need a crown?
If your tooth is worn down to the point where a dental filling cannot properly restore the tooth, then your tooth will more than likely need a crown. Large dental fillings are prone to fracturing your tooth, which is a why a crown is recommended in these cases.
Why is my crowned tooth hurting so much?
There are two main reasons why a tooth that has been crown is hurting:
- Your bite is too high: The crown is preventing your teeth from fully coming together causing aching and pain in the area where the crown is. If this is the case your dentist needs to adjust your crown until your bite is even on both sides of your mouth.
- The tooth is prepared too close to its nerve: If your cavity was large, then the nerve of the tooth can become irritated. These crowned teeth eventually will need root canal therapy to alleviate any pain or discomfort that you may be having.
Why is my tooth turning black under my dental crown?
If your tooth seems to be turning black under your crown, there could be two main reasons for this. One, it could be a cavity forming under the crown that is breaking down your tooth structure. The second reason this happen is through the formation of sclerotic dentin, which is the tooth’s defense mechanism against further breakdown by bacteria. Make sure you check with your dentist to find out what is causing the discoloration under your crown.
Why does it smell under my crown?
If you have a foul odor coming from under your dental crown, then it is likely you are developing a cavity or infection in the tooth structure. This problem needs to be addressed immediately with your dentist to prevent any dental emergencies from occurring. More than likely, your crown will need to be replaced, and additional procedures such as a root canal will need to be undertaken.
Are there any alternatives to a dental crown?
Some more conservative dentists may be able to place an indirect restorative material called an onlay to help prevent any further breakdown of your tooth structure. These onlays preserve more tooth structure and are slightly less expensive than dental crowns are. Fillings are usually not a good alternative to dental crowns, as teeth that need crowns are highly susceptible to fracture if a tooth filling is placed instead.
Call us today to learn more about the costs of dental crowns in the Houston area. We offer different payment plans, financing options, and monthly specials. You can also find our specials by following us on Facebook. We hope to see you soon!