Dental Crowns: Four Tips To Help Cover The Cost If You Don't Have Insurance

The prospect of getting a dental crown can be daunting if you don't have dental insurance, but there are ways to help cover the cost of this procedure. Use the following guide to find the care you need while sticking within a reasonable budget.

Choose Your Material

Crowns can be created using a variety of materials, and some are more expensive than others. For example, an all-porcelain crown can run between $800 and $3,000, while a gold alloy crown can cost from $600 to $2,500. While all-porcelain or porcelain fused with metal can be ideal for the front of your mouth, a metal alloy might be perfect for teeth toward the back of your mouth. If aesthetics are important, ask your dentist to show you what each type of crown might look like. Talk to your dentist about the different available options to see which one is right for your pocketbook and your smile.

Ask For Financing

Some dental offices offer payment plans, and others even work with financing companies that specialize in funding loans for dental work. If you have a solid credit history, you may be able to finance the entire bill. Should you choose all-porcelain or another more expensive material, loan financing can help you afford the crowns you want. This means you won't have to settle for less than a perfect smile.

Visit A Dental College

Some dental colleges offer options for free or reduced dental care, so be sure to check to see if one of the schools in your area offers this option. The work is performed by dental students, but there is an experienced dental instructor present to oversee the procedure and step in when necessary. Procedures like crowns can be in high demand for these types of schools, as the students need hands-on experience in giving patients dental crowns to be successful dentists. If you feel comfortable being a practice patient for a dental student, your local dental college can be a great place to have cleanings and dental work completed. You may even find a dentist you like enough to follow into his or her private practice after graduation.

Choose A Dental Discount Plan

While you might not be able to afford a dental insurance plan, a dental discount plan can be a great option for when you need dental work completed. These discount plans typically provide a percentage off for some services, such as crowns, extractions, and cleanings. Be sure to read the fine print for every plan you consider so you can be sure that the work you may need is included in the plan. Your dentist may even be able to recommend a plan for you.

Getting a dental crown is an option even without dental insurance, so talk to a dentist like those at AQ Denture and Dental Implant Center to learn about your financing options.