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Dental Crown Costs – Don’t Pay More!

Dental Crown Costs Dental Aware

Do you need a crown or several crowns and are concerned about the costs?

By doing some of your own research and obtaining quotes for all your options, you can reduce your costs and ensure that you’re getting the best solutions for the best price in your State.

Any type of dental restoration is scary and the thought of capping your teeth sounds expensive!

With dental costs in Australia not being regulated, it’s important to be very well informed about your options and the average pricing for your State or Territory.

Dental restoration ranges in price, dependent on what type of restoration you require and which dental clinic you are visiting.

Most Australians will require some form of restoration from fillings to crowns and bridges at some stage in their lives.

Unfortunately, not everyone can afford large dental costs in one go so it’s important to prioritise the work needed and also understand what’s required.

What Is A Crown?

Dental restorations are exactly as they sound – any way which a dentist can replace or restore either missing teeth or parts of the tooth structure. This could be a filling, bridge, crown, implant or denture.

What dental restoration you will require depends on the damage to the tooth and how it happened.

This includes cavities, dental trauma, gum issues or other oral health issues.

Crowns are a more serious form of dental restoration, in that they are replacing essentially, most of the tooth.

By placing a cap over the whole tooth, a crown is used when more of the tooth has been lost to breakage or decay.

3d image of a dental crown

3d image of a dental crown

A crown is the strongest type of restoration, most expensive and generally long-lasting.

It’s important to understand that crowns can be made from porcelain, metal, zirconia or even gold.

These need to be made professionally at a dental laboratory so do take some time. The price also differs based on material and manufacturing.

While you await your crown, the dentist may give you a temporary plastic crown to wear.

Some dentists can make crowns on the spot but this isn’t typically recommended.

You can go to most dental clinics for a crown, however, most crowns will not be made on-site and will be created in a dental laboratory.

If this is the case, your dentist will perform any necessary treatment such as filing of the tooth so that the temporary crown and the new one fit snugly to the tooth.

Your dentist will also take an impression of the tooth or teeth to send to the dental lab for creation of your crown or veneer. This will then be cemented to your tooth once created.

Some dentists can ‘mill’ restorative materials on site but these are usually only made out of ceramic or porcelain, not the metal alloys.

If you need these restorations done, you should check if your dentist can complete this on the spot or if they send away a mould to a dental lab.

What Are The Average Costs For Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns can differ in price just as other dental treatments, so it’s important to do your own research.

By understanding what the average costs are in your area as well as what your local clinic’s charge will empower you to make the right decision for you and your budget.

Knowing exactly what all your options are and their pricing is key to making the best choice for you.

For example, a veneer costs less on average across the States than a crown.

In New South Wales, a tooth-coloured veneer with the oral exam and X-ray will cost you around $1300.91 on average.

Dental veneer costs NSW dental aware calculator

Dental Veneers – A possible alternate and slightly cheaper treatment.

On the other hand, the average costs of a dental crown is $1653.49 per tooth.

Your dentist will be able to give you clear information on both treatments and what is needed in your circumstance.

Average cost of a crown in NSW dental cost calculator

The average cost of a Dental Crown in NSW

After you’ve had your dental check-up, you can ask for a treatment plan and quote in order to gauge which end of the pricing scale your clinic is on.

Following this, you can then investigate pricing at other clinics. Don’t be afraid to call around other dentists and ask for a price list.

Comparing costs will help you feel more informed and empowered to make the right choice for you and your budget.

You should also be aware of any assistance from Medicare or your private health fund that you can take advantage of.

As a rule, if you have private health cover, many restorative treatments will be covered.

Understanding the difference between general and major dental is important in this instance, as there are certain inclusions depending on your level of cover.

General dental includes restoration work such as fillings but there are yearly caps and waiting periods that apply.

Make a note of these when planning your treatment options. Major dental will include crowns, bridges and veneers under your cover.

Again, caps and waiting periods apply and it’s also important to note that not every level of cover will include such restorations.

What Are The Average Costs For Crowns Across Australia?

The average costs for crowns across the country will, unfortunately, differ, with dental costs not regulated in Australia.

For the average costs, you can visit our Dental Cost Calculator. You can also look online at local clinic prices or call for a price list.

As a rough idea on average crown costs and the difference in price, a metallic crown in the ACT will cost you around $1859 whereas, in Queensland, it will cost around $1626.

It’s also important to understand the different types of crowns and how they differ in price as above.

