Zirconia Crowns Price: Complete Guide to Costs and Benefits

Oral health needs expand to the desire to lead a quality life to the fullest. Increasing awareness, along with social media, has raised the bar of having not just a perfect smile but a flawless smile like a celebrity. Zirconia-based dental materials gained popularity with revolutionizing technologies like CAD/CAM, 3-D printing, and CEREC.^[1] Stepping into details, dental crowns made from zirconium dioxide cover broken, cracked, or weakened teeth. Dentists use them to cover the metal post of dental implants, too. Zirconia crowns are popularly chosen for their aesthetics and durability. Scroll further down for more information.

Details on Zirconia Dental Crowns 

Zirconia tooth caps are white-colored dental crowns made from zirconium dioxide, a ceramic material. These customized indirect restorations are crafted outside the oral cavity and fixed on the existing affected tooth or dental implants.^[2] Dentists also recommend zirconia crowns in dental bridges to cover the gaps left by missing teeth. These non-porous white-colored tooth caps cannot be confused with porcelain or porcelain-fused-with-metal crowns.

Zirconia dental material 

Zirconia dental materials are known for their excellent fracture resistance, strength, and toughness. They are equally preferred alongside titanium dental materials because of their superior biocompatibility properties.^[3] Zirconia restorations indeed gained popularity due to their better aesthetics and excellent optical properties. Modern dentists use advanced technology such as the Computer-Aided Design/ Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM). The system uses digital design and a precise milling process, resulting in a real tooth look. The CAD/CAM-manufactured zirconia crowns are quite popular for their translucent properties and natural look. ^[4] Dentists even recommend dental crowns made from zirconia for the back teeth that are subjected to wear and tear. Thanks to their resilience besides aesthetics.

Types of zirconia crowns 

Dental crowns made from zirconia vary based on their translucency level. Dentists suggest the right type based on the tooth location and the patient's requirements. 

• Full-contour zirconia crowns: These are solid monolithic zirconia crowns that are designed and milled from solid zirconia pieces. These crowns are fully opaque with the least occlusal clearance and are highly durable. They are best suited for back teeth and for patients with habits like bruxism.
• Translucent zirconia crowns: These are full-contour, all-translucent zirconia crowns designed and milled from highly translucent zirconia blocks. These have an exceptional translucency and mimic natural teeth. While the resilience is relatively low, these are preferred for the front teeth (incisors and canines). 
• Layered zirconia crowns: These ceramic layer zirconia crowns are specially designed to mimic the natural teeth while holding the durability and toughness of zirconia. Natural teeth pose a unique gradience, with the outer layer being more see-through and the inner portion around the gumline being more opaque. Ceramic layers are laid on zirconia in order to attain this sort of natural look. However, only the visible portions are layered, while the occlusal portions of the crown remain fully opaque. This ensures the crowns are durable while still being natural to the eyes.  

Note that the choice of the type of zirconia dental crown depends on the dentist's expertise, tooth location, and aesthetic and functional expectations. We discussed the pros and cons of zirconia dental crowns below.

Why Are Zirconia Crowns Good? Understand the Advantages 

Zirconia dental crowns are a popular choice mainly because they are:

• Metal-free and biocompatible with the least chances of allergic reactions.
• Durable and highly fracture-resistant with better suitability for front and back teeth as well.
• Possesses superior aesthetics and offers a radiant look to your smile.
• Have a smooth, stain-resistant exterior and does not damage adjacent teeth, which is in contrast to other crown types.

Zirconia Crowns Disadvantages 

Every choice has its pros and cons. Below are the disadvantages of zirconia dental crowns.

• Often priced high due to the material and crafting costs.
• Highly translucent, and it’s not easy to match with surrounding natural teeth.
• Are hard to replace because of their high strength and strong bond with existing teeth.

Source: NCBI^[5]  

Don’t worry about the choice. Your dentist will brief you on the treatment process, its benefits, and zirconia crowns problems. While we mention these carry a hefty price tag, don’t take our word for it. Check out the upcoming section to understand the price details.

How Much Zirconia Crowns Cost?

While dental crown costs vary with the type of material, zirconia crowns usually cost more than the other types. The average zirconia crowns price per tooth is between $1,500 and $3,000. Dental material zirconia price is relatively expensive, mainly due to the production costs. It demands skilled technicians and advanced equipment like CAD/CAM. Factors like insurance coverage and geographical location also influence the price for zirconia crowns. Dental insurance partially covers crown prices when they are medically necessary. However, they are not covered when considered for cosmetic reasons. Plus crown costs are high in developed countries like the US or Canada. Knowing the right prices is crucial if you’re looking for zirconia crowns for your front and back teeth. 

