Treatment 06 of 06
Porcelain crowns
Full-coverage porcelain or zirconia crowns for broken, heavily filled or root-treated teeth.
- Typically lasts
- 10 to 15+ years
- Visits
- 2 visits, about 2 to 3 weeks apart
- Can it be undone?
- No
- Price
- From $1,400 per tooth
What it is
In plain words.
A crown covers the whole tooth. It is the right choice when a tooth is too broken or filled for a veneer, after a root canal, or when an old crown with a dark edge at the gum spoils your smile.
The honest part
A crown needs more reshaping than a veneer, so we only suggest one when the tooth needs the strength. If insurance may cover part of it, we send a predetermination first, so you know your share in writing before we start.
Before
After
Is it right for you?
A good fit, and when it isn't.
Usually a good fit for
- A broken or cracked tooth
- A tooth with a large old filling
- After a root canal
- An old crown with a dark line at the gum
Think twice, or talk to us first, if
- A healthy tooth that only needs a colour change. A veneer or bonding keeps more tooth.
- Active decay or gum disease. We treat those first.
How it works
Visit by visit.
2 visits, about 2 to 3 weeks apart. Times are typical; your plan lists your own dates.
-
Visit 1
Exam and X-ray
We check the tooth, the root and the gums, and talk through zirconia or layered porcelain.
-
Visit 2
Prep and temporary
With local anaesthetic, we shape the tooth, scan it and fit a temporary crown. About 90 minutes.
-
About 2 to 3 weeks
Fit
The crown is checked for shade in daylight, cemented and adjusted to your bite.
-
2 weeks later
Review
A short visit to check your bite and the gum around the new crown.
What it costs
$1,400 to $2,100 per tooth.
- Zirconia crown Very strong, for back and front teeth $1,400 to $1,800
- Layered porcelain crown Our pick for front teeth next to veneers $1,700 to $2,100
- Replacing an old crown Removal plus a new crown $1,550 to $2,300
- Core build-up When a tooth needs rebuilding inside first $250 to $400
When a crown is needed for function, many plans pay part of it after waiting periods, up to your yearly maximum. Your share depends on your plan, and we show it to you before treatment.
Every plan includes
- A predetermination sent to your insurer when it may help
- A temporary crown between visits
- Shade matched to neighbouring teeth or veneers
- Bite check and a 2-week review
Example payment
$83 / month
For one layered porcelain crown at $1,800, over 24 months at 9.9% APR. An example only; lender rates depend on approval. Stage payments with no interest are also available.
Run your own numbersHow long it lasts
Honestly: 10 to 15+ years.
Common for well-cared-for crowns. Many last longer.
Helping it last
- Floss where the crown meets the gum
- A night guard if you grind
- Cleanings every 6 months
10 to 15+ years
6 months to 3 years
4 to 8 years
Holds with nightly retainers
10 to 15+ years
Will insurance cover a crown?
Often in part, when the crown is needed for function, like a broken tooth. Many plans pay about half after waiting periods, up to your yearly maximum. We send a predetermination so you see your share in writing.
Zirconia or porcelain?
Zirconia is very strong and good for back teeth. Layered porcelain looks more lifelike on front teeth beside veneers. We show you both before you choose.
Can a crown match my other teeth?
Yes. If you plan to whiten, do it first. Then we match the crown to your new shade.
Often considered alongside
Other ways to get there.
-
Teeth whitening
Yellow and light brown staining on natural teeth
From $395 per course · 6 months to 3 years
-
Porcelain veneers
Colour, chips, wear and uneven edges across several teeth
From $1,600 per tooth · 10 to 15+ years
-
Smile makeovers
Several things at once: colour, shape, gaps, wear and old dental work
From $6,000 per plan · varies
Kitsilano · In studio or by video
Talk crowns at a free consult.
Forty-five minutes, no commitment. Tell us what you'd like to change, see honest options and price ranges, and decide in your own time.