The Pros and Cons of Different Dental Crown Types and Their Price Ranges
By Dental Care 12-08-2025 106
Dental crowns are a common and effective solution for restoring damaged, decayed, or aesthetically unappealing teeth. Whether you're considering a crown for cosmetic reasons or to reinforce a weakened tooth, it's essential to understand the types of dental crowns and cost differences before making a decision. Each crown type comes with its own advantages, drawbacks, and price points, especially in the context of the Australian dental market. In this article, we’ll break down the most common types of dental crowns, explore their pros and cons, and answer the question: how much do crowns cost in Australia?
1. Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns
Pros:
- Strong and durable: These crowns combine the strength of a metal structure with the aesthetics of porcelain.
- Aesthetic appeal: They blend reasonably well with natural teeth, especially for back molars.
Cons:
- Potential for visible metal line: Over time, especially if gums recede, a dark metal line may become visible at the gum line.
- Not ideal for front teeth: While they look decent, they lack the translucency of full ceramic crowns.
Cost in Australia:
PFM crowns typically cost between $1,200 and $1,600 per tooth.
2. All-Ceramic or All-Porcelain Crowns
Pros:
- Excellent aesthetics: These crowns offer the best natural tooth-like appearance, making them perfect for front teeth.
- Biocompatible: No metal, which means no risk of allergic reaction.
Cons:
- Less durable than metal-based crowns: They're more prone to chipping or breaking, especially on back teeth subjected to heavy biting force.
- Higher cost: Aesthetic appeal and materials push the price up.
Cost in Australia:
All-ceramic crowns range from $1,500 to $2,500, depending on the dental clinic and complexity.
3. Zirconia Crowns
Pros:
- Extremely strong and long-lasting: Suitable for both front and back teeth.
- Good aesthetics: While not as natural-looking as porcelain, newer translucent zirconia options have improved appearance.
- Biocompatible: Suitable for patients with metal allergies.
Cons:
- More expensive: Advanced material comes at a higher price.
- Harder to adjust: Once fitted, adjustments are more challenging compared to other crown types.
Cost in Australia:
Zirconia crowns usually cost between $1,800 and $2,800 per crown.
4. Gold Crowns
Pros:
- Highly durable: Gold crowns can last decades and rarely chip or break.
- Less wear on opposing teeth: Gentle on other teeth, ideal for molars.
- Minimal tooth removal required: Gold crowns require less reshaping of the original tooth.
Cons:
- Highly visible: Not suitable for front teeth due to their appearance.
- Metal allergies: Though rare, some patients may react to gold or metal alloys.
Cost in Australia:
Gold crowns can cost anywhere from $1,600 to $3,000, depending on gold content and market prices.
5. Resin or Composite Crowns
Pros:
- Affordable: One of the most cost-effective options.
- Quick to produce: Can be made and placed in a single visit in some cases.
Cons:
- Not as durable: Prone to wear and fracture over time.
- Poor stain resistance: They may discolour faster than ceramic or porcelain crowns.
Cost in Australia:
Composite resin crowns typically range between $500 and $1,200, making them suitable for temporary or short-term solutions.
Factors Influencing Crown Costs in Australia
If you're wondering how much do crowns cost in Australia, it's important to note that several factors affect pricing:
- Location: Dental services in metropolitan areas like Sydney or Melbourne tend to be more expensive than regional towns.
- Dentist’s experience and specialisation
- Laboratory fees: Custom crowns made in Australia can be pricier than outsourced ones.
- Material used: As seen above, zirconia and gold cost more than resin or metal-fused crowns.
- Private health cover: Depending on your policy, you may be eligible for partial reimbursement.
How to Choose the Right Crown for You
Choosing the best crown type isn't just about budget — it also depends on:
- Tooth location: Front teeth benefit from aesthetics, while back teeth require strength.
- Your bite pressure: People who grind their teeth (bruxism) may need stronger crowns.
- Allergies and sensitivities: Metal-free options are better for sensitive patients.
- Aesthetic goals: Some may prefer crowns that blend perfectly, while others prioritise longevity.
Discussing all these factors with your dentist will help tailor the best option to your needs.
Summary
Dental crowns are a worthwhile investment in oral health and aesthetics. With several materials available — each with unique advantages and price ranges — it's crucial to weigh the types of dental crowns and cost implications before proceeding. Whether you’re after strength, aesthetics, or affordability, there’s a crown type to match your needs.
In summary:
- PFM crowns offer a balance between durability and appearance.
- All-ceramic crowns deliver top-tier aesthetics.
- Zirconia crowns are a premium option for strength and longevity.
- Gold crowns are unmatched in durability but lack discretion.
- Resin crowns are affordable but better suited for temporary fixes.
If you're still asking, how much do crowns cost in Australia, remember that prices typically range from $500 to $3,000, depending on material and location. Always consult with a trusted dental professional to determine the most suitable and cost-effective option for your smile.
