Why Are Dental Crowns So Expensive?

Last updated on April 27th, 2026

Dental crowns are tooth­-shaped prosthetics used to restore the shape and size of a tooth. In this procedure, the visible part of the tooth above the gum line must be completely covered. Restoration with dental crowns is a highly preferred option for both aesthetics and health. However, high prices can often deprive people of this treatment. The cost of a dental crown per tooth ranges from £ 300 to £ 2000. From the location of the dental clinic to the material used for the crown, many factors affect treatment costs. Moreover, the technology and equipment used, as well as the additional procedures performed before the treatment, also contribute to the cost.

1. Material Costs of Dental Crowns

Crowns are made from various materials, including ceramic, steel, metal (alloy metals such as gold, palladium, nickel, and chrome), porcelain fused to metal, and resin. The materials used in the procedure naturally impact the price. For instance, resin crowns are the cheapest option, but they are relatively weak, so they have a shorter lifespan. On the other hand, crowns made from precious metals like gold last longer but cost more. Especially with the use of zirconium and porcelain for crowns, prices have increased significantly. These materials are incredibly durable, and they provide a very natural look. Moreover, they are not affected by color change over time like metal alloys.

We believe that it is not a good idea to choose cheaper solutions made from weaker materials. Considering that these replacements will stay in your mouth for about 15 years, we recommend not compromising on quality.

2. Laboratory Costs of Dental Crowns

If a part of the treatment is carried out by an outside laboratory or dentist, the overall treatment fee increases. Many clinics outsource laboratory services. This method not only extends the duration of the treatment to 4­6 weeks but also causes the treatment fee to reach astronomical amounts due to the external purchase expenses.

Furthermore, in many cases, gum contouring procedures are required before the crown treatment. If the clinic uses outside technicians/dentists for these procedures, your bill can reach four-digit amounts even before your treatment begins. Further procedures (such as root canal treatment) may be needed before the procedure begins. All these additional services and procedures affect treatment costs.

Therefore, we recommend you choose a clinic that has specialists such as endodontists, orthodontists, and gum specialists in its dental team and owns an in­-house laboratory. Thus, you can shorten your treatment duration and avoid the costs of outsourcing to a dentist/laboratory.

3. Cost of the Digital Technology Used in Dental Crowns

The dental technology used for the treatment also impacts the treatment price. For instance, CAD/CAM systems are advanced technologies used to produce dental crowns. The cost of these technological systems for the clinic increases overall treatment prices.

CAD/CAM systems are expensive equipment; furthermore, laboratories specialized in digital smile design charge high amounts as well. So, dental clinics with in-­house laboratories and experts can bypass these additional fees, which can reduce the overall cost of your treatment.

4. Labor Costs for Dental Crowns

All of the factors mentioned above impact treatment costs. However, hourly wages per person probably constitute the most significant expense. A certain amount of time should be reserved for each patient. Especially all ­ceramic crowns require more expertise and time. That is one of the reasons why they cost more. A dentist may need to spend up to 2 hours in the laboratory, working alongside other assistants, to prepare a crown.

As an indicator of the labor costs, let’s compare the national living wages of the UK and Turkey. As of 2025, the UK national living wage is £12.21 per hour. So, for instance, a full ­time employee who works 40 hours a week receives a £1,953 monthly salary. On the other hand, the net monthly minimum wage in Turkey is about £385. These numbers demonstrate that labor costs in the UK are about 500% higher than in Turkey. So, the lower the dental team’s hourly wage, the more affordable the treatment becomes.

Getting Dental Crowns in Turkey

It is well known that tooth crown prices vary widely across countries. Due to lower operating costs, dental crown treatments in Turkey are much more affordable than in countries like the USA and the UK. A quick internet surfing is enough to see that while a tooth crown costs up to £1,000 in the UK, it can be completed for only £200-300 in Turkey.

Turkey is among the leading health ­tourism countries. So, there is a big competition among dental clinics. This competition is another factor that keeps treatment prices low. As a result, the country you choose to get the treatment done in has a significant role in the prices. The only difference between dental clinics in Istanbul and their counterparts on Harley Street is the fee you pay. You can save up to 70% percent by getting your dental treatment done in Turkey. Of course, the more extensive the treatment, the more you save. Therefore, people choose Turkey, especially for costly treatments like crowns. Moreover, a month-­long procedure can be completed at a dental clinic in Istanbul in less than a week. Considering these very facts, it is worth visiting a dental clinic in Istanbul to get your dental crowns.