Dental Crowns: Types, Cost, and What to Expect in 2026

Why you might need a dental crown

A cracked tooth. A filling that’s finally given up the ghost. A root canal that needs protecting. These situations crop up more often than you’d think, and when they do, your dentist will likely suggest a crown.

But what exactly is a crown? Think of it as a protective cap—a tooth-shaped restoration that covers your natural tooth completely. It’s one of the most durable solutions available when a tooth’s been damaged or weakened beyond what a simple filling can handle.

At Kiss Dental, we’ve fitted thousands of crowns across our Manchester, Cheshire, and Liverpool practices. Our cosmetic specialists, including Dr Khushal Morar and founder Dr Kailesh Solanki, work with premium materials and precision techniques to ensure your crown looks natural and lasts for years.

The cost varies depending on the material you choose—from £250 for metal crowns up to £1,000 for zirconia—but the investment pays dividends in function and aesthetics.

Understanding the different types of crowns

Not all crowns are created equal. The type you choose depends on your budget, where the tooth is located, and how important aesthetics are to you.

Metal crowns

These are the traditional option—usually made from gold alloy, nickel-chromium, or palladium. Metal crowns are incredibly strong and can withstand significant chewing forces, which makes them ideal for back teeth. They’re also the most affordable, typically costing £250–£500.

The downside? They don’t look like natural teeth. That silver or gold shine is unmistakable, so most people prefer them only on molars where they’re less visible. Some patients love the look; others would rather not draw attention to their back teeth.

Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns

These combine the strength of metal with a tooth-coloured porcelain exterior. You get durability and a natural appearance—at least on the visible surface. PFM crowns typically cost £400–£600.

There’s a catch: over time, the porcelain can chip, and if it does, the grey or dark metal underneath shows through. This is less of a problem now than it used to be, thanks to improved bonding techniques, but it’s worth knowing about.

All-ceramic (all-porcelain) crowns

These offer excellent aesthetics because they’re made entirely from tooth-coloured material. No metal base means no dark line at the gum margin, which is why cosmetic dentists prefer them for front teeth. They blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.

All-ceramic crowns are less durable than metal or PFM options—they can chip or fracture under extreme pressure—but they’re perfect if aesthetics matter most. Expect to pay £500–£900 for these.

Zirconia crowns

Zirconia is a ceramic material that’s incredibly strong—almost as tough as metal, but tooth-coloured. It’s become increasingly popular in cosmetic dentistry because it ticks all the boxes: durability, natural appearance, and biocompatibility.

The trade-off is price. Zirconia crowns typically cost £600–£1,000, making them one of the most expensive options. But many patients consider them worth the investment because they last longer and look better than PFM alternatives.

eMax crowns

eMax (lithium disilicate glass ceramic) is a premium all-ceramic material that’s stronger than traditional porcelain but still fully tooth-coloured. It’s particularly popular for front teeth because it achieves excellent translucency and matches natural tooth structure beautifully.

Like other high-end ceramics, eMax crowns come at a premium price point and should be discussed with our cosmetic team during your consultation.

When do you actually need a crown?

Crowns aren’t recommended just for the sake of it. Your dentist will suggest one when your tooth has sustained enough damage that a filling won’t cut it.

After a root canal

Once a tooth’s had root canal treatment, it becomes brittle and prone to fracture. A crown protects it and restores function—it’s almost always the recommended next step. The tooth loses its nerve but keeps its structure, and the crown seals everything in.

A large or failed filling

Sometimes a filling is simply too big. If more than 50% of your tooth is already filled, the remaining tooth structure is compromised. A crown provides better protection and typically lasts longer than trying to patch things with another filling.

A cracked or broken tooth

Cracks don’t heal. If you’ve chipped or fractured a tooth and the damage extends below the gum line, extraction might be the only option without a crown. If the crack is contained, a crown can hold the tooth together and restore its appearance and function.

Cosmetic improvement

Some people choose crowns purely for aesthetics. Perhaps a tooth’s severely discoloured, misshapen, or doesn’t match the teeth around it. A crown can completely transform your smile—though sometimes veneers or cosmetic bonding might be more conservative options worth exploring first.

