Cost of a Crown?!

[indieanna86]

Hi all,

my 2 front teeth are quite badly chipped, so in the new year I plan on getting crowns fitted. My dentist has quoted me �550 per tooth - is this average??

I could understand if I lived in central london and saw a private dentist, but I'm in south east Essex and its an NHS dentist...

Obviously if it has to be done, I'll pay it - but it does seem an awful lot of money!!

[Bathsheba]

Unbelievable!!! The maximum charge for a course of treatment with a NHS dentist is �198! For that, i got root canal work, 2 crowns and a couple of fillings, with associated xrays etc xx

[Bathsheba]

Although, after thinking about it, maybe your dentist has quoted you the price of the work as a private patient if it's only for cosmetic reasons x

[LoftyLottie]

Would agree with Bathsheba. Dentists have to justify work that is carried out under the NHS. They have guidelines to follow on what they can and can't do, and although some cosmetic work is acceptable quite a lot isn't. I would definitely think this is a quote for private work, and you should check this out with your dentist

[LoftyLottie]

Having said that, I did get some cosmetic work done on the NHS on a single tooth that had to be built up and lightened in colour. It cost �60.00. It would have cost �120 (5 years ago) if done privately and I was offered the choice, as if done privately the dentist could use a better material that he wasn't allowed to under NHS rules).

Definitely worth having a chat with him.

[Ethel]

The only requirement under NHS rules is that your mouth is 'orally fit'.

A chipped tooth can be otherwise healthy so it could not be replaced with a crown under NHS rules - this would be a purely cosmetic procedure that you have to pay for as a private patient.

The rules have got really tough over the last few years, so it is unlikely you would be entitled to NHS treatment for the work you want doing.

[liquidspace]

I had a crown fitted. A silver one would have been about �150 but as I wanted a tooth coloured enamel one it was just over �400 I believe.

[jno]

�400-�500 for private work is normal, I htink. So actually you might be able to save quite a bit on �550 by shopping around.

[bednobs]

that seems like a usual charge to me for private work. It is definately not an NHS charge, but as others have said, if you are orally healthy, it will be a cosmetic procedure and not available on the nhs.

LL, the dental contract changed in 2006

[LoftyLottie]

Thanks Bednobs, I got there in time then :o)

[LoftyLottie]

If someone knocked there front teeth out and needed crowns would that be cosmetic? They could eat without their front teeth so it wouldn't be orally necessary.

I had better be careful, cos there is no way I could afford private dentistry.

[Paul22118]

Had an enamel crown fitted about three years ago. Good job, good dentist, excellent tooth and it is still in - no problems.
Cost �450.

[nolaces]

hu indieanna ,
the price you was quoted is about right i afraid... expensive eh?!
i had 4 front upper porcelain crowns fitted about 5 years ago as my own were a little discoloured and chipped
and they cost me �500 each.
yes alot of money, but well worth it ... it was lovely to smile again without putting my hand over my mouth to cover up as i was very concious of how they looked before ...so it was a nice confidence boost having a nice smile again!!...
go for it if you can, i dont think you will regret it, youll not only look great but youll feel great too! xx

[Ice.Maiden]

My friend had a bottom molar crowned 15 years ago, and it's still as good as new, but I've no idea what it cost her. Not only do prices vary according to the material used, but obviously whether you opt for private treatment or not.