Health Calculators
Filling vs crown cost calculator.
Enter the price, expected lifespan and insurance coverage for a filling and for a crown, and how many years to look ahead. You get what each costs you over that time and in which years the work happens. Prices and lifespans are yours; this is not a recommendation.
Your two options
Cost over time
Fill the form and press Compare options.
How the timeline is worked out
Each treatment is done at year 0 and redone every time its lifespan passes while still inside the years you look ahead. Cost to you each time = price × (1 - coverage). Total = cost each time × number of times. The yearly figure is the total divided by the years looked ahead. Insurance is applied as a flat percentage and annual maximums are ignored, so a plan that caps out will cost you more than shown. Prices are not adjusted for inflation.
Worked example. Filling $200, lasting 7 years, 80% covered; crown $1,200, lasting 15 years, 50% covered; 20 years ahead. The filling is done in years 0, 7, 14: 3 times at $40.00 = $120.00 ($600.00 with no insurance), about $6.00 a year. The crown is done in years 0 and 15: 2 times at $600.00 = $1,200.00 ($2,400.00 with no insurance), about $60.00 a year. On those inputs the filling costs $1,080.00 less.
Not a treatment choice. Which one a tooth needs depends on how much of the tooth is damaged, and only your dentist can judge that. A tooth that has needed a large filling may need a different treatment, and lifespans vary a lot between people. This tool prices the two paths on the numbers you give it and nothing more. Ask your dentist for a written estimate of both and of how long each is expected to last.
The prices, lifespans and percentages in the form are example inputs, not published averages.
On Canada's public plan, see the Canadian Dental Care Plan eligibility checker.
FAQ
Is a crown cheaper than a filling over time?
It can be if the crown lasts several times longer than a filling, or more expensive if you do not need to replace the filling. It depends on the prices and lifespans you enter.
How long does a filling last?
It varies by tooth, material and person. This calculator does not assume a figure, so ask your dentist for an estimate or enter your own.
How long does a crown last?
It varies too. This calculator does not assume a figure, so ask your dentist for an estimate or enter your own.
Can I choose a crown instead of a filling to save money?
The treatment is chosen by the condition of the tooth, and your dentist makes that call. This tool shows the money side of two options you have already been offered.
Does insurance cover crowns the same as fillings?
Plans often cover them at different percentages, which is why the calculator takes a separate percentage for each. Check your plan for the amounts.
Disclaimer
General information and arithmetic on numbers you enter, not dental advice. Your dentist decides what treatment you need and when. Plans, prices and results differ from the simple model used here.