Cracked or broken tooth
A crown can hold together and protect a tooth that has lost strength through fracture, wear or a large existing filling.
DENTAL CROWNS, CLEARLY EXPLAINED
Protect weakened teeth and rebuild your smile with a custom-made crown.
Crowns can strengthen damaged teeth, restore shape and bite, complete an implant or form part of a bridge. This guide explains when they are used, the material choices, the treatment stages and current representative prices.
PFM + zirconiarestorative choices
London + Budapestjoined-up treatment pathway
On-site techniciansBudapest laboratory support
WHEN A CROWN MAY BE RECOMMENDED
Start with the tooth problem.
A crown is not simply a cosmetic shell. It is a restoration that can protect, rebuild or replace the visible part of a tooth.
After extensive treatment
A heavily restored or root-treated tooth may need greater coverage than a filling can provide.
Bridge or implant restoration
Crowns can be joined as a bridge or attached to an implant abutment to replace a missing tooth.
Shape, colour or bite
Where appropriate, crowns can correct severe wear, discolouration or proportions as part of a carefully planned smile rehabilitation.
CROWN, VENEER, BRIDGE OR IMPLANT CROWN?
Similar-looking results can have very different foundations.
The dentist first decides what needs to be protected or replaced. The visible porcelain is only one part of the treatment decision.
Crown on a natural tooth
The tooth is prepared to create space and a stable shape. The crown is then cemented over it.
Implant crown
The crown connects to an abutment fixed to the implant. Implant, abutment and crown are separate components.
Bridge
Several crown units are joined together to replace one or more missing teeth using natural teeth, implants or a combination selected by the dentist.
Veneer
A veneer mainly covers the front surface and normally preserves more of the tooth. It is not a substitute for a crown where the tooth needs full protection.
MATERIAL CHOICES
