Dental crown cost UK: calculator for your crown quote

Enter the items from your own crown quote to see the total, the cost per crown and your own share, and compare it with the NHS Band 3 charge.

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How it works

  1. Enter the number of crownsType the number from your plan into “Number of crowns”. If your quote only shows totals, tick “The amounts on my quote are already totals”.
  2. Copy the itemsUnder “Amounts from your quote”, enter the lines your quote shows: “Examination and X-rays”, “Core build-up or post”, “Crown”, “Temporary crown” and “Other items”. Leave out anything that is not on your quote.
  3. Add cover and a reserveEnter a confirmed payment in “Amount your dental plan or insurer pays (optional)” or “Insurance refund in % (optional)”. Add a buffer in “Contingency reserve in % (optional)” if you wish.
  4. CalculateClick “Calculate costs” to see the breakdown, the cost per crown, your own share and your budget. Use the NHS dental charges calculator to compare with Band 3.

£332.10NHS Band 3 in England from 1 April 2026; it can include crowns, bridges and dentures Source

2 visitsIn most cases, fitting a crown takes two visits; some ceramic crowns are made the same day Source

4 materialsCommon crown types: porcelain bonded to metal, all-porcelain, gold and ceramic Source

Price listPractices must display a basic price list; there are no set limits on private charges Source

What affects the dental crown cost in the UK

A crown is a custom-made cover that fits over a tooth and restores its shape, strength and appearance. The Oral Health Foundation lists several reasons for a crown, such as a badly damaged or broken tooth, a large filling that weakens the tooth, or a tooth that has had root canal treatment. The dental crown cost in the UK depends on whether you are treated on the NHS or privately, on the material and on what else your quote includes.

Common materials are porcelain bonded to metal, all-porcelain, gold and ceramic. The Oral Health Foundation notes that all-porcelain crowns are often used on front teeth, gold is very durable and usually used on back teeth, and ceramic crowns are metal-free. A private quote may also list an examination and X-rays, a core build-up or post, and a temporary crown. This calculator adds those lines from your own quote, so you can see exactly what you are paying for.

Crowns on the NHS: Band 3

On the NHS in England, crowns are Band 3 treatment. From 1 April 2026 the Band 3 charge is £332.10 for the whole course of treatment, including any Band 1 and Band 2 items you need in the same course. You pay one charge, at the highest band. If you need further treatment within 2 months in the same or a lower band, you do not pay extra. If you are entitled to free NHS dental treatment, you do not pay this charge.

Some options may only be available privately. The NHS says your dentist must make clear which treatments can be provided on the NHS and which can only be provided privately, and the costs of each, in a treatment plan. If you are offered a private crown, ask why, and what the NHS option would be. Enter the private quote in this calculator and compare its total with the Band 3 charge. Ask your dentist which material is suitable for the tooth in question.

  • Ask whether the crown is NHS or private
  • Check if the temporary crown and fitting visit are included
  • Ask about any guarantee and what happens if the crown comes loose

How a crown is fitted and looked after

In most cases, fitting a crown takes two visits. At the first visit the tooth is shaped to make room for the crown, impressions or digital scans are taken and a temporary crown is fitted to protect the tooth. The final crown is then made in a dental laboratory and cemented at the second visit. Some ceramic crowns can be made and fitted on the same day. If you are treated abroad, ask how many days the laboratory needs before you book your stay.

Crowns can last many years if they are well cared for. The Oral Health Foundation recommends brushing for two minutes last thing at night and once more during the day with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between your teeth daily and avoiding biting hard objects such as ice. Regular visits to your dental team help to spot problems early. If a crown feels loose or uncomfortable, contact your dentist rather than waiting for your next check-up.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a dental crown cost in the UK?

On the NHS in England, a crown is Band 3 treatment, which costs £332.10 per course of treatment from 1 April 2026. Private prices are not fixed, because the General Dental Council says there are no set limits on private charges. Ask for an itemised quote and enter it in the calculator to see your total and cost per crown.

Is a crown Band 2 or Band 3 on the NHS?

Crowns are Band 3. Band 3 can also include inlays, onlays, bridges, dentures and orthodontic treatment, as well as everything in Bands 1 and 2. You pay the Band 3 charge once for the course of treatment, even if you also need fillings or an examination as part of that course.

Why are private crowns priced differently?

Private fees are set by each practice. The price may depend on the material, the laboratory, the number of visits and what else is included, such as X-rays, a core build-up or a temporary crown. The GDC says practices must display a basic price list. Compare quotes item by item, not only by the headline price.

What materials are dental crowns made from?

The Oral Health Foundation lists porcelain bonded to metal, all-porcelain, gold and ceramic crowns. All-porcelain is often used on front teeth, gold is very durable and usually used on back teeth, and ceramic is metal-free. Which material suits your tooth is a question to ask your dentist, as it depends on where the tooth is and how much load it takes.

How many appointments does a crown need?

In most cases two. At the first visit the tooth is shaped, impressions or scans are taken and a temporary crown is fitted. At the second visit the final crown is checked and cemented. Some ceramic crowns can be made and fitted on the same day. Your dentist will explain the plan for your tooth.

Do I need a crown after root canal treatment?

Not always. The NHS says a crown may be needed if the tooth was badly infected, and the Oral Health Foundation says your dentist may recommend one if a filling will not be strong enough. Ask your dentist what they recommend for your tooth and why. You can enter a crown in the root canal calculator if it is on your quote.

What is a core build-up or post?

Some crown quotes list a core build-up or a post as a separate item before the crown itself. Enter it in “Core build-up or post” if it appears on your quote, and leave the field empty if it does not. Ask your dentist what this step involves for your tooth, why it is needed and whether it is already included in the crown price.

How long does a dental crown last?

The Oral Health Foundation says crowns can last many years if they are well cared for. There is no fixed lifespan. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between your teeth daily and avoiding very hard foods all help. Ask your dentist what guarantee, if any, comes with your crown.

Can I compare a crown quote from Turkey?

Yes. Run the calculator once for each quote and check that both include the same items, such as X-rays, a temporary crown and the final fitting. Ask how many days the laboratory needs and what aftercare is included. The General Dental Council advises being assessed by a qualified dentist before getting a treatment plan and cost estimate.

Sources

This tool provides general information and calculates only with the values you enter. It does not replace an examination or advice from a dentist, your health insurer or a financial adviser.

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