Zirconia Crowns Near Me

Below is the price list for various geographical locations.

• Zirconia crowns price in USA: $1,500 and $3,000
• Zirconia crown price in Canada: $900 and $3,000
• Zirconia crowns price UK: $1,050 and $1,500
• Zirconia crowns price Philippines: $600 and $750 
• Zirconia crowns price in Nepal: $500 and $680
• Zirconia crowns price Mexico: $450 and $490
• Zirconia crowns price Turkey: $280 and $450
• Zirconia crowns price in Pakistan: $200 and $500
• Zirconia crowns price in India: $150 and $290

*Note that the zirconium crown prices mentioned correspond to one single unit. The exact cost varies with the dentist's specialization, experience, and clinic reputation. Now, let’s understand how various parameters influence the zirconia crown costs.

Factors That Affect Zirconia Crown Teeth Cap Price   

Your treatment bills for getting dental crowns made from zirconium depend on the following factors:

• Clinic's geographical location: Crown costs in developed countries like the US, UK, or Canada are typically more than in countries like India or Turkey. Dental prices in urban areas are expensive mainly because of the higher material and clinic maintenance costs. 
• Dentist’s expertise: Qualified and experienced dentists generally quote higher charges than others. While their brand value adds more weight to final bills, one can expect guaranteed results. 
• Dental lab charges: Zirconia crown fabrication is a customized approach. Custom shading and layering are essential for a natural look. These indirect restorations are crafted at the dental labs by highly skilled technicians using fine dental materials. Note that medical-grade zirconium is expensive, and modern equipment like CAD/CAM is required for precise results. Skilled technicians at the exclusive dental labs charge higher fees for crown fabrication.
• Oral health and crown number: Final bills depend on the number of zirconia crowns required, which in turn depends on the intensity of tooth damage. The greater the number of decayed or damaged teeth, the higher the final bill will be. 
• Additional expenses: When considering crown costs, it's important to consider the allied costs of anesthesia, dentist consultation, and diagnostic procedures like dental X-rays. 

Types of Dental Crowns and Cost  

Dentists recommend crowns based on various factors, such as the nature of tooth damage, the shade, the condition of existing teeth, and finally, your expected budget. Various dental ceramics offer a natural look by blending well with natural teeth. However, they differ in material type and price. 

Zirconia crowns versus porcelain

Zirconia and porcelain crowns primarily vary with the type of material and longevity. While the porcelain crowns are made from white-colored porcelain (a common ceramic), the zirconia crowns are made from zirconium dioxide.  

The tooth-colored porcelain crowns closely mimic the natural hue of the teeth. They are relatively less durable than zirconia crowns, which are known for their exceptional strength. Zirconia crowns, on the other hand, are highly translucent and are ideal for candidates prioritizing aesthetics. Below, we tabulated the preference of zirconia or porcelain crowns for various considerations.

Zirconia versus porcelain crown performance 

Comparing Zirconium Crowns Price With Other Ceramic Crown Costs

We briefed a few popular types of dental crown costs with their advantages and disadvantages in the table below.  

Zirconia crowns versus other tooth-colored dental crowns 

#Exact prices are case-dependent. 

Zirconia crown versus porcelain price holds a huge disparity. However, the worth of dental crowns made from zirconium speak for themselves. Now, let’s understand the effectiveness of the choice. 

Are Zirconia Crowns the Best?

The ony drawback that zirconia crowns carry is an expensive price tag. However, aside from prices, zirconia crowns are highly aesthetic and blend with natural teeth. They are indeed a high-demand option for those seeking smile makeover options. More importantly, these are biocompatible and suitable for a range of patients with the least chance of causing allergies. Plus, they are hardy and chip-resistant and are ideal for front and back teeth as well. With proper care, these last for 10-15 years and even longer in some cases.^[6] Furthermore, they are stain-resistant and rarely damage the teeth adjacent to them. 

Keeping cost aspects aside, getting zirconia crowns neither require complex surgical procedures nor tedious aftercare. These are easy to maintain just as simple as you care for your natural teeth. Moreover, the dentists perform minimal tooth preparation for installing zirconia crowns. Being hardy, these need not be thicker than porcelain crowns and require a small amount of tooth structure to be removed. Plus, they don’t require frequent replacements due to chips, fractures, or breaks. So, investing in this aesthetic choice is indeed a one-time investment with long-term benefits.

