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Dental crowns

A dental crown is a custom made cap that covers a damaged, worn or heavily filled tooth to restore its shape, strength and appearance. This page explains what the treatment involves, how the main materials differ, what makes one quote cost more than another, and what to check before you book, whether you are treated at home or abroad.

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Medically reviewed by Dt. Musa Kaya, Dentistry. Written by Asli Diken.
Updated 23 June 2026 · Editorial standards

Crowns abroad at a glance

starting price, 17 June 2026from €150Treatment only
minimum stay3 to 14 days
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Figures are ranges, not promises. Suitability needs an individual assessment by a doctor.

Crowns clinics

Each clinic sets its own price, so check what the price includes before comparing two of them.

  • Dentavivo, facility

Dentavivo ✔ Verified

Şişli, Turkey · 786 clinic reviews

9.3FlymediScore
Lead: Dentistry, 8 years
TURSABMOHADADDUTDB

Speaks EN · FR +6

from €150 Treatment only

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In this article

  1. Dental crowns
  2. What a dental crown is
  3. When a dentist recommends a crown
  4. Crown materials and how they differ
  5. What the procedure involves
  6. Comfort during and after treatment
  7. How long a crown lasts
  8. Crown, veneer, inlay or filling

Dental crowns

What a dental crown is

A crown fits over the whole visible part of a tooth rather than filling part of it. The dentist reshapes the natural tooth so the crown can sit over it, then cements a custom made cap on top. Once fitted, the crown carries the biting force that the weakened tooth underneath can no longer take on its own.

Crowns are sometimes called caps. On a dental implant, the crown is the visible tooth shaped part that attaches to the post in the jaw, which is why the same word appears in implant quotes.

When a dentist recommends a crown

A crown is usually suggested when too little sound tooth remains to hold a filling, or when what is left needs protecting from splitting.

  • A tooth that has cracked, or broken away around a large old filling.
  • A tooth that has had root canal treatment and has become brittle.
  • A tooth worn down by grinding or by acid erosion.
  • A discoloured or misshapen front tooth where a filling or a veneer would not hold.
  • The visible part of a dental implant, which is made as a crown.
  • A tooth that carries a bridge at either end.

Crown materials and how they differ

Material is the choice that moves both the appearance and the price of a crown. Which one suits depends on where the tooth sits, how hard you bite on it, and how much natural tooth is left to work with.

Zirconia

A very strong ceramic milled from a solid block. It copes well with heavy chewing load, which makes it a common choice for back teeth, and more translucent versions are also used at the front. It needs no metal core.

All ceramic and pressed ceramic

Ceramic with no metal underneath, including pressed glass ceramic. It handles light in a way close to natural enamel, so it is often chosen for front teeth where appearance matters most.

Porcelain fused to metal

A metal substructure with ceramic baked over it. It has a long clinical track record, though the metal edge can show as a dark line at the gum if the gum recedes over time.

Full metal, including gold alloys

Hard wearing, gentle on the opposing teeth and needs the least tooth removal. It is rarely chosen where it would show, so it is mostly used on back teeth.

Temporary crowns

Acrylic or composite, usually made at the chairside to protect the prepared tooth while the permanent crown is produced. They are not built to last and are removed at the fitting appointment.

Two quotes for the same tooth can differ simply because they assume different materials. When you compare them, check the material named on each, and whether the figure covers the laboratory work as well as the dentist's chair time.

What the procedure involves

  1. Assessment

    The dentist examines the tooth, usually with an X ray, to check that enough sound structure remains and that the root and surrounding bone are healthy. If the nerve is infected, root canal treatment normally comes first.

  2. Preparing the tooth

    Under local anaesthetic, the dentist reshapes the tooth so the crown can fit over it. How much is removed depends on the material chosen.

  3. Impression or scan

    An impression or a digital scan records the prepared tooth and the way your teeth meet. If the crown will be visible, the shade is matched at this stage.

  4. Temporary crown

    A temporary crown protects the prepared tooth while the permanent one is made in a laboratory. Clinics that mill crowns on site may skip this step.

  5. Fitting

    The dentist checks the fit, the shade and the way the crown meets the opposing teeth, adjusts it if it sits high, then cements it in place.

Comfort during and after treatment

The tooth is numbed with local anaesthetic before it is shaped, so the appointment itself is usually straightforward. Afterwards, tenderness in the gum and sensitivity to hot and cold are common for a few days, particularly if the tooth was already inflamed.

Tell the clinic if the crown feels high when your teeth meet, if sensitivity is getting worse rather than settling, or if the gum around it stays sore. A crown sitting even slightly proud of the bite can cause aching that a short adjustment resolves.

How long a crown lasts

Lifespan depends less on the material than on what happens around it. The join between crown and tooth is where trouble usually starts, because decay can begin under the edge if plaque is left to sit there.

