Dental Crown — UK price comparison
What a dental crown costs in the UK: typical private prices £450–£1,000, NHS Band 3 £326.70 in England, materials, and when crowns are used.
Prices checked: 13 July 2026· Indicative private treatment prices, not quotes
At a glance
- Typical private UK cost: £450–£1,000 per tooth
- NHS England: Band 3 £326.70 covers the crown course (2025/26)
- NHS Wales Band 3: £260; Scotland & NI: 80% of item cost, capped at £384 per course
- Materials (porcelain, zirconia, metal-ceramic) drive much of the private range
- Often follows root canal, large broken fillings, or heavy tooth wear
- Only GDC-registered dentists may fit crowns
Typical private cost
£450 – £1,000 per tooth, including preparation and laboratory crown; core build-ups sometimes priced separately
per tooth, including preparation and laboratory crown; core build-ups sometimes priced separately
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Providers listed here are UK dental practices or online dental providers. Prices are the provider's own published figures where we have verified them — otherwise check the practice directly. Treatment is always subject to clinical assessment.
We have not yet verified live provider prices for this treatment. Use the typical range above and compare practices near you, or check back as more profiles are claimed.
The Local Dentist is an independent comparison service and not a dental practice. Where a listing is a referral partner we may earn a commission when you visit them — this never changes prices you pay, ratings, or the order providers appear. Affiliate links use rel="sponsored" and are labelled “Ad – Affiliate”. See our methodology.
What the price covers
A crown is a custom cap cemented over a prepared tooth after the dentist has reduced its outer surface and taken impressions or a digital scan. Laboratory technicians make the crown in porcelain, zirconia, metal-ceramic, or other materials matched to your bite and shade, then the dentist fits and adjusts it — usually across two visits, or same-day with in-surgery milling where available. The typical private £450–£1,000 range covers preparation, the lab crown, and fitting; temporary crowns, posts, and core build-ups may be itemised separately. Always compare written, itemised plans. Figures here are indicative market ranges, not quotes.
NHS crowns
Clinically necessary crowns on the NHS in England are Band 3 — £326.70 for the whole course in 2025/26, which also covers any Band 1 or 2 work in the same course. Wales charges £260 for Band 3. Scotland and Northern Ireland use item-of-service fees at 80% of the item cost up to £384 per course. NHS crowns are functional restorations using standard materials and protocols; private crowns often add more aesthetic ceramic options, characterisation, and lab choices. A purely cosmetic crown to change appearance when the tooth is otherwise sound is private. If you are exempt from NHS charges, Band 3 is free.
When crowns are considered
Dentists may recommend a crown when a tooth is heavily filled, cracked, root-treated and brittle, or worn down — situations where another large filling would not hold. Crowns are not always the only option: onlays, large composites, or extraction and replacement (bridge, denture, implant) may be discussed depending on remaining tooth structure. After root canal treatment, many back teeth need a crown to reduce fracture risk — your dentist will advise. This page cannot assess your tooth; speak to a dentist with X-rays in hand.
Lifespan and aftercare
Well-made crowns often last 10–15 years or longer; grinding, decay at the margin, and gum disease shorten that. Clean carefully where crown meets gum, keep hygienist and check-up recalls, and wear a night guard if you grind. If a crown feels high, loosens, or the gum becomes sore or swollen, contact your dentist promptly. Replacing a failed crown privately means paying again; on the NHS a new clinically necessary crown is a new Band 3 course.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a dental crown cost privately?▼
Typically £450–£1,000 per tooth in the UK, depending on material and laboratory work. Ask for an itemised written quote — these ranges are indicative, not practice-specific prices.
How much is a crown on the NHS?▼
Band 3 in England: £326.70 for the whole course (2025/26). Wales £260. Scotland and NI: 80% of the item fee up to £384 per course.
Does a crown hurt?▼
Preparation is done under local anaesthetic. Mild tenderness afterwards is common for a few days. Speak to your dentist if pain is severe or lasts — that is clinical follow-up, not something a price page can triage.
How long does a crown last?▼
Often 10–15 years or more with good hygiene and a stable bite. Grinding and decay at the edges are common reasons for earlier replacement.
Is a crown the same as a veneer?▼
No. A crown covers the whole tooth for strength after damage or root treatment. A veneer is a thinner facing, usually for appearance on front teeth, and is typically private cosmetic care.
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