Why wait to achieve the perfect smile? With zirconia crowns, you get a strong, biocompatible, and stain-resistant solution that lasts for years. And the best part? You don’t have to break the bank. Envoy Health ensures you receive top-quality dental care at a fraction of the cost. Sign up now and let us guide you to the best clinics and experienced specialists. Start your journey today—because your smile deserves the best

When does a dentist recommend a zirconia crown?

Your dentist will first assess your candidature before suggesting zirconia crown treatment. You will need a healthy oral cavity and are free from chronic periodontic problems of the gums and jawbone. Candidates with unusual bite force or habits like bruxism are generally not recommended for the procedure. Zirconia crowns are typically for tooth problems, including: ^[7]  

• Decayed root canal-treated tooth 
• Missing tooth with an implant fixed recently
• Weakened tooth structure that is ready to crack
• Chipped, cracked, broken, or stained front teeth

Aren’t you interested in knowing more about the procedure for getting zirconia dental crowns? Worry not, as we’ve briefed it for you. The upcoming section is of help!

All About Getting Zirconia Dental Crowns 

The procedure for getting zirconia tooth caps follows the below-mentioned steps.

• Consultation: Your dentist will initially examine your oral cavity to understand your oral health problems. They will then suggest the right crown type with its pros and cons, a treatment plan and a price estimate. 
• Diagnostic tests: These are performed to obtain an accurate picture of tooth damage, breaks, or decay, and they involve dental and panoramic X-rays.   
• Pre-crown procedures: If your tooth suffered major decay, the dentist will perform a root canal. This will prepare the tooth free from infections and be better suitable for the upcoming zirconia crown.  
• Tooth preparation: Your dentist will remove part of the existing tooth to accommodate the crown, which will be done under local anesthesia.
• Impression collection: They will perform shade match and collect tooth impressions for customized crown fabrication. Advanced dentistry utilizes digital impression collection eliminating the mess with manual collection using dental putty. Besides, digital impression collection also ensures accuracy with precise outcomes and natural fit.  
• Temporary crown: The dentist will fix a temporary crown on the prepared tooth until your customized crowns are ready to be fixed. 
• Permanent crown: This will be during your second appointment after the custom-fit zirconia crowns are ready. Your dentist will first extract the temporary crown and fix the permanent crown. They will check the fit and shade match for a natural look and feel. 

Note that getting zirconia dental crowns is an outpatient procedure. You can return home on the same day. While your dentist will brief you on the post-procedural care measures, we listed them here for a clear understanding.  

Zirconia Dental Crowns Aftercare

Caring for zirconia dental crowns is simple and very similar to your natural teeth.

• Use the prescribed antibiotic and painkillers dose early after the crown procedure.
• Brush your teeth daily twice and floss them regularly. 
• Maintain oral hygiene and attend routine dental check-ups.
• Avoid biting on hard-shelled nuts and foods. 
• Reduce your consumption of stain-inducing foods like tea, coffee, red wine, and blueberries. Alternatively, rinse your oral cavity after consuming them.

A simple procedure and easy aftercare! What else would one expect with a dental procedure? The only concern that bothers a patient seeking zirconia dental crowns is their expensive price tag. However, with effective planning, you can avoid this. What if we say certain ways allow you to pay less for zirconia dental crowns? Hop on to the upcoming section to learn more. 

How To Save on High-Quality Zirconia Dental Crowns?

Some dentists offer dental financing and monthly payment options. Discuss any financial concerns with your dentist and find the most suitable option for you. Here are the various other approaches one can adopt for affordable zirconia crowns price:

Dental Schools

Dentists at corporate dental offices charge higher prices for commercial benefits. An affordable alternative would be getting them done at dental schools. Students at dental schools will perform your zirconia crown procedure under the supervision of an experienced dentist. While this is a great choice for its reasonable price, getting appointments for crown procedures indeed demands long wait times.     

Dental Insurance

Many insurance providers cover zirconia crown costs when they are needed for preventive care. That is, the zirconia crown price is partially covered when you get crowns for a broken tooth or severely decayed root canal-treated tooth. This will lighten the burden of sky-high bills. However, insurance doesn’t apply when you look for crowns to enhance your smile aesthetics. Note that the coverage varies with the type of insurance. While some cover half of the bills, some insurance providers offer only partial coverage. Check out with your dentist and the insurance provider for complete details of dental insurance for zirconia crowns.  

Zirconia Crowns Pricing When You Choose Between In-Network and Out-of-Network Dentist 

Your out-of-pocket expenses for zirconia crowns under insurance vary with choosing an in-network or out-of-network provider. In-network providers are usually tied up with insurance companies and offer fixed coverage. The out-of-pocket expenses are typically low. However, this choice can probably limit you on the choice of materials, warranties, and specialists. Further, some insurance providers may impose specified wait periods before initiating treatment. On the other hand, choosing out-of-network dentists can lower the insurance coverage with relatively more percent of out of pocket expenses. However, this choice offers flexibility in choosing between specialists, schedules, and materials without limitations.  

