Dental Crown Prices in 2026; Comparison of the Cost of Zirconia, PFM, and Laminate Veneer Crowns

Dental crown prices in 2026 vary depending on the type of crown, material quality, the manufacturing laboratory, and the dentist’s skill. Choosing the best crown does not depend solely on price; factors such as tooth location, aesthetic needs, strength, and longevity also play an important role in the final decision.

Type of Dental Crown	Price per unit (Year 2026)
PFM crown (Metal-Ceramic)	Price inquiry via WhatsApp
Grade 3 Zirconia crown	Price inquiry via WhatsApp
Grade 2 Zirconia crown	Price inquiry via WhatsApp
Grade 1 Zirconia crown (Laminate design)	Price inquiry via WhatsApp

Your Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Crown Prices

Is the price of a dental crown the same for all teeth?

No. The cost of a dental crown can vary depending on the tooth’s location, the type of crown chosen, the extent of tooth damage, and the need for additional treatments. Therefore, the final price is determined after an examination.

Is the cost of a dental crown covered by insurance?

Many supplemental insurance plans cover part of the dental crown cost up to their policy limits. Coverage depends on the specific insurance policy and the insurer’s terms. Please note that at King Dental, we are only contracted with Bank Sepah insurance.

Will a dental crown need to be replaced in the future?

Yes. Although high‑quality crowns can last for years, they may need replacement if they fracture, if the tooth underneath develops decay, or if they become worn.

What care routines after getting a dental crown increase its lifespan?

Maintaining oral hygiene, daily flossing, avoiding biting hard objects, and regular check‑ups are the most important factors that help extend the life of a crown.

How many days does it take for a dental crown to be ready?

In most cases, fabricating and placing a permanent crown takes between 5 to 10 days. During this period, a temporary crown is usually placed to protect the tooth.

Can a dental crown become discolored?

Ceramic and zirconia crowns have high resistance to discoloration, but maintaining oral hygiene, reducing tobacco use, and limiting colored drinks help preserve their aesthetics in the long term.

Is it possible to get a crown placed in a single session?

In some clinics that use CAD/CAM technology and digital scanning, it is possible to fabricate and place a crown in a single day. However, most treatments require two visits.

What factors affect the cost of a dental crown?

Factors such as the crown material, the condition of the tooth, the need for additional treatments, clinic equipment, and the dentist’s experience all play a role in determining the cost of a dental crown. Below, we review the most important factors affecting crown prices.

Material and type of dental crown: The most important price-determining factor is the type of crown chosen. PFM, zirconia, all-ceramic (E.max), and metal crowns differ in quality, aesthetics, durability, and cost, and the more advanced the material, the higher the price.
The condition of the tooth before crowning: If root canal therapy, tooth restoration, post and core, or crown build-up is needed, these treatments are performed before crown placement and will increase the final cost.
The number of teeth requiring crowns: The crown cost is typically calculated per unit (per tooth). Therefore, the more teeth needing crowns, the higher the total treatment cost.
The quality of the dental laboratory: Crowns fabricated in specialized laboratories with digital equipment usually offer higher precision, aesthetics, and longevity, and as a result, are more expensive than conventional ones.
The dentist’s expertise and experience: The dentist’s skill in tooth preparation, impression taking, crown selection, and proper placement directly impacts the treatment outcome. Treatment by experienced specialists typically comes at a higher cost.
Clinic technology and equipment: The use of intraoral scanners, digital impressions, and CAD/CAM technology increases crown fabrication accuracy, reduces errors, and improves treatment quality, which can also affect the final price.
Tooth location: For front teeth where aesthetics are more important, higher‑quality, tooth‑colored crowns are typically used, while for some molars, more economical options may also be suitable. This can affect the overall treatment cost.

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Dental Crown Before-and-After Cases at King Dental

Cost Breakdown of Adjunctive Treatments for Dental Crowns

As mentioned earlier, some patients may require additional treatments before crown placement to ensure proper durability and function. These treatments are performed only if deemed necessary by the dentist, and their costs will be calculated separately. These treatments include:

Root canal therapy: If the tooth’s nerve is infected or damaged, root canal treatment must be performed first to make crown placement possible.
Tooth restoration: In case of decay or limited fracture, the tooth is first restored to create a proper foundation for the crown.
Post and core: When a large portion of the tooth’s crown structure is missing, a post and core is used to strengthen and rebuild the tooth before crown placement.
Replacing an old crown: If the previous crown is fractured, leaking, has decay underneath, or is ill‑fitting, it must first be removed and replaced with a new crown.
Gum treatment: If there is gum inflammation or periodontal disease, the health of the gum tissue must first be ensured so that the crown can be properly placed on the tooth.
Crown lengthening: If the visible portion of the tooth is insufficient to retain the crown, gum surgery is performed to increase the crown length, ensuring proper retention and durability.

See more: Root canal therapy prices / Tooth restoration costs

What is the price difference between crowns for front teeth and back teeth?

The price of crowns for front teeth and back teeth usually differs due to variations in treatment needs, the importance of aesthetics, and material selection. Front teeth are more visible, so more aesthetic options such as laminate‑design zirconia or all‑ceramic crowns are typically used, which are more expensive than some crowns for back teeth.

