Last updated: March 2026
How Much Does Same-Day Crown (CEREC) Cost?
Cost Breakdown by Type
| Type / Procedure | Without Insurance | With Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| CEREC Ceramic Crown | $1,000 – $1,800 | $300 – $700 |
| Same-Day Zirconia Crown | $1,100 – $2,000 | $350 – $750 |
| Same-Day Crown (Anterior) | $1,000 – $1,900 | $300 – $725 |
CPT/ADA Code: D2740
What Affects the Cost
- Geographic location (urban areas cost 20-40% more)
- Dentist experience and specialization
- Type of dental insurance plan (PPO vs HMO/DHMO)
- Whether the procedure is classified as preventive, basic, or major
- Lab and material costs
- Number of teeth or surfaces involved
Insurance Coverage
Typical coverage: Major restorative — typically 50% after deductible
Most dental PPO plans have an annual maximum of $1,000-$2,500. Preventive care (cleanings, exams, X-rays) is typically covered at 100%. Basic procedures (fillings, simple extractions) at 70-80%. Major procedures (crowns, bridges, implants) at 50%. Many plans have a 6-12 month waiting period for major work.
How to Save Money
- Dental schools offer procedures at 50-70% discount
- Dental discount plans save 20-50% for $80-$200/year
- Ask about payment plans — many dentists offer CareCredit 0% financing
- Community health centers provide sliding-scale pricing
- Get quotes from 2-3 dentists in your area
- Consider dental tourism for expensive procedures
Related Procedures & Costs
Frequently Asked Questions
Same-day crowns use CAD/CAM technology (like CEREC) to digitally scan your tooth, design the crown on a computer, and mill it from a ceramic block — all in one visit.
Same-day crowns are comparable in strength and fit to lab-made crowns. They use high-quality ceramic materials and have been proven effective over decades of use.
The convenience of completing the crown in one visit, plus the investment in CEREC or similar milling equipment, can make same-day crowns slightly more expensive.