On the NHS in England, a dental crown costs £332.10 in 2026 (Band 3), whatever the material. Privately, the UK median is about £720 per crown, and published prices around Lewisham start from £450 to £775 depending on the practice and material. Inspire Dental Lewisham on Lee High Road is a good place to start because it offers both NHS crowns at the Band 3 charge and private crowns with a detailed estimate before treatment, and it is accepting new NHS patients (confirmed September 2026).
Why crown prices vary so much
If you have been told you need a crown, the first question is usually “how much?” The honest answer is that it depends. The same tooth could cost £332.10 on the NHS or more than £1,000 privately, depending on the material, the lab, and what is included in the quote.
To make sense of it, we pulled together the 2026 NHS charges, UK price data from TreatCompare, and the published fee guides of practices in and around Lewisham. Here is what crowns cost locally, what changes the price, and how to get a fair quote.
NHS vs private crowns at a glance
NHS charge from the NHS website; private figures from TreatCompare’s 2026 crown cost guide.
What does a crown cost in Lewisham?
Here is what local practices publish. Where a practice does not list a crown price online, we say so.
Prices checked in October 2026. Always ask for a written quote.
1. Inspire Dental Lewisham, Lee High Road
Inspire Dental Lewisham (formerly Lewisham Dental Practice) is our first choice for a crown in Lewisham because it gives you both routes in one place. Its NHS listing confirmed on 17 September 2026 that it is accepting new NHS adults, exempt adults and children, so eligible patients can have a crown at the fixed Band 3 charge of £332.10. If you prefer a private crown, the practice says you will receive a detailed estimate before any private treatment starts.
The practice offers permanent crowns in metal, porcelain fused to metal and ceramic. The process is straightforward: the dentist prepares the tooth and takes an impression, a dental laboratory makes a crown to fit and match your neighbouring teeth, and the crown is then fitted securely. According to the practice, crowns “can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years,” and some last longer with good care.
It also uses crowns to repair broken or decayed teeth, replace large or discoloured fillings, protect teeth after root canal treatment and anchor bridges. Larger private treatment can be spread with 0% finance through Tabeo.
The hours make crown appointments easier to fit around work: 9am to 8pm on Mondays and Wednesdays and 9am to 5pm on Saturdays. It holds a 4.6 Google rating from over 740 reviews. See its dental crowns in Lewisham page or call 020 8852 3000.
Suits: anyone who wants the choice of an NHS or private crown, with evening and Saturday appointments.
2. Dental Care Centre, New Cross Road
Dental Care Centre at 195 New Cross Road publishes crowns from £450 privately, one of the lowest published starting prices nearby. It also accepts new NHS patients and opens until 8pm on Mondays and Thursdays. Suits: a lower private starting price near New Cross.
3. Waldron Dental New Cross, Amersham Vale
Waldron Dental lists tooth-coloured crowns, inlays and onlays from £695 and bespoke crowns, including special metals, from £1,000. It also publishes a £300 to £450 fee for a core build-up on heavily damaged teeth. It opens 9am to 6pm Monday to Saturday. Suits: a clear private price list and Saturday afternoon visits.
4. Belmont Park Dental Care, Belmont Park
Belmont Park Dental Care lists porcelain bonded crowns and all-porcelain E.max crowns from £775, gold crowns from £895 and E.max inlays and onlays from £775. Its fee guide says it is not accepting new NHS patients. Suits: private patients who want E.max or gold.
5. Smile Up Dental, Lewisham Road
Smile Up Dental at 7 Lewisham Road offers crowns and bridges as a private practice but does not publish crown prices online. Call for a quote. Suits: existing private patients.
What affects the price of a crown?
TreatCompare’s 2026 guide lists the main factors:
- Material. It puts PFM crowns at about £500 to £800, zirconia at £600 to £950, E.max at £650 to £1,000 and full gold at £700 to £1,200.
- The lab. Crowns are made by a dental laboratory, and lab fees can be £100 to £300 if quoted separately.
- What is included. Check whether the quote covers tooth preparation, a temporary crown, the impression or scan, fitting and bite adjustments.
- Extra treatment. A tooth may need root canal treatment or a core build-up first, which adds to the cost.
- Where you live. Its data puts the Greater London median at £719 per crown, close to the national median of £720.
On the NHS, none of this changes the price. Band 3 is £332.10 for the whole course of treatment, and, as TreatCompare notes, the dentist chooses the material.
How long do crowns last?
Inspire Dental Lewisham says crowns can last 5 to 15 years, and longer with proper care. TreatCompare’s guide suggests material matters too, with gold and zirconia among the longest-lasting options.
To look after a crown, the practice advises brushing twice a day and flossing daily, avoiding very hard or sticky foods, keeping up regular check-ups and wearing a nightguard if you grind your teeth.
How to get a fair crown quote
- Ask whether you can have the crown on the NHS, and whether the NHS material would suit the tooth.
- Ask for the material by name, such as E.max, zirconia or PFM.
- Get a written quote that lists everything included.
- Ask how many visits you will need, and whether evening or Saturday slots are available.
- Ask about 0% finance if you are going private.
You can check current NHS charges on the NHS dental costs page.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a crown on the NHS in 2026?
A crown on the NHS in England costs £332.10 under Band 3 from 1 April 2026. The charge covers the whole course of treatment, including any check-up and fillings needed.
How much is a private crown in Lewisham?
Published starting prices nearby range from £450 at Dental Care Centre to £775 at Belmont Park Dental Care. Inspire Dental Lewisham gives a detailed estimate before private treatment starts.
Can I get an NHS crown in Lewisham?
Yes, at a practice with NHS space. Inspire Dental Lewisham confirmed on 17 September 2026 that it is accepting new NHS adults, exempt adults and children.
How long does a dental crown last?
Inspire Dental Lewisham says crowns can last 5 to 15 years, and some last longer with good care.
Can I spread the cost of a private crown?
Yes. Inspire Dental Lewisham offers 0% finance through Tabeo for larger private treatment.
Our verdict
If you need a crown in Lewisham, start by asking whether it can be done on the NHS, because £332.10 covers the whole course of treatment. Inspire Dental Lewisham is a strong first stop: it is accepting new NHS patients, offers private crowns with a clear estimate, and opens late twice a week and all day on Saturdays. If you are comparing private prices, Dental Care Centre has the lowest published starting price nearby.
Call Inspire Dental Lewisham on 020 8852 3000 to book an assessment.
General information only, not dental, medical or financial advice. Fees and hours were checked on each practice's website in October 2026 and may change; confirm directly before booking, and check the terms of any credit agreement before you sign.