Dental Tourism

Another popular alternative is to get affordable zirconia dental crowns at a nearby location with a short, comfortable trip. Dental tourism destinations like Turkey, Mexico, and India offer reasonably priced zirconia crowns. Performing background checks and finding reliable providers in dental tourism countries ensures the success of your affordable zirconia crown treatment.

Being Meticulous While Opting for Zirconia Dental Crowns

While zirconia crowns offer durability and aesthetics, it's crucial to get treated by the right dentist for overall success. Zirconia dental crowns require a precise fit for a comfortable bite and natural look. Relying on advanced technology reduces the risk of discomfort, gum irritation, improper fabrication, and chipping issues. While modern dentists quote expensive bills, choosing a dentist based only on price can lead to subpar results. Below, we briefed on some essential pointers you should keep in mind while opting for zirconia dental crowns.

• Weigh in all the factors like cost, insurance coverage, technology used, and warranties applicable at the dentist's office. Few clinics offer finacing options and payment plans as well. Consider all the price related aspects and compare the amenities among a few providers. 
• Gauge patient satisfaction and quality of care by checking out the zirconia crowns reviews. While this confirms dentist's expertise, it will also warn you about poor communication or rushed procedures. 
• Check out the zirconia crowns before and after photographs to access the realistic color matching and proper shaping. Improper fabrication leads to bulky crowns and poor aesthetics, indicating a lack of expertise.
• Zirconia prices vary with the grade of material used. Some materials prioritize translucency, while others prioritize strength. Check out with your dentist about the brand, and grade of the material they and the technology they use for crafting crowns. Some dentists use digital technologies for collecting teeth impressions, while a few others use conventional methods of putty which could be inconvenient. Using advanced tools ensures perfect fit and reduces human errors.  

Top Dental Tourism Picks for Affordable Zirconia Crowns 

Mexico is a feasible choice for uninsured Americans seeking the cheapest dental crowns made from zirconia. Cities like Los Algodones, Tijuana, and Cancun have reputed dental clinics offering quality crowns. These dental tourism destinations are convenient to reach as well. While the zirconia crowns cost far less with Mexican dental work, one can save up to 85% on treatment. Highly qualified dentists will fix the zirconia crowns by utilizing the latest technology. Thanks to the advanced dental technology, many clinics are ADA-affiliated, and dental care in Mexico aligns with global standards. Dental clinics in Mexico are state-of-the-art equipped and have in-house dental laboratories. The best part of having in-house laboratories is that it reduces turnaround times for zirconia crown treatment.  

In case you are concerned about relying on dental care abroad, note that Mexican dental work is as safe as that you get at a Stateside clinic. All you need to do is to find a reliable dental provider offering quality dental crowns. Research thoroughly before planning your dental trip, and find a reliable Mexican dentist for your dental work. Verify clinic affiliations and accreditations along with dentist qualifications, certifications, and credentials. Check patient reviews and treatment before and after photographs. These offer a clear understanding of the treatment outcomes along with some peace of mind. Below are the before and after pictures of some satisfied patients who underwent zirconia crown treatment. 

Dental crowns made from zirconia are stain-resistant, highly durable, and last 10-15 years. Thanks to the strength and aesthetics of zirconia material, these crowns serve restorative and cosmetic purposes for both back and front teeth. While zirconium dental caps may seem pricy, dental insurance can help ease the burden of high costs. Approaching dental tourism also helps you save considerably. Countries like Mexico and Turkey offer the best results with affordable zirconia crowns prices. Do you want to know where to begin?

Let Envoy Health guide you every step of the way. We connect you with the best dental professionals, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience. Sign up today and take the first step toward a confident smile—at the best value!

References

1. U.S. Zirconia Based Dental Materials Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Zirconia Disc, Zirconia Blocks), By Application (Dental Crowns, Dental Bridges), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2025 - 2030
2. Zirconia Restoration Types, Properties, Tooth Preparation Design, And Bonding. A Narrative Review
3. Zirconia as a Dental Biomaterial
4. Zirconia Use in Dentistry - Manufacturing and Properties
5. Treatment Recommendations for Single-Unit Crowns: Findings from The National Dental Practice-Based Research Network
6. Zirconia Restorations: An American Dental Association Clinical Evaluators Panel survey
7. How Long Can You Expect a Dental Crown to Last?