DentalBy Oliver O'Hara · Prices checked October 2026

How much does a dental crown cost?

A private porcelain or ceramic crown usually costs £600 to £1,200 per tooth. The price depends on the material, the dental lab used and where the practice is.

Typical self-pay price£600–£1,200

Published UK private dental practice prices, October 2026.

On the NHS£332.10 (Band 3)

Crowns are available on the NHS in England as a Band 3 treatment, costing £332.10 from 1 April 2026, but finding an NHS dentist taking new patients can be hard.

NHS dental charges in England (2026-27, from 1 April 2026)
BandYou payWhat it covers
Band 1£27.90Examination, diagnosis, X-rays, scale and polish if needed, and advice.
Band 2£76.60Everything in Band 1 plus fillings, root canal treatment and extractions.
Band 3£332.10Everything in Bands 1 and 2 plus crowns, dentures, bridges and other lab work.
Urgent treatment£27.90Urgent assessment and specific urgent care, such as pain relief or a temporary filling.

You pay one band charge per course of treatment. Some people get free NHS dental care, for example under-18s, pregnant women and people on certain benefits. Source: NHS. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland charge differently: see NHS vs private dental costs.

What's usually included

The price usually covers preparing the tooth, impressions or a scan, a temporary crown and fitting the final crown. Root canal treatment, core build-ups, X-rays and the check-up are often charged separately.

Example published prices

  • mydentist (standard prices): crown £826 in England and Wales, £495 in Scotland (source)
  • Bupa Dental Care (Clifton, Bristol): crowns from £990 (source)
  • Bupa Dental Care (Worcester St Johns): crowns from £1,090 (source)
  • Bupa Dental Care (Newark): crowns from £1,495 (source)

mydentist says regional price differences may apply.

Prices are published "from" or guide prices and can change. The clinic, your location and what your treatment involves can all change the final cost — always ask for a written, all-inclusive quote.

Will insurance help pay?

Private medical insurance doesn't cover routine or cosmetic dental work. Dental insurance and health cash plans can pay back part of the cost of check-ups and treatment, up to a yearly limit. Most have waiting periods and won't cover work you already know you need.

Find a dentist near you → · NHS vs private dental costs →

Health insurance is still worth knowing about for other things: it can pay for private diagnosis and treatment of new medical conditions. See what cover costs.

Questions and answers

How much does a dental crown cost in the UK?

A private porcelain or ceramic crown usually costs £600 to £1,200 per tooth. The price depends on the material, the dental lab used and where the practice is. Prices vary by hospital, consultant and location, so always ask for a written, all-inclusive quote.

What's included in the price of a dental crown?

The price usually covers preparing the tooth, impressions or a scan, a temporary crown and fitting the final crown. Root canal treatment, core build-ups, X-rays and the check-up are often charged separately.

Will health insurance pay for a crown?

Private medical insurance doesn't cover routine or cosmetic dental work. Dental insurance and health cash plans can pay back part of the cost of check-ups and treatment, up to a yearly limit, but most have waiting periods and exclude work you already need.

Can I get a crown on the NHS instead?

Crowns are available on the NHS in England as a Band 3 treatment, costing £332.10 from 1 April 2026, but finding an NHS dentist taking new patients can be hard. Contact NHS dental practices directly to ask whether they're taking new NHS patients.

Can I spread the cost of private treatment?

Many private hospitals offer finance or payment plans for self-pay patients. Check the interest rate and terms carefully before agreeing.

Other treatment costs

Written by Oliver O'Hara

Founder, Dr Compare

Oliver O'Hara is the founder of Dr Compare and works in UK private health insurance. He set up Dr Compare to give people clear, independent, plain-English information about private healthcare, NHS waiting times and health insurance, so they can make confident decisions about their care.

Dr Compare provides general information about private health insurance and introduces enquirers to authorised insurance intermediaries. We do not give financial advice or personal recommendations. Product details, prices and waiting time figures are indicative, based on publicly available information, and may change — always check policy documents before buying. Guide prices for private treatment are illustrative and vary by provider, location and individual circumstances.
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