If you’ve been told you need a dental cap, working out the cost can feel confusing. Prices vary depending on the material, the tooth’s position, and whether any extra treatment is needed beforehand.
A dental cap – also known as a dental crown – is one of the most common restorative treatments in the UK. This guide covers dental cap costs and what affects the price you’ll pay.
What Is a Dental Cap?
A dental cap is a cover that fits over a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its shape and strength. “Cap” and “crown” mean the same thing – “cap” is the word patients use, while dentists say “crown.”
You might need one if a tooth has cracked, if a filling has left too little natural tooth, or after root canal treatment. Caps are also used for cosmetic reasons like covering a stained or misshapen tooth.
The procedure takes two appointments. Your dentist shapes the tooth and fits a temporary cap at the first. A dental lab makes the permanent cap, which is fitted at the second. Some practices offer same-day caps using CAD/CAM technology where the cap is milled in a single visit.
Expert Tip: If you’ve had a root canal on a back tooth, a cap is almost always recommended. Without one, the tooth is far more likely to fracture.
Dental Cap Cost: What You Can Expect to Pay
In the UK, dental caps typically cost between £600 and £1,200. However, the exact price depends on the material, the tooth’s position and the practice you choose.
The material makes the biggest difference. A porcelain-fused-to-metal cap sits at the lower end, while zirconia and same-day CAD/CAM options tend to cost more. Front teeth usually need higher-quality materials for a natural appearance, which also pushes the price up.
| Cap Type | Price Range | Best For | Typical Lifespan |
| Porcelain (all-ceramic) | £600 – £1,000 | Front teeth | 10-15 years |
| Porcelain-fused-to-metal | £600 – £900 | Front or back | 10-15 years |
| Gold | £700 – £1,000+ | Back teeth | 20+ years |
| Zirconia | £800 – £1,200 | Any position | 10-15+ years |
| Same-day CAD/CAM | £800 – £1,200 | Any position | 10-15 years |
Porcelain caps look the most natural and are the usual choice for front teeth because they match the translucency of real enamel. Porcelain-fused-to-metal offers a good middle ground – the metal core provides strength while the porcelain outer gives a tooth-coloured finish, though a metal edge can show near the gum line over time. Gold remains the longest-lasting option, but most patients prefer something tooth-coloured. Zirconia has become increasingly popular because it offers a tooth-coloured finish while holding up well to everyday wear.
Ceramic options have their own advantage: when placed using biomimetic principles, they’re kinder to the tooth structure and work more naturally with the surrounding enamel. You can explore the full range of crown options to see which material suits your situation.
Helpful Tip: Request an itemised treatment plan before committing. This way you can see each cost line and know exactly what’s included.
Dental Cap Prices: Other Cost Factors
Beyond the material, several other factors affect the final price.
Your dentist may recommend a premium material depending on which tooth needs the cap. Molars take most of the biting force, so strength is the priority. Front teeth need to match the colour and translucency of your other teeth, which narrows the choice and can push the cost up.
Pre-treatment can add to the total too. If you need a root canal before the cap, that’s charged separately and can add £200 to £750 depending on the tooth. A core build-up may also be needed if there isn’t enough tooth structure left to support the cap.
How the cap is made plays a role as well. Traditional caps involve an external dental lab with fabrication fees, while in-house CAD/CAM caps skip that step, which can sometimes keep costs lower. Check your dentist’s fee schedule before committing so there are no surprises.
How Long Do Dental Caps Last?
Most dental caps last between 10 and 15 years with proper care. Gold can go beyond 20 years, while all-ceramic and zirconia options can match this lifespan when placed with care and maintained well.
Certain habits shorten a cap’s lifespan. Grinding your teeth puts heavy pressure on caps and can cause cracks. Poor oral hygiene leads to decay where the cap meets the natural tooth, which undermines the seal. Biting hard foods like ice or boiled sweets isn’t ideal either.
When a cap needs replacing, the cost is similar to the original fitting. A higher-quality cap — whether ceramic or zirconia, placed well and looked after properly often works out better value long-term than a lower-cost option that needs replacing sooner. With regular check-ups and good care, as recommended by the British Dental Association, most caps reach their full expected lifespan.
Expert Tip: If you grind your teeth, ask your dentist about a night guard. It’s a small cost that can add years to the life of your cap.
Frequently Asked Questions – Dental Cap Costs
Here are the most common questions about dental caps and their costs in the UK.
How much does a dental cap cost in the UK?
Dental caps in the UK typically cost between £600 and £1,200. The exact price depends on the material, the tooth’s position and the practice you choose.
Is a dental cap the same as a crown?
Yes. They’re the same treatment. “Cap” is the everyday term most patients use, while “crown” is the clinical name.
Which type of dental cap is best?
Porcelain or all-ceramic suits front teeth where appearance matters. Gold works well for back teeth, and zirconia is a versatile option for both, though your dentist will recommend the best material for your specific tooth.
How long does a dental cap last?
Most caps last 10 to 15 years with proper care. Gold caps can last 20 years or more. All-ceramic and zirconia options can match this when placed correctly and looked after well.
Does getting a dental cap hurt?
Your tooth is numbed with local anaesthetic, so the procedure shouldn’t hurt. Some sensitivity afterwards is normal and settles quickly.
Are dental caps worth the money?
For a weakened tooth, usually yes. A cap saves a tooth that might otherwise need extracting, and replacements like implants cost considerably more.
Can you get a same-day dental cap?
Yes. Some practices use CAD/CAM technology to mill your cap in a single visit, so you leave with a permanent cap that day.
What happens if my dental cap falls off?
Contact your dentist as soon as possible. In many cases the cap can be re-cemented if it’s still intact. Avoid chewing on that side until you’re seen.
Cap Dental Costs in the UK: Key Takeaways & Next Steps
Dental cap costs in the UK depend on the material, the tooth’s position and whether any additional treatment is needed first. Prices range from around £600 for a porcelain-fused-to-metal cap up to £1,200 or more for zirconia or same-day CAD/CAM options. How long a cap lasts also affects the true cost – a cheaper cap that needs replacing sooner may cost more over time. Choosing the right one comes down to balancing appearance, durability and budget. A front tooth usually calls for porcelain or zirconia for that natural look, while a back tooth can handle materials where strength matters more.
Key Points to Remember:
- Dental cap costs in the UK range from £600 to £1,200 depending on the material and practice.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal offers a good balance of cost and appearance, while all-ceramic options deliver natural aesthetics with strength that matches your tooth structure.
- Always ask for an itemised treatment plan before committing so you know the full cost upfront.
- A well-placed cap in the right material for your tooth can last well beyond 10 years, making it better value long-term than a cheaper option replaced sooner.
- Pre-treatment like root canals or core build-ups is charged separately and can add £200 to £750.
A good dental cap protects a weakened tooth for years and prevents costlier problems down the line. When you consider the cost of alternatives like extraction followed by an implant or bridge, investing in a quality cap is almost always the smarter long-term choice.
Why Choose Smiledent for Your Dental Cap?
At Smiledent in North London, we offer porcelain and porcelain-bonded-to-metal caps from £695, gold caps from £695, and same-day CAD/CAM caps from just £800 – with the option of single-visit treatment so you can have your cap sorted without the usual wait. Book a consultation with our team today to discuss your options.
Information Sources
British Dental Association guide to dental treatments – www.bda.org/for-the-public/
General Dental Council standards for dental professionals – www.gdc-uk.org/standards-guidance/standards-and-guidance