After tooth decay

If decay’s eaten away a significant portion of tooth structure, a crown is often the best way to restore it properly.

The crown procedure: what happens during your appointments

Getting a crown typically takes two appointments, though modern techniques sometimes allow for same-day options.

First appointment: preparation and impression

Your dentist will numb the tooth and the surrounding area with local anaesthetic. Once it’s numb, they’ll prepare the tooth by removing any old filling or decay and shaping it to accept the crown.

This bit sounds dramatic but genuinely doesn’t hurt—you’ll feel pressure and vibration from the drill, but no pain. If you’re anxious, let your dentist know. At Kiss Dental, our team are experienced at making nervous patients comfortable.

Once shaped, your dentist takes an impression of the prepared tooth. This used to mean a mouthful of gooey putty. Now, many practices use digital scanning, which is faster and more accurate. We send this to our lab along with details about the shade, shape, and type of crown you’ve chosen.

In the meantime, you’ll get a temporary crown—usually made from plastic or composite resin. It protects the prepared tooth and lets you eat and drink normally whilst the permanent crown’s being made.

Second appointment: fitting your permanent crown

About two weeks later (sometimes less), you’ll come back to have your temporary crown removed and the permanent one fitted. Your dentist will check the fit and bite, make any adjustments needed, and then cement it in place permanently.

This appointment’s much quicker than the first one. In and out, usually within 30 minutes.

How long do crowns actually last?

With proper care, a crown will last 10–15 years on average. Many last 20 or even 25 years. The lifespan depends on several factors: the material, your bite, how well you look after it, and whether you grind your teeth at night.

Zirconia and metal crowns tend to outlast ceramic ones simply because they’re stronger. But a ceramic crown looked after meticulously might outlast a metal crown that’s subjected to constant grinding.

It’s not that the crown itself deteriorates. Rather, the seal between crown and tooth can fail, allowing bacteria to slip underneath and cause decay. That’s why your oral hygiene routine matters so much.

Looking after your crown: essential aftercare tips

A crown’s fairly low-maintenance, but a few precautions will help it last longer.

Brush and floss normally. Your crown isn’t immune to plaque. Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss at least once a day. Pay special attention to the gum line—that’s where trouble starts.

Avoid hard foods and objects. Don’t chew ice, hard sweets, or tough meat directly on your crown. Don’t use your teeth to open bottles or tear open packages. These habits can crack ceramic crowns.

Wear a night guard if you grind. If you clench or grind your teeth at night, a custom night guard protects your crown and your natural teeth. Grinding can shorten a crown’s lifespan considerably.

See us regularly. Attend your check-ups and professional cleans every six months. Your dentist can spot problems early—a small crack before it becomes a big one, or the beginning of decay around the crown’s edge.

Treat your crown like your natural teeth. Ultimately, that’s the goal. The best crown is one you forget you’re wearing.

Crowns versus veneers versus bonding: which is right for you?

Three cosmetic options often get confused. Understanding the differences helps you make the right choice.

Veneers are thin shells that cover only the front surface of your tooth. They’re more conservative than crowns because they require less tooth removal. But they don’t protect the back of the tooth, so they’re not suitable if your tooth’s already heavily damaged or had root canal treatment.

Bonding uses tooth-coloured composite resin moulded directly onto your tooth. It’s the most conservative option—minimal tooth removal—and the quickest. But it’s less durable than veneers or crowns and may need touching up every few years.

Crowns provide full coverage and maximum protection. They’re ideal for teeth that are structurally compromised. The trade-off is that they require more tooth removal than veneers or bonding.

If your tooth’s intact but you want to change its appearance, a veneer might be enough. If it’s had root canal treatment or has significant decay, a crown’s your best bet. Your dentist will advise based on your specific situation.

NHS versus private crowns: understanding the cost difference

The NHS does provide crowns, typically at a flat rate (currently around £270 for a single crown as of 2026). But there’s a catch: most NHS crowns are metal or PFM. You’ll rarely find fully ceramic options on the NHS, and the quality and aesthetic standards vary considerably.