  • How accurately the margin was fitted and sealed in the first place.
  • Daily cleaning, and flossing around the crown edge in particular.
  • Grinding or clenching, which loads a crown well beyond normal chewing.
  • The condition of the tooth and root underneath, which is what actually holds the crown.
  • Whether a nightguard is worn, if you grind.

The crown itself does not decay, but the natural tooth beneath it still can. That is why a crowned tooth still needs regular check ups.

Crown, veneer, inlay or filling

These options cover different amounts of damage. A filling replaces missing material inside the cavity. An inlay or onlay is made in a laboratory and cemented into or over part of the biting surface. A veneer is a thin facing bonded to the front of a tooth, so it changes appearance but adds little strength. A crown covers the tooth completely and is the option that carries load once a lot of structure has gone.

If a dentist proposes a crown where you expected a veneer, the reason is usually that too little sound tooth remains for a facing to bond to, or that the tooth needs protecting from splitting rather than only looking different.

What affects the price

Crown prices vary widely between clinics and between countries, and a quoted figure is only comparable once you know what it covers.

  • The material, and the laboratory that makes the crown.
  • Whether the tooth needs root canal treatment, a post or a core build up first.
  • How many crowns are being made at the same time.
  • Whether the clinic mills crowns on site or sends the work out.
  • The dentist's experience and the clinic's overheads, which follow local costs.
  • What the quote includes: consultation, imaging, the temporary crown, adjustments and follow up.

Ask each clinic to split its quote into the treatment itself and anything bundled around it, then compare like with like. Any price shown on this page carries a label saying whether it covers treatment only or an all inclusive package, so check that label before setting two figures side by side.

Treatment at home or abroad

A lower treatment price is the usual reason for looking abroad, but the comparison only holds once the whole trip is counted and the follow up is understood.

  • The total of treatment, flights, accommodation and time away from work.
  • How many appointments are needed, and how many days on the ground that means.
  • Whether the crown is milled on site, which changes how long you have to stay.
  • Who adjusts or replaces the crown if something is wrong after you return, and at whose cost.
  • Whether the clinic sets out remake terms in writing, and how long they run.
  • How you would raise a problem once you are home, and in which language.

An adjustment is a short appointment when the clinic is down the road and a second flight when it is not. That difference belongs in the comparison before you decide.

How to check a clinic

  • The dentist's registration with the national dental regulator, which you can usually confirm yourself.
  • Any clinic accreditation, and what it actually covers.
  • The material and the laboratory named in writing on the quote.
  • A treatment plan that lists each tooth, rather than one lump sum.
  • Written aftercare terms, including what happens if a crown fails.
  • Reviews read for what they say about follow up and complications, not only the result on the day.

Who a crown suits

A crown is generally suitable when the tooth is damaged above the gum but the root and the bone around it are sound.

  • Enough tooth structure remains, or can be rebuilt, to support a crown.
  • The root is healthy, or has been successfully root treated.
  • The gums are healthy, and any active gum disease has been treated.
  • General health allows routine dental treatment under local anaesthetic.

A crown is not the answer when a tooth is broken below the gum, when the root is fractured, or when gum disease has loosened the tooth. In those cases the conversation is usually about extraction and replacement instead. Untreated decay and gum inflammation are normally dealt with before crown work starts.

Travel documents

For most short dental trips a tourist visa or visa free entry is enough, but requirements depend on your nationality and your destination, and they change.

  • A passport valid well beyond your planned return date.
  • Proof of onward or return travel, and of where you are staying.
  • Your treatment plan and appointment confirmation from the clinic.
  • Relevant medical records, including recent X rays.
  • Travel insurance, checked for whether it covers planned treatment abroad.

Check the official embassy or consulate website for your destination before booking, since that is the only source certain to be current.

Paying for treatment

Clinics differ in how they take payment and in what they ask for up front, so get the schedule in writing before you travel. Confirm when each stage falls due, which currency is charged, and how card or transfer fees are handled.

If you are weighing a payment plan, look at the total repayable rather than the monthly figure, and check who the credit agreement is actually with. Availability and terms depend on where you live.

Costs to budget for beyond the crown

  • Flights, accommodation and local transport, for everyone travelling.
  • Extra nights if the fitting appointment moves.
  • Preparatory work identified at the first examination, such as root canal treatment.
  • Follow up or adjustments once you are home.
  • Currency conversion and card charges.

Real results: before and after

Photos supplied by the clinics that performed the treatment, with patient consent. Each photo is credited to its clinic.

See all 9 results

What patients say How we collect reviews

Reviews left by patients treated through Flymedi for this treatment. Each one is written in the patient's own language.

E.· Crowns✓ Verified

5.0 · 2 March 2026

I had several dental crowns done at DentaVivo and the whole process was much easier than I expected. The dentist explained every step clearly and made sure I was comfortable during each appointment. I was also very happy with Flymedi because they helped me organise the treatment, transfers and communication with the clinic. The price was much more affordable than in the UK, but the quality definitely did not feel cheap at all 😊

J.· Crowns✓ Verified

5.0 · 20 February 2026

I had a crown replaced here and it was a big improvement over my old one. The dentist made sure the edges were smooth and that flossing felt normal. Great communication, clean clinic, and no long waiting time.

