How Much Does a Dental Crown Cost in the UK? (2026)
Dental crown costs in the UK: median £720 per crown from 1,758 practices. Porcelain, zirconia, emax, and gold compared. Regional prices and NHS vs private.
How much does a dental crown cost in the UK? Based on data from 1,758 UK dental practices, a crown costs a median of £720, with prices ranging from £350 to £995 depending on the material, lab, and region.
Crown prices by region
| Region | Median | Range (P5–P95) | Practices | |--------|--------|----------------|-----------| | National | £720 | £350 – £995 | 1,758 | | Central London | £750 | £350 – £1,159 | 283 | | Greater London | £719 | £350 – £995 | 224 | | South (excl. London) | £750 | £350 – £1,004 | 590 | | Midlands | £722 | £421 – £955 | 303 | | North | £671 | £395 – £938 | 358 |
The North is typically cheapest at £671 median. Central London and the South are £750.
Crown types and costs
| Material | Typical cost | Durability | Appearance | Best for | |----------|-------------|------------|------------|----------| | E.max (lithium disilicate) | £650–£1,000 | 15–20 years | Excellent — most natural | Front teeth | | Zirconia | £600–£950 | 20+ years | Very good | Back teeth (strongest) | | Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) | £500–£800 | 10–15 years | Good | Back teeth (budget) | | Full gold | £700–£1,200 | 25+ years | Gold colour | Back teeth (most durable) | | Composite/temporary | £200–£400 | 2–5 years | Acceptable | Short-term solution |
E.max and zirconia are the most popular choices in modern UK dentistry. E.max offers the most natural appearance; zirconia is the strongest. Ask your dentist which material they recommend for your specific tooth.
NHS vs private crown costs
| | NHS (England) | Private | |---|---|---| | Cost | £319.10 (Band 3) | £350–£1,159 | | Material choice | Dentist decides | You choose | | Waiting time | Can be weeks | Usually 1–2 weeks | | Lab | NHS-contracted | Dentist's choice | | Same-day option | No | Some practices offer CEREC same-day |
The NHS Band 3 charge covers the crown regardless of material, but your dentist will choose the most appropriate option — which may not be the premium material you would prefer.
What is included in the price?
A crown typically requires two appointments. Check whether the quote includes:
- Tooth preparation — shaping the tooth to receive the crown
- Temporary crown — worn while the permanent crown is made
- Impression or digital scan — sent to the dental lab
- Lab fee — the cost of manufacturing the crown
- Fitting appointment — bonding the permanent crown
- Adjustments — any bite adjustments needed after fitting
Some practices quote the lab fee separately (£100–£300), so always confirm the total cost.
When do you need a crown?
- After root canal treatment (the tooth is weakened)
- Large cavity where a filling would not be strong enough
- Cracked or broken tooth
- Cosmetic improvement of a discoloured or misshapen tooth
- On top of a dental implant
Compare dental prices
Compare crown, filling, veneer, and other dental prices across 2,000+ UK practices.
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- Private Dental Check-Up Cost UK — consultation, X-ray, and hygiene prices
- How Much Does a Filling Cost? — composite vs amalgam, NHS vs private
- How Much Do Veneers Cost? — porcelain vs composite, per-tooth pricing
- Crown Cost UK — materials, what is included, regional prices
- Dental Implant Cost UK — single implant to full-arch pricing
- Invisalign Cost UK — Invisalign Go, Lite, and Comprehensive compared