As a rule, metallic is the most expensive, followed by veneered full crowns and then non-metallic.

To provide an example, a non-metallic full crown will cost around $1527 in Queensland but $1720 in the ACT.

These differences in price are due to the cost of the materials – metal such as zirconia or gold will, of course, be more expensive than your non-metallic options such as porcelain.

What Do Crowns Cost In New South Wales?

In New South Wales, a metallic full crown will cost you $1585. You should also add on any other costs such as an oral exam where required and any necessary x-rays – these can add around $100 to your total treatment costs.

A full crown veneer will cost around $1559 in NSW and a non-metallic full crown will cost $1583.

Full crown metallic indirect average cost in NSW

Full metallic indirect Dental Crown average cost in NSW

Other costs you may be up for with a crown is that of a temporary or provisional crown while you wait for yours to be manufactured. This can cost around $225 in NSW. Recementing a crown will be around $151.

Again, it’s important to understand your complete costs as well as any benefits you’re eligible for such as Medicare, public dental vouchers or private health funds.

What Do Crowns Cost In Victoria?

As with any State or Territory in Australia, crowns will differ in price between clinics in Victoria.

The average cost of a veneered crown will set you back around $1586, whereas a non-metallic crown is around $1594.

A full metallic crown will cost you $1627 – the most expensive on the list.

Full crown - veneered -indirect Victoria

The cost of a full Dental Crown in Victoria (Per Tooth)

If you require an oral exam and x-ray, add another $95-$100 onto your total bill.

A temporary crown will cost you more in Victoria than NSW at $238, and recementing a crown is also more at $164.

Benefits from Medicare or private health also apply in Victoria so be aware of what you’re eligible for.

What Do Crowns Cost In Queensland?

Queensland is typically one of the better-priced States for dental care, showing slightly lower costs than Victoria, NSW and the ACT across most treatments.

For example, in Queensland, a full crown with a veneer will cost you an average of $1571 plus the oral exam and X-ray cost of $90.

A metallic full crown it will cost you $1626 on average and a non-metallic crown will be about $1527.

Cost of a Full crown - metallic - indirect in QLD

The Cost of a Full Dental Crown in Qld

If you’re simply replacing a crown, the recementing will cost you around $152 and a temporary crown will be under $250.

Queenslanders are also privy to private health fund entitlements, public health dental vouchers and Medicare so it’s important to know what you can access.

What Do Crowns Cost In Western Australia?

Dental costs in Western Australia are in the middle of the scale across Australia, slightly more than Queensland but lower than Victoria’s pricing.

If you require a full crown with metallic material will set you back around $1579, a veneered crown will be around $1534 and a non-metallic crown costs around $1580.

A dental exam and x-ray will be under $100 on top of those costs if required. If you need to recement a crown recemented, you will pay around $141 in Western Australia.

WA dental cost for a full crown

The average cost of a full Dental Crown in WA

A temporary crown is at a lower cost in WA to most States, at an average cost of $206.

Once again, private health funds, public dental vouchers and Medicare assistance may apply for those living in Western Australia.

What Do Crowns Cost In South Australia?

In comparison to the other States and Territories in Australia, South Australia is at the lower end of the pricing scale for dental crowns.

For example, a full metallic crown will set you back about $1532 and a veneered crown $1528. A non-metallic crown will cost around $1513.

Full crown - non-metallic - indirect in SA

The average cost of a full Crown in SA (Non-metallic)

If you need an x-ray and dental exam, it will again be under $100 on top of your total costs at the clinic. A temporary crown is at a rather low cost comparatively in South Australia at $198, and recementing a crown is priced at an average of $148.

South Australians are also privy to the same potential assistance as other States and Territories with the public health system, individual private health funds and Medicare eligibility.

What Do Crowns Cost In Tasmania?

Tasmania’s pricing for crowns is quite high in comparison to other Australia States and Territories, particularly for full crowns.

A metallic full crown will cost you an average of $1662, a veneered crown around $1730 and a non-metallic crown $1729.

Full crown - veneered -indirect in Tasmania

Full Veneered Crown Average cost

If you require a dental exam and x-ray, it will be under $100 which is consistent across the country.

Recementing an existing crown will cost you $160 and a temporary crown around $233.

Tasmanians are also eligible for public health dental, Medicare assistance and private health fund rebates.

What Do Crowns Cost In Australia’s Capital Territory?