Private crowns—like those we fit at Kiss Dental—use premium materials and more precise techniques. You get to choose your material, your dentist takes more time with the shade match, and the lab work is often of higher quality. You’re paying for materials, expertise, and aesthetics.

For back teeth you won’t see, an NHS crown makes sense economically. For front teeth or visible areas, many patients prefer the cosmetic advantages of private treatment. And if you’ve already invested in your smile, a high-quality crown is worth protecting that investment.

Check our fees page for exact pricing at Kiss Dental. We also offer flexible payment plans through our finance options to make treatment more manageable.

Frequently asked questions about dental crowns

Will a crown be visible?

Modern crowns, especially ceramic and zirconia options, look indistinguishable from natural teeth. Your dentist will carefully match the shade to your surrounding teeth. Unless someone’s looking very closely, they won’t know it’s there.

Does a crown hurt?

No. The tooth’s numbed before preparation, so you won’t feel pain—only pressure and vibration. Some patients experience mild sensitivity after the anaesthetic wears off, but this usually settles within a day or two. If it persists, contact your dentist.

Can a crowned tooth get cavities?

The crown itself can’t decay, but the tooth underneath can if the seal fails. That’s why oral hygiene and regular check-ups matter so much. If decay does develop around the crown’s edge, it might need replacing.

Is a temporary crown permanent?

No. Temporary crowns are made from weaker materials and are only meant to last a few weeks. They can break or come loose. Avoid hard foods and don’t worry if the temporary feels slightly loose or rough—it’ll be replaced soon enough.

What if my crown comes off?

Keep it safe and ring us as soon as possible. If it’s come off, the prepared tooth’s exposed and vulnerable. We can usually recement it in the same appointment. Don’t try to reattach it yourself with superglue—that won’t work and could cause problems.

Can I eat normally with a crown?

Yes, once the permanent crown’s fitted and the cement’s set. Just avoid chewing directly on the crown with hard foods, especially during the first 24 hours whilst the cement fully hardens.

How much will a crown cost me?

It depends on the material:

• Metal crowns: £250–£500
• Porcelain-fused-to-metal: £400–£600
• All-ceramic: £500–£900
• Zirconia: £600–£1,000

For exact pricing on the material and dentist you choose, visit our fees page or get in touch with our team. We’re happy to discuss costs and payment options.

Can I have a crown on the NHS?

Yes, though options are limited. Most NHS crowns are metal or PFM. If you’d prefer fully ceramic or want a choice of materials, private treatment gives you more flexibility.

Is a crown the same as a cap?

Yes—these terms are used interchangeably by dentists. A crown and a cap are the same thing.

What happens if I grind my teeth?

Grinding can damage crowns, especially ceramic ones, and can shorten their lifespan. If you grind your teeth, a custom-made night guard is essential. We can discuss this during your consultation.

Get the crown you deserve

A well-made crown restores function, protects a weakened tooth, and can transform your smile. At Kiss Dental, our cosmetic specialists—Dr Kailesh Solanki and Dr Khushal Morar—combine precision technique with premium materials to ensure your crown looks natural and lasts.

Whether you need a crown after root canal treatment, to protect a damaged tooth, or simply to improve your smile’s appearance, we’ll discuss your options and find the solution that works for you.

We’ve helped thousands of patients across Manchester, Cheshire, and Liverpool achieve the smiles they want. Ready to find out if a crown’s right for you?

Ring us on 0161 524 1804 or book a consultation online. Our team will examine your tooth, discuss the best materials for your situation, and give you a clear treatment plan with pricing.

Your smile’s worth the investment.

Medical Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Dental treatment should only be undertaken following a proper examination by a qualified dental professional. The information provided reflects general dental practice but individual cases may vary. If you have concerns about your teeth or are considering crown treatment, please consult with your dentist at Kiss Dental or another qualified dental practitioner. The costs mentioned are approximate ranges based on 2026 pricing and may vary depending on individual circumstances and location.