How much does a dental crown cost in the UK? (2026 price guide)
A dental crown in the UK typically costs £400–£1,000+ per tooth — the single biggest factor is the material it’s made from. Here’s a clear breakdown of what you’ll pay, what changes the price, and how private compares with the NHS.
First, the current national picture from clinics on TreatmentCosts:
So, what does a crown cost?
Most UK clinics charge £400–£1,000 for a single crown, with premium all-ceramic crowns in central London pushing higher. A crown is a custom-made cap that covers a damaged, weak or root-treated tooth — so you’re paying for the material, the lab that makes it, and the dentist’s time across two appointments.
The headline price almost always changes with the material, so that’s where to focus.
Crown materials — the main price driver
- Metal (incl. gold): very strong and long-lasting, but not tooth-coloured. Often used on back teeth. Mid-range cost (gold can be pricier).
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM): tooth-coloured with a metal core for strength. A popular middle option.
- All-ceramic / zirconia: the most natural-looking, metal-free, ideal for front teeth. Usually the priciest.
For a visible front tooth, most people choose all-ceramic; for a hard-working back molar, a stronger metal-based crown can be better value.
What you’re actually paying for
- Preparing the tooth (shaping it to take the crown).
- An impression or digital scan, plus a temporary crown.
- The lab work to make your custom crown.
- Fitting at a second appointment.
A good quote covers all of this. If you also need a root canal first (common before a crown), that’s a separate cost.
What changes the price
- Material — metal vs PFM vs all-ceramic/zirconia.
- Which tooth — front (cosmetic) vs back (strength).
- Whether prep work is needed (root canal, build-up).
- Location and clinic — central London skews higher.
- Lab quality and the dentist’s experience.
Does where you live change the price?
Yes — sometimes by hundreds of pounds. Here’s how crown prices currently compare across the cities we track:
| City | From | Typical | Clinics | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| London | £500 | £945 | 27 | Compare → |
| Manchester | £550 | £750 | 11 | Compare → |
Live data from TreatmentCosts — updated automatically as clinics change their prices.
It’s worth comparing nearby practices — you can see dental crown prices here.
Private vs NHS
On the NHS in England, a crown falls under Band 3 — a fixed charge (currently around £319), and free if you’re exempt. The trade-offs: NHS crowns use functional, approved materials (you may not get the premium all-ceramic option on a visible tooth), and availability can be limited. Going private costs more but gives you the full choice of materials and quicker appointments.
Crowns and other treatments
Crowns rarely happen in isolation:
- After a root canal, a crown protects the weakened tooth.
- On a dental implant, the crown is the visible tooth on top.
- If a tooth can’t be saved, the alternative is an extraction (and possibly an implant later).
Ask your dentist for the full plan and total cost, not just the crown in isolation.
How long do crowns last?
A well-made crown typically lasts 10–15 years, often longer with good care. That makes the cost-per-year reasonable — and far cheaper than repeatedly patching a failing tooth.
How to avoid overpaying
- Ask which materials are quoted — and whether a cheaper option suits a back tooth.
- Check what’s included — prep, temporary crown, fitting, any root canal.
- Get the full treatment plan, not just the crown price.
- Compare a few clinics — crown prices vary a lot for the same work.
- Look just outside the city centre for the same quality at lower cost.
Dental crown cost FAQs
How much does a dental crown cost in the UK?
Usually £400–£1,000+ per crown privately, depending mainly on the material. NHS crowns are a fixed Band 3 charge (around £319).
Why are some crowns more expensive?
Material is the main reason — all-ceramic/zirconia crowns cost more than metal or porcelain-fused-to-metal. The tooth’s position and any prep work also affect price.
Do I need a root canal before a crown?
Sometimes — if the tooth’s nerve is affected. That’s a separate cost, so ask for the combined price.
How long does a crown last?
Typically 10–15 years, often longer with good oral care.
Is a private or NHS crown better?
Both are durable. Private gives you the full choice of materials (better for visible teeth) and faster appointments; NHS is cheaper but more limited.
Ready to compare? See live dental crown prices from UK dentists, or browse all clinics near you.
