The cost of a “silver tooth” restoration is a highly variable figure influenced by the material used and the specific dental procedure required. This term broadly refers to two distinct restorative treatments, each with a different price structure. Understanding the final price means looking beyond the material itself to the complexity of the treatment, the location of the dental practice, and your insurance plan. This article breaks down the components that contribute to the final out-of-pocket expense for a silver restoration.
Defining the “Silver Tooth” in Dentistry
The colloquial term “silver tooth” generally refers to one of two common restorative materials: dental amalgam or a stainless steel crown. Dental amalgam is a filling material used to repair small to medium cavities, primarily in the back teeth where chewing forces are greatest. This material is an alloy mixture of metals, typically composed of silver, tin, copper, and liquid mercury.
The other common “silver tooth” is a metal crown, a full-coverage cap placed over a damaged or weakened tooth. These crowns are often made from metal alloys that include chromium, nickel, or iron, giving them their characteristic silver color. Stainless steel crowns (SSCs) are frequently used in pediatric dentistry to restore primary teeth or as a temporary restoration for adults.
Factors That Determine the Final Cost
The base price for a silver restoration is determined by several factors before insurance is applied. Geographical location is a significant variable, as urban areas with higher overhead costs often charge more than rural practices. The specific procedure type is also a major cost factor, with a filling costing far less than a full crown.
For an amalgam filling, the main cost determinant is the size and complexity of the cavity, measured by the number of tooth surfaces involved. A small, single-surface amalgam filling can range from $50 to $150. A larger, multi-surface filling may cost between $75 and $200.
A stainless steel crown (SSC), which is a prefabricated cap, is typically more expensive, with temporary or pediatric SSCs starting around $150. Permanent, custom-made metal alloy crowns for adult teeth require laboratory fabrication and generally cost between $600 and $2,600.
Insurance Coverage and Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Dental insurance plays a significant role in determining the final out-of-pocket cost for a silver restoration. Amalgam fillings are generally classified as a “basic procedure” by most insurance providers. This classification typically means the procedure is covered at a higher percentage, often 80% after the patient’s deductible is met.
Silver-colored crowns are usually categorized as a “major procedure,” which often results in a lower coverage percentage, commonly 50%. The patient is responsible for the remaining percentage, known as the co-pay, in addition to any annual deductible that has not yet been satisfied.
Many insurance plans consider amalgam the standard, most cost-effective material for posterior (back) teeth. This designation often means that the plan will cover the cost equivalent to an amalgam, even if the patient chooses a different material. The annual maximum benefit of a policy also affects the final price, as the patient must pay 100% of the costs once that spending limit is reached.
Patients should consult with their dentist’s office to receive a pre-determination of benefits, which clarifies the exact coverage and expected co-payment before the treatment begins.
Cost Comparison to Alternative Materials
The cost of a silver restoration is notably lower than most alternatives, which helps explain its classification as a default coverage option by many insurers. For fillings, the primary alternative is the tooth-colored composite resin, which costs more than amalgam due to the material and a more complex placement procedure. A composite filling typically ranges from $90 to $250, compared to the $50 to $200 range for amalgam.
More specialized filling materials, such as gold or ceramic, represent the highest end of the cost spectrum, often starting at $250 and potentially reaching $4,500 depending on the complexity. For full coverage restorations, metal crowns are significantly more affordable than porcelain or ceramic crowns, which are chosen for their aesthetic appearance. Porcelain crowns typically cost between $800 and $3,000, while metal crowns are generally in the $600 to $2,600 range.