Zirconia crowns and dental bridges

A zirconia crown is a cap of zirconia ceramic that covers the whole visible tooth and restores its shape, colour and strength. At SF Dent a full-contour zirconia crown costs 360.00 € and a metal-ceramic crown 260.00 € on the price list. A bridge replaces a missing tooth by resting on crowns on the neighbouring teeth, and is usually made over two to three visits.

Here you will find when a crown or a bridge is needed, the difference between zirconia and metal-ceramic, the prices from the clinic's price list, how a crown is made and how to look after it so it lasts.

When you need a crown

• the tooth is badly broken down by decay and a filling would not hold it;
• the tooth has had root canal treatment and is brittle – especially back teeth;
• the tooth is broken or cracked;
• there is a large old filling that keeps breaking;
• a crown is placed on a dental implant to replace a lost tooth;
• the tooth is badly stained or misshapen, and gentler options (bonding, veneers) are not suitable.

When you need a bridge

A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth. The neighbouring teeth are prepared and crowns are placed on them, carrying the artificial tooth (or teeth) in the middle. A bridge is fixed – unlike a denture, it does not come out.

The alternative to a bridge is an implant with a crown, which leaves the neighbouring teeth untouched. Which suits you depends on the condition of the neighbouring teeth and of the bone, and is discussed after an examination.

Zirconia or metal-ceramic

• Zirconia crown (full contour): made entirely of zirconia, with no metal core. The light core looks natural, and with thin gums there is no dark line at the neck of the tooth. Zirconia is a very strong material.
• Metal-ceramic crown: a metal core faced with ceramic. Strong and more affordable, and in use for decades. If the gum thins over the years, the metal core can show as a dark line.

For front teeth, where appearance matters most, zirconia is usually preferred. The choice is made with your dentist, based on where the tooth is, your bite and your budget.

Zirconia crowns and bridges price

Service	Price
Examination	30.00€
Zirconia full-contour crown	360.00€
Zirconia crown with shoulder preparation	405.00€
Metal-ceramic crown	260.00€
Temporary crown	36.00€
Tooth preparation (grinding)	52.00€
Shoulder preparation of a tooth	80.00€
Temporary cementation of a fixed restoration	15.00€
Permanent cementation of a fixed restoration	31.00€
Permanent cementation, 1 unit	26.00€
Permanent cementation of an aesthetic crown	40.00€
Crown adjustment	31.00€

Prices are from the clinic’s price list. The final cost depends on your case and is confirmed after an examination. See the full price list

The crown price on the list is for one crown. The price of a bridge depends on how many units it has – the supporting crowns and the artificial teeth – and is confirmed after an examination. There may also be separate items for the work: preparation, a temporary crown and cementation, which are in the table too. If the tooth first needs root canal treatment or a post, that is charged separately.

How a crown is made – step by step

1. Examination and X-ray. The dentist checks the tooth, the root and the gum. If needed, decay is treated or a root canal is done first.
2. Preparation. Under local anaesthetic the tooth is shaped to make room for the crown.
3. Impression or scan. The dental laboratory makes the crown or bridge from it. The colour is matched to your neighbouring teeth.
4. Temporary crown. While the crown is being made, the tooth is protected by a temporary crown, cemented temporarily.
5. Try-in and adjustment. The fit and your bite are checked and adjusted if needed.
6. Cementation. The crown or bridge is cemented permanently.

How long it takes

Usually at least two visits are needed – one for preparation and the impression and one for fitting – with a few days to about a week between them for the laboratory work. A bridge, or extra treatment on the tooth, can mean more visits. You will get the exact schedule at the consultation.

Care after fitting

• Brush twice a day; under a bridge, clean with a stiff-ended floss threader or an interdental brush – food collects there.
• A crown cannot decay, but the tooth under it can – especially at the edge by the gum. Hygiene matters as much as with your own tooth.
• Do not crack nuts, chew ice or bite hard objects with the crown.
• If you grind your teeth, tell your dentist – a night guard for bruxism protects crowns too.
• Come for check-ups and professional cleaning.

For the first few days it is normal for the tooth to be a little sensitive to cold. If the crown feels high when you bite, or the pain does not settle, call us – the crown can be adjusted.

Who makes the crowns

Prosthetic treatment at SF Dent is provided by Dr. Sandy Festok, the clinic's founder. Crowns and bridges are made by a dental laboratory from an impression of your teeth.

The information on this page is general and does not replace an examination by a dentist. The right treatment for you is decided after an examination.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a zirconia crown cost?

At SF Dent a full-contour zirconia crown is 360.00 € and a metal-ceramic crown 260.00 € on the clinic's price list. There may also be separate items such as preparation, a temporary crown and cementation; an examination is 30.00 €.

How much does a dental bridge cost?

The price of a bridge depends on how many units it has – the supporting crowns and the artificial teeth between them – and on the material. It is confirmed after an examination, where the dentist also considers whether an implant would be the better option.

Zirconia or metal-ceramic – which should I choose?

Zirconia has no metal, looks more natural and leaves no dark line at the gum, so it is preferred for front teeth. Metal-ceramic is strong and more affordable. The choice depends on where the tooth is, your bite and your budget, and is made with your dentist.

How many visits does a crown take?

Usually at least two: one for preparation and the impression and one for fitting, with a few days to about a week between them for the laboratory. Meanwhile the tooth is protected by a temporary crown.

Does getting a crown hurt?

The tooth is prepared under local anaesthetic, so you usually feel only pressure. Afterwards the tooth may be sensitive to cold for a few days.

How long does a crown last?

It depends on hygiene, your bite, habits such as grinding, and regular check-ups. A well-kept crown can serve for many years; the dentist checks its edge at check-ups.

Bridge or implant – which is better?

A bridge needs the neighbouring teeth to be prepared to carry it; an implant leaves them alone. An implant needs enough bone and more time. Which suits you is decided after an examination and an X-ray.