If your dentist has told you that you need a crown, the next question most patients ask is: which type? Understanding the types of dental crowns and the costs associated with each can help you feel genuinely prepared rather than overwhelmed before your treatment begins. At Fitzroy Dental Practice in Fitzrovia, we take time to explain all available options so that every patient can make an informed choice that suits their mouth, their bite, and their priorities.
What exactly is a dental crown, and when is one the right treatment?
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits over the entire visible portion of a tooth above the gumline. It is used to restore a tooth that is too damaged, weakened, or extensively restored for a conventional filling to provide adequate protection. Crowns are typically recommended after root canal treatment, following a significant fracture, where decay has removed a large proportion of the natural tooth structure, or to improve the appearance of a heavily discoloured or misshapen tooth.
A crown restores the tooth’s full function, allowing you to bite and chew normally whilst also protecting what remains of the underlying tooth from further damage. It is a long-term restoration, not a temporary fix.
Is a crown always necessary, or could a large filling do the same job?
This is a question worth raising with your dentist. For teeth where a significant amount of structure has been lost, a filling alone may not provide sufficient support to withstand normal biting forces and can actually increase the risk of the tooth fracturing further. Your dentist will assess the proportion of remaining healthy tooth tissue and advise whether a filling, an inlay or onlay, or a full crown represents the most appropriate and durable solution.
How long does the crown procedure take from the first appointment to the final fitting?
For a conventionally fabricated laboratory crown, the process typically involves two appointments. At the first visit, the tooth is prepared, impressions or a digital scan are taken, and a temporary crown is fitted to protect the tooth whilst the final restoration is made. Most patients return one to three weeks later for the permanent crown to be cemented. The total chair time across both appointments is usually between one and two hours.
What are the main types of dental crowns available in London?
There are four principal crown materials available at a private practice in London:
- Full porcelain (including E.max lithium disilicate) all-ceramic, no metal, highly aesthetic
- Zirconia an all-ceramic material of exceptional strength, increasingly the standard at leading private practices
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) a porcelain outer layer bonded to a metal substructure; durable with a long track record
- Full gold or metal alloy the most durable option, rarely chosen for aesthetic reasons but occasionally indicated clinically
On the NHS, crowns are provided under Band 3 treatment at a fixed patient charge of £332.10. NHS provision is clinically sound but offers less flexibility in material choice than private treatment. Private crown costs in London reflect a broader range of materials, laboratory standards, and appointment times.
What is the difference between a porcelain crown and a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown?
A full porcelain crown contains no metal; it is fabricated entirely from ceramic material, which transmits light in a way that closely mimics natural tooth enamel. This makes it the most aesthetically refined option for front teeth where appearance is paramount. A porcelain-fused-to-metal crown, by contrast, has a metal inner coping onto which the porcelain is layered. The metal provides strength, but the porcelain veneer, particularly at the gum margin, can show a faint grey line over time as gums naturally recede.
Are gold crowns still used, and is there any clinical reason to choose one?
Yes, full gold and high-noble metal alloy crowns are still placed, though they are far less common than they once were. Their principal advantage is exceptional durability. Gold crowns require minimal tooth preparation compared with other materials and are extremely unlikely to chip or fracture. Some patients with very heavy biting forces, or those who have repeatedly fractured ceramic restorations, may find that a gold crown on a molar is the most practical long-term solution. Your dentist can discuss whether this is clinically relevant for you.
What is a zirconia crown, and why has it become so popular?
Zirconia is a crystalline form of zirconium dioxide, a high-strength ceramic material that has transformed crown dentistry over the past decade. Its extraordinary mechanical strength, combined with its tooth-like appearance and complete absence of metal, has made the zirconia crown the preferred choice at Fitzroy Dental Practice and many of London’s leading private clinics.
Zirconia crowns are milled from solid ceramic blocks using CAD/CAM technology, which allows for exceptional fit accuracy. Because the material is biocompatible and contains no metal, it is an excellent choice for patients with metal sensitivities and for those who want a restoration that integrates seamlessly with the surrounding teeth.
Is a zirconia crown completely metal-free, and is that important?
Yes, zirconia is an entirely metal-free material. For most patients, this is simply an aesthetic and peace-of-mind consideration. However, for patients with a documented sensitivity or allergy to certain metal alloys, or those who have concerns about the dark gum margin that can develop around PFM crowns over time, a zirconia crown removes these concerns entirely.
Can a zirconia crown look as natural as a full porcelain crown on a front tooth?
Modern high-translucency zirconia performs very well aesthetically, significantly better than earlier generations of the material, which could appear slightly opaque. For most patients, the difference between a well-made zirconia crown and a full porcelain crown on a front tooth is imperceptible. In cases where maximum translucency is the absolute priority, for example, to match particularly translucent natural teeth, your dentist may recommend E.max lithium disilicate as an alternative.
How long does a zirconia crown typically last?
Clinical studies suggest that zirconia crowns, with appropriate care, can last 15 years or more. The material’s exceptional hardness means it is highly resistant to fracture under normal biting forces, though patients who grind their teeth may require additional protective measures such as a custom occlusal splint to protect the restoration.
What is a PFM crown, and is it still a good option?
The porcelain-fused-to-metal crown was the dominant crown type in private dentistry for several decades and remains a clinically sound option in many situations. Its metal substructure provides excellent structural support, and the porcelain outer layer offers a reasonable aesthetic result, particularly on back teeth, where appearance is less critical.