B.· Crowns✓ Verified

5.0 · 14 February 2026

I had a bad toothache and ended up needing a root canal. The dentist was gentle and explained the steps and why a crown is recommended after. They were careful with pain control and I felt relieved right away after treatment. Good communication and clean facility.

L.· Crowns✓ Verified

5.0 · 9 February 2026

Got two crowns for back teeth and the experience was smooth. Numbing was gentle and I didn’t feel pain during the prep. The final crowns feel strong and comfortable, and they fit perfectly with my bite.

165 reviews

Frequently asked questions

Answers from the medical content team, reviewed by the medical reviewer named on this page.

What is a dental crown?
A crown is a custom made cap that covers the whole visible part of a tooth. It is cemented over the natural tooth once the dentist has reshaped it, and it carries the biting force the tooth can no longer take alone.
How long do dental crowns last?
It varies, and it depends more on the tooth and the care it gets than on the material alone. The seal at the margin, flossing around the edge, and whether you grind your teeth all affect how long a crown stays sound. Your dentist can give a realistic expectation for your own case.
Does having a crown fitted hurt?
The tooth is numbed with local anaesthetic while it is shaped, so the appointment itself is usually manageable. Sensitivity and gum tenderness for a few days afterwards are common. Discomfort that increases rather than settles is worth reporting to the clinic.
What are crowns made of?
Common options are zirconia, all ceramic including pressed glass ceramic, porcelain fused to metal, and full metal alloys. Temporary crowns are usually acrylic or composite. Which suits depends on the position of the tooth, your bite, and how much natural tooth is left.
How many appointments does a crown take?
Usually the tooth is prepared and recorded at one appointment and the crown fitted at another, with a temporary crown in between. Clinics that mill crowns on site can sometimes complete it in one visit. Ask the clinic for its own schedule before booking travel.
Can I choose the shade?
Yes. The shade is matched at the impression or scan stage against the teeth beside it. If you are planning to whiten your natural teeth, do that first, because a crown cannot be whitened afterwards.
What is the difference between a crown and a veneer?
A veneer is a thin facing bonded to the front surface of a tooth and mainly changes how it looks. A crown covers the tooth completely and carries biting load. Where a lot of tooth structure has been lost, a veneer has too little left to bond to.
Do I need root canal treatment before a crown?
Not always. It is needed when the nerve inside the tooth is infected or has died. Many teeth are crowned with a healthy nerve left in place. The examination and X ray at the assessment appointment decide which applies.
Can a crowned tooth still decay?
Yes. The crown does not decay, but the natural tooth underneath and the margin where the two meet still can. Cleaning along the gum line and flossing around the crown are what protect it.
How do I look after a new crown?
Brush and floss it as you would a natural tooth, paying particular attention to the margin at the gum. If you grind your teeth, ask about a nightguard. Keep up regular check ups so the margin and the tooth beneath can be examined.
What if my temporary crown comes off?
Contact the clinic. A temporary crown holds the space and protects the prepared tooth, so it needs recementing rather than leaving off. Avoid chewing hard or sticky food on that side while it is loose.
When can I eat after the permanent crown is fitted?
Ask the clinic, because it depends on the cement used. It is also sensible to wait until the anaesthetic has worn off, so you do not bite your cheek or tongue without feeling it.
What can go wrong with a crown?
The usual issues are sensitivity that persists, a crown sitting high in the bite, decay starting at the margin, a chipped ceramic surface, or a crown coming loose. Most are treatable, and most are easier to deal with the sooner they are reported.
Can all of my teeth be crowned?
Crowning is decided tooth by tooth, on how much structure is left and how healthy the root and gum are. Where teeth are sound, less invasive options are usually preferred, because preparing a tooth for a crown cannot be undone.
Will my insurance cover a crown?
That depends on your policy and on where you are treated. Many policies treat crowns differently from routine care, and treatment abroad is often limited or excluded. Check the wording with your insurer before you book rather than after.
What should I check before choosing a clinic abroad?
Confirm the dentist's registration, get the material and laboratory named in writing, ask for a plan that lists each tooth separately, and establish who handles adjustments or a remake once you are home.

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Other locationsColombiaSpainHungaryMexicoPolandThailandTurkey

About this page

Written by Asli Diken, Expert Medical Writer at Flymedi. Medically reviewed by Dt. Musa Kaya, Dentistry. Content updated 23 June 2026. Next scheduled review 23 June 2027.

This page is general information, not personal medical advice. It does not diagnose you and it does not replace an individual assessment by a doctor who has examined you.

Found something wrong or out of date on this page? Tell us and we will check it. Editorial standards and reviewer list: authors and reviewers.

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