How Much Does a Dental Crown Cost in the UK?

Let me guess—you’ve chipped a tooth munching on something you probably shouldn't have (yes, toffee apples, I’m looking at you). Or maybe you’ve had a long-standing filling that’s finally given up. Whatever’s brought you here, if you're wondering how much a dental crown costs in the UK, you’re not alone, and you’re in the right place.

I’ve been there. One minute you're admiring your reflection, and the next you're inspecting a damaged tooth in the mirror, wondering if that dull ache means another dental visit. But here’s the thing getting a crown isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about restoring function, avoiding further tooth decay, and keeping your lovely natural tooth safe for the long haul.

So, let’s break it all down—from types of crowns and costs to NHS vs private treatment and whether those pricey ceramic crowns are worth the investment.

What Is a Dental Crown, Exactly?

Think of a dental crown as a protective helmet for your tooth. It fits snugly over the existing tooth (also known as a prepared tooth) to protect it and restore its shape, strength, and appearance. A crown can be the ideal solution, whether it’s a back molar that’s seen too many grinding sessions or a visible front tooth that’s become worn or discoloured.

Crowns are typically recommended if you’ve had a large filling, a root canal, or a broken or severely worn-down tooth. They can also be used as part of cosmetic dentistry to improve the look of your smile, or to anchor a dental bridge when you’ve got a missing tooth.

So… How Much Does a Dental Crown Cost in the UK?

Ah, the golden question (no pun intended). The cost of a dental crown varies quite a bit depending on whether you're going through the NHS or opting for private care. Here's a quick snapshot before we dive into the details:

NHS crowns: £306.80 (Band 3 dental treatment in England as of 2024/25)

Private crowns: £400 to £1,500+ depending on the crown material and dental practice

Let’s unpack that, shall we?

NHS Dental Crowns: Affordable but Limited

If you’re going through an NHS dentist, dental crown treatment falls under Band 3. That’s currently £306.80, and it covers:

• Your consultation and examination
• The dental crown procedure
• X-rays, impressions, and fittings
• The permanent crown itself

Now, that’s a flat rate across England, which is brilliant for budget-conscious patients. But keep in mind that you won’t get much choice over the crown material. Most NHS crowns are metal-based with a ceramic outer layer—durable, but not always the most natural-looking, especially for front teeth.

I had a metal crown fitted through the NHS years ago, and while it’s stood the test of time, it’s not exactly Instagram-ready. Great function, not-so-great glamour.

Also worth noting: NHS waiting lists can be long, especially post-pandemic, and it can be tough to get an appointment with your usual NHS dentist if they’re overwhelmed.

Private Crowns: A Tailored Experience (With a Price Tag)

Now, if you’re considering going private, you'll get a lot more say in your dental treatment. From tooth-coloured porcelain crowns to ultra-strong zirconia or even eMax crowns (a type of all-ceramic crown known for its natural appearance), private clinics offer a smorgasbord of options.

Here’s a rough fee guide for private crowns in the UK:

• Porcelain-fused-to-metal crown: £450 – £850
• Full porcelain or ceramic crown: £600 – £1,000
• Zirconia or eMax crown: £700 – £1,300
• Gold crown: £800 – £1,500
• Composite resin crown: £250 – £600

You might even find some variation between practices. A dentist in Guildford or a Surrey dental practice, for instance, may charge slightly more than a clinic in a less central location due to overheads and patient demand.

But with the higher price comes more perks: you can choose your crown material, get quicker appointments, and often benefit from more advanced technology, like digital impressions (no more gooey trays, thank goodness).

What Affects the Dental Crown Cost?

Here’s what can make the cost creep up or down:

Crown material: Ceramic crowns and zirconia are more expensive than metal crowns or composite resin.

Dentist’s experience: Cosmetic dentists specialised in the field may also cost more to get their expertise.

Tooth location: For those teeth that are visible, crowns may need an extra touch of cosmetic finesse.

Additional costs: Temporary crowns, root canals, or as the case may be, repair of dentures (if necessary) may not be part of the quoted price.

Location: Surrey Dental Practice.

Types of Dental Crowns: Which One's Right for You?

Let’s have a nosey at what’s out there.

1. Porcelain Crowns

• Natural-looking, perfect for front teeth
• Slightly more fragile than other materials
• Price: £600 – £1,000 (private)

2. Zirconia Crowns

• Super strong and still tooth-coloured
• Ideal for back teeth that take a lot of pressure
• Price: £700 – £1,300

3. Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM)

• Combining durability with aesthetics
• May show a grey line near the gum over time
• Price: £450 – £850

4. Metal Crowns (e.g., Gold Crown)

• Incredibly strong and long-lasting
• Not exactly discreet (unless you’re into the rapper look)
• Price: £800 – £1,500

5. Composite Resin Crown

• Budget-friendly and fast to place
• Wears down more quickly
• Price: £250 – £600

A Day in the Life of a Dental Crown Procedure

If you’ve never had one before, here’s what the dental crown procedure typically looks like:

1. Consultation and examination
2. Tooth preparation (smoothing and shaping the damaged tooth)
3. Impressions taken (either digital or traditional)
4. Temporary crown placed while the permanent one is made
5. Final fitting and cementing of your permanent crown

Expect to visit your dental practice twice—once for prep and once for fitting. The temporary crown does the job in the meantime, but avoid sticky sweets (trust me on this one).

A Few Real-Life Stories

I had a conversation with a patient in a Surrey dental practice who received a crown because she chipped her front tooth at a netball match.

Her biggest fear? That the crown would appear fake or unnecessary. However, after the final fitting, she told me it was, “better than the original tooth”. One more chap, Tom, has opted for a much cheaper composite resin crown via a private dentist in Guildford. Though he was satisfied with the price, he did feel the need for a replacement prematurely, so sometimes more upfront saves you costs over the long term.

Crown vs. Other Options: What About Veneers, Implants, or Dentures?

• A dental veneer only covers the front surface of a tooth, making it suitable for cosmetic fixes.
• A dental implant replaces a missing tooth entirely, including the root. Great solution, but much pricier (think £2,000+).
• Acrylic dentures are often used when multiple teeth are missing, and they can be a good temporary or long-term fix.

If your existing tooth can be saved, a crown is often the simplest, most cost-effective way to preserve tooth structure and maintain dental health.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth the Investment?

If you’re avoiding dental crown treatment because of the cost, trust me, I understand. It’s not pocket change. But do not forget that a crown is the long-term solution that can serve you 10-15 years or even more, providing you with good dental care. It saves your tooth, enhances your bite, and let’s face it can make your smile look great.

Therefore, if you are using an NHS dentist or seeking private crowns, it pays to ask a few practices for quotes and do the best for your health and budget. If you are local to either Surrey or Guildford, why not go to a local practice for a consultation? A professional opinion can get things sorted faster than it takes to say “temporary crown”. Have some questions about crown materials or what to expect at a dental appointment? I’d love to blab on further or lend a hand writing questions to ask on your next dental visit.

Let’s keep those smiles healthy.