Out of all the dental costs across Australia, the Australian Capital Territory has the highest pricing.

In regard to crowns, the pricing is even higher than Tasmania. A full metallic crown costs an average of $1859 and a veneered full crown is around $1790.

A full non-metallic crown will set you back an average of $1720. If you need an oral exam and x-ray, it will cost you less than $100 as per the rest of the country.

Full crown non-metallic average cost in ACT

The full Crown non-metallic average cost in ACT

A temporary crown while you await your new one will cost $296 – one of the highest costs across the country.

To recement, a crown will be about $194 – also at the higher end of the scale. Those in the ACT should also understand their eligibility for public health assistance, Medicare and private health fund rebates.

What Do Crowns Cost In the Northern Territory?

Northern Territory’s pricing for crowns is in the middle of the rest of the country.

Lower than ACT and Tasmania but higher than in NSW and Queensland.

For example, a full metallic crown will set you back an average of $1711, a veneered full crown $1602 and a non-metallic full crown $1622.

Full crown metallic indirect average cost in NT

The full Crown metallic indirect average cost in NT

A temporary crown in the NT will cost you a high $450 – the most expensive of all the States and Territories.

Recementing a crown will cost an average of $199 which is similar to other areas of Australia but towards the higher end of the scale.

Those in the NT can also access public health assistance such as Medicare and dental vouchers as well as private health fund rebates.

Are There Alternatives To A Crown?

You may be concerned about the cost of a crown and wondering if you have any other options.

Your dentist should be able to talk you through any alternatives as they will depend on the damage to the tooth and what is required to stabilise.

Yes, there are alternatives to a crown but you should always take your dentist’s advice as a crown may be the best option in your circumstance.

Other options can be porcelain overlays – essentially a filling, using a provisional or temporary crown until you can afford a full crown.

A porcelain overlay is a safer approach which does preserve the natural tooth structure as it bonds to the natural tooth’s enamel.

This protects the tooth from further fracture and preserves the enamel but takes longer and requires a higher level of skill.

To phase treatment to save money, you can get a filling which will protect the tooth until a crown is possible or affordable.

A temporary or provisional crown will last under a year but can assist in protecting the tooth from further damage while you save up the costs of a crown.

Another option is an indirect resin crown which is rare but another form of a temporary crown.

A veneer is also another potential option for more aesthetic purposes. For more severe cases, the dentist may also recommend you have the tooth extracted.

Can You Delay Getting a Crown?

You can delay getting a crown if you can’t afford it, but you should also check if your clinic allows payment plans.

But yes, you can delay getting a crown with a few options as listed above. It’s important, however, that you do take action if the tooth has advanced decay or trauma.

Speak with your dentist about all your options, however, you could choose to leave the tooth as is (only by dentist’s advice), use a temporary or provisional crown or have a filling placed in the interim.

If you require a crown due to a crack in the tooth, a good dentist will advise if treatment is required immediately or can be delayed.

For smaller cracks or lines, a dentist may instead ask you to come back more regularly such as every six months to have the progress checked.

This can delay a crown as it’s not necessary immediately if the crack or line is small and has not progressed to the outside of the tooth.

What Is The Best Way To Quote A Crown?

The best way to quote for a crown is to first have a consultation with a dentist.

This ensures that you are aware of the complete circumstance and what you will need. The dentist will then provide a treatment plan and quote.

Following this, you can visit a costs calculator such as Dental Aware to look at average costs in your State or Territory.

This will enable you to understand whether or not your clinic is at the higher or lower end of the pricing scale.

You can also ring around clinics in your area and obtain a pricelist.

You should also investigate your private health fund cover and any rebates available – if you are in one, as well as any public health assistance you may be eligible for, such as Medicare or public dental vouchers.

Conclusion

Dental crowns are usually recommended when necessary, however, they can be pricey.

Depending on where you live in Australia, pricing will differ between location and individual clinic.

You can obtain a quote by visiting your local dentist, understanding average costs through online calculators and calling around for pricelists in your area.

You can delay a crown with a filling, regular check-ups with no action or a provisional crown.

You can also look into alternatives with your dentist’s guidance such as veneers, onlay fillings and temporary crowns.

It’s also important to understand your eligibility for public health assistance and your rebates if you have private health cover.

In this instance, you should understand the eligibility and limits for public health and the waiting periods and limits for private health cover.

By Dr Veronica Roller

Created at November 13, 2020, Updated at September 28, 2021

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