Dental Crowns Costs UK 2026. Benefits & How Long It Lasts.

Dental crowns approximately cost £700 to £1,800 (per tooth). A single implant crown, which replaces the missing tooth plus covers it with a crown, starts from £5,000. It includes the costs of implant surgery, abutment (connector), and the crown. 

The difference in the costs of dental crown treatments usually comes down to the type of crown you pick.  

Types of Crowns Available

You are spoiled for choice when it comes to dental crowns.

• Metals: These are basically alloys with a higher percentage of gold/platinum. They can also be base-metal alloys. For instance, nickel-chromium. The good part? They don’t chip too easily and probably last the longest. They cost around £400–£600. 
• Porcelain-fused-to-metal: These look almost like natural teeth but they can wear out the opposing teeth. Plus, the porcelain part can chip or break off. They’re usually priced at £450–£800.  
• All-ceramic or all-porcelain: Offer better colour match and are a great option for those with metal allergies. The approximate cost for these crowns are £600–£900.  
• Emax (lithium disilicate): It’s a kind of glass ceramic which is highly translucent. This makes it easier for the dentist to match the crown to your teeth’s natural colour. They’re very strong, so you can use them for your teeth at the front and back too. They’re priced slightly higher, around £650–£1,600, because of the premium look.
• Zirconia: They’re generally more expensive (£700–£1,200) than basic ceramic and metal crowns. That’s because your dentist makes them from a single block using CAD/CAM technology. As a result, the shape of the crown is very precise. Plus, you can use them for your front and back tooth because it can withstand heavy chewing. 

Temporary Crown vs Permanent Crown

Temporary crowns are usually made of acrylic or stainless steel. Like the name suggests, they are a temporary fix until the permanent crowns are made in dental labs. 

Pre-Crown Costs To Consider

Getting a dental crown is the last step in the process. Your dentist will first make sure that your tooth is ready for it. This can include steps like:

• Core rebuilding if your tooth has heavily decayed from cavities or is broken.
• Root canal if your tooth is dead or infected  

Do confirm if the cost shared with you is only for the crown or for the entire procedure.

When Do You Need Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are custom-made caps that go over your teeth to cover them. They can restore your teeth’s shape, strength and improve how they appear. Thus, allowing your teeth to function naturally. 

The doctor may recommend dental crowns for:

• Tooth decay: Decay weakens the structure of your tooth. This increases the chances of your tooth cracking, breaking, or simply paining when you chew on food. A crown covers the entire tooth to avoid this damage and restores the strength for full function.  
• Severely worn teeth: Your teeth can wear out from constant grinding and eating acidic food over time. It affects your biting and chewing ability. Moreover, it does not appear too good either. Crowns rebuild the shape and cover the tooth to improve its function and appearance too. 
• Large fillings: When you have a large filling in any of your teeth, there’s a chance that it has very little of the healthy tooth left for support. You are, then, at risk of cracking a tooth under pressure. The crown holds the filling and healthy tooth together. 
• Dental bridges: Dental bridges replace missing teeths. However, they need support to stay in place. Crowns offer that support. 
• Cover a misshaped/discoloured tooth: Uneven, damaged, or heavily discoloured teeth are often fixed with help of whitening and bonding. However, it’s possible that the damage is just too much! That’s where crowns step in. They restore the shape and colour. 
• Covering an implant: Implants replace the roots of missing teeth. A crown acts as the visible part to restore biting and chewing. 

Practical Benefits of Crowns

Once you get a dental crown, a lot of things change drastically. 

• Confident chewing: A lot of people chew only on one side when they have weak tooths on the other. Of course, to avoid pain. Crowns solve this problem as they restore normal chewing. 
• Reduces jaw pressure: Constantly chewing on one side puts uneven pressure on your jaw muscles and joints. It can lead to discomfort and strain. Since you’re able to chew on both sides, crowns reduce this pressure. 
• Protects from new weak spots: Weak tooths are more prone to breaking further. Crowns increase protection and keep your tooth clear of new lines or weak corners. 
• Reduces sensitivity: Eating or drinking anything too cold becomes easier as the crown covers the inner layers of the tooth. 

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

The average life of a dental crown is 10 years. The actual lifespan depends on the material of the crown and how well you take care of it.

• Zirconia (ceramic crown): 10-15 years
• Porcelain fused to metal: 5-15 years
• Lithium disilicate: 5-15 years 
• Gold: 10+ years

Getting dental crowns is definitely not a small decision to make. You will have to consider many factors before making a final call. SDS’s dental crown services ensure natural-looking restoration. The crowns function like real teeth so you can bite and chew as usual. Speak to our dental experts to understand all the options you have and come up with a personal treatment plan. 

FAQs

How much does a dental crown cost in the UK?

A dental crown costs approximately £700 – £1,800+ at a private clinic. 

Why do dentists recommend a crown?

Your dentist will suggest a crown if your tooth is severely decayed or destroyed. The crown protects the tooth and strengthens it. 

Is getting a dental crown worth it after a root canal?

Yes, getting a dental crown is usually the next step after a root canal because root-filled teeth are likely to break as compared to healthy, untreated ones.