In contrast, molars require greater strength due to the high pressure of chewing, so more durable options like zirconia or PFM are often chosen for them. Therefore, the final price depends more on the type of crown selected and the condition of the tooth, rather than simply on tooth position.

For example, a patient who came to King Dental for a front tooth chose a Grade 1 zirconia crown with a laminate design due to the importance of color matching and smile appearance, which cost more than a PFM crown for a molar. While for the same patient’s molar, the main priority was strength against chewing pressure, and the treatment choice was based on durability and longevity.

Zirconia vs. PFM Crowns: Which is more cost‑effective?

The choice between zirconia and PFM crowns should not be made solely based on the initial price, as each has different features, lifespan, and applications. PFM crowns are generally a more economical option, but zirconia, due to its superior aesthetics, high strength, and metal‑free composition, is worth the higher cost in many cases. In the table below, we have provided an in‑depth comparison of these two types of dental crowns:

Comparison Criteria	PFM Crown	Zirconia Crown
Approximate price per unit (1405)	Price inquiry via WhatsApp	Price inquiry via WhatsApp
Initial cost	More economical and suitable for limited budgets	Higher initial cost
Aesthetics	Acceptable appearance but may cause a dark metal line along the gum line in some cases	Much more natural appearance, similar to a real tooth
Resistance to chewing pressure	Good resistance, especially for molars	Very high resistance, suitable for both front and back teeth
Approximate lifespan	Usually 7 to 10 years with proper care	Usually 10 to 15 years or more with proper maintenance
Suitable for front teeth	Less recommended, except in special cases	More suitable option due to high aesthetics
Suitable for molars	Economical and acceptable option	More durable option for high pressure
Potential for metal sensitivity	May cause issues in some individuals due to the metal layer	Metal‑free and more suitable for sensitive individuals

In conclusion:

If the lower initial cost is the main priority, a PFM crown can be a more economical choice.
If the goal is greater aesthetics, higher durability, and a reduced likelihood of future crown replacement, a zirconia crown is usually worth the higher cost.

What future costs might we incur if we do not crown a tooth?

If a tooth that requires a crown is left untreated, the damage may worsen over time and lead to higher treatment costs. These costs vary depending on the tooth’s condition and the severity of the problem, but typically include the following:

Root canal retreatment costs: If a crack or decay reaches the tooth nerve, the tooth may require root canal treatment, which adds a separate cost to the treatment.
Extensive tooth restoration costs: As the tooth structure weakens, a larger portion of the tooth may be lost, requiring more extensive restorations or crown build‑up.
Post and core costs: If a large portion of the tooth crown is destroyed, strengthening the root with a post and core may be needed to support a future crown, which adds to the treatment cost.
Tooth extraction costs: In case of severe fracture or untreatable infection, the tooth may no longer be salvageable, and extraction may become necessary.
Cost of replacing the lost tooth: After extraction, to maintain aesthetics and oral function, treatments such as dental implants, bridges, or dentures may be required, which are usually more expensive than a crown.
Cost of treating gum problems and infections: Advanced decay or leaving a damaged tooth untreated can cause gum inflammation and result in additional treatment costs.
Cost of redoing previous treatments: If the tooth sustains further damage, previous treatments such as fillings or temporary crowns may no longer be usable and may need to be redone.

How to choose the best crown for your budget?

Selection based on patient budget

Limited budget: A PFM crown can be a more economical option and is considered a suitable choice for some back teeth where aesthetics are not the primary concern.
Moderate budget: Grade 2 zirconia crown offers a good balance between aesthetics, strength, and cost, and is a popular choice for many patients.
Higher budget: Grade 1 zirconia crowns with a laminate design or all‑ceramic crowns are a more suitable option for those who want a more natural appearance and better harmony with their front teeth.

Selection based on the teeth requiring crowns

For front teeth: Quality and aesthetics should be the priority, as these teeth are visible when speaking and smiling.
For molars: Resistance to chewing pressure is more important, and the crown choice should be based on strength and durability.

What are the ways to reduce the cost of a dental crown?

To reduce the cost of a dental crown, you should carefully evaluate your tooth’s condition and the available options before choosing a treatment. Reducing cost does not mean choosing the cheapest crown; rather, the goal is to choose a treatment with adequate durability and to avoid additional future expenses. These strategies include:

Timely treatment of the damaged tooth: Visiting the dentist sooner prevents issues such as deep decay, infection, or extensive fractures, thus reducing the cost of adjunctive treatments.
Choosing a crown that matches the tooth’s needs: As guided in the previous section, the most expensive crown is not necessary for all teeth. The choice between PFM, zirconia, or other crown types should be based on the tooth’s location, chewing pressure, and aesthetic importance.
Having a thorough examination and evaluation before treatment: An accurate diagnosis of the tooth’s condition prevents extra costs arising from inappropriate treatment choices or the need for redoing procedures.
Following post‑crown care instructions: Proper maintenance, oral hygiene, and regular check‑ups increase the crown’s lifespan and reduce the likelihood of paying for early replacement.
Considering the long‑term cost of treatment: Sometimes paying more for a higher‑quality crown reduces future expenses such as repairs, replacements, or re‑treatment.

Learn more: Cost of dental crowns in Saadat Abad