PFM crowns have an enviable clinical track record spanning more than 40 years. For patients requiring a crown on a heavily loaded molar where maximum durability is the priority, or where cost is a significant consideration, a PFM crown may represent a very practical choice.
Why does a PFM crown sometimes show a dark line at the gum edge?
Over time, as the gum naturally recedes slightly, a normal part of ageing for many patients, the metal coping beneath the porcelain can become visible at the margin, appearing as a thin dark line at the gumline. This is an aesthetic rather than clinical concern, but it is one of the primary reasons patients increasingly prefer all-ceramic alternatives such as zirconia for visible front teeth.
Can a PFM crown be used on a front tooth, or only on back teeth?
PFM crowns can be placed on front teeth, and many have been placed over the decades with good results. However, given that the gum margin issue is most noticeable on teeth that are highly visible when you smile, most patients who opt for a front crown today choose a full porcelain or zirconia alternative. Your dentist will discuss the options honestly and help you weigh aesthetics against other factors.
Which crown material is actually the best choice for your specific tooth?
The honest answer is that there is no single best crown material; there is the best material for your tooth, your bite, and your priorities. As a general guide:
- Front teeth where aesthetics are the priority: full porcelain (E.max) or high-translucency zirconia
- Back teeth under heavy bite load: zirconia or PFM for strength; full gold in exceptional cases
- Patients with bruxism (teeth grinding): zirconia is preferred, ideally combined with a custom night guard
- Patients with metal sensitivities: full porcelain or zirconia only
- Patients seeking the longest possible lifespan: zirconia or full gold, depending on tooth position
Your dentist at Fitzroy will examine the tooth, review any relevant X-rays, discuss your aesthetic expectations and bite habits, and recommend the material best suited to your individual circumstances.
Does it matter which tooth needs the crown, front versus back?
It matters significantly. Front teeth are under lighter biting forces but are highly visible, so aesthetics drive the material choice. Back teeth, particularly molars, bear the greatest load during chewing and require materials with high flexural strength. Zirconia performs well in both positions, which is part of why it has become the default material of choice at leading London practices.
If I grind my teeth, does that affect which crown material is safest?
Yes. Bruxism places significantly elevated and repetitive forces on crowns. Full porcelain (E.max) is more susceptible to chipping under heavy grinding than zirconia, and a PFM crown carries the risk of porcelain fracture off the metal substructure. If you are a known grinder, your dentist will typically recommend zirconia as the most resilient option and will strongly advise a custom-made occlusal splint to protect the restoration during sleep.
How much do dental crowns cost in London, and what affects the price?
Private crown costs in London typically range from around £800 to £1,800 or more per crown, depending on the material, the complexity of the preparation, and the laboratory used. At Fitzroy Dental Practice, we are transparent about fees from the outset and provide a written treatment plan and cost estimate before any work begins.
The principal factors that influence crown cost are the material chosen (zirconia and E.max typically cost more than PFM, which in turn costs more than NHS provision), the laboratory used to fabricate the crown, and the number of appointments required.
Why is there such a wide price range for crowns in London?
Crown pricing reflects the material, the laboratory, the clinician’s experience, and the time allocated per appointment. A zirconia crown fabricated at a specialist UK dental laboratory and fitted by an experienced restorative dentist with digital scanning technology represents a very different investment from an NHS Band 3 crown. As with most things in healthcare, what you pay for private treatment is typically reflected in the quality of materials, fit, and clinical attention.
Does Fitzroy Dental offer 0% finance for crown treatment?
Yes. We offer 0% interest-free finance over 12 months with no deposit required, making private crown treatment accessible without a significant upfront payment. Please speak to our reception team when booking your consultation for full details.
If you would like to discuss which crown material is right for your tooth, or to book a consultation at our Fitzrovia practice, we would be glad to hear from you. Fitzroy Dental Practice is at 14 Fitzroy Square, London W1T 6AH. Call us on 020 7387 3317 or book online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best type of dental crown for a front tooth?
Full porcelain (E.max lithium disilicate) or high-translucency zirconia are the preferred materials for front teeth, offering the most natural appearance. Zirconia is increasingly the standard at leading London private practices for its combination of aesthetics and strength.
How much does a dental crown cost in London?
Private crown costs in London typically range from £800 to £1,800+ per crown, depending on material and complexity. NHS crowns are provided under Band 3 treatment at £332.10. Fitzroy Dental Practice offers 0% interest-free finance with no deposit.
What is a zirconia crown, and is it better than porcelain?
A zirconia crown is an all-ceramic, metal-free crown made from zirconium dioxide, one of the strongest dental materials available. Modern high-translucency zirconia looks very similar to natural tooth enamel and is more resistant to chipping than conventional full porcelain, making it an excellent choice for most patients.
How long do dental crowns last?
With good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, most well-made crowns last between 10 and 20 years, and often longer. Zirconia crowns in particular have shown excellent longevity in clinical studies. Bruxism is the most significant risk factor for premature crown failure.
Is a PFM crown still a good choice in 2026?
PFM crowns remain a clinically sound option, particularly for back teeth where durability is more important than aesthetics, or where cost is a significant consideration. However, for most private patients seeking a natural appearance with long-term reliability, zirconia or full porcelain is now the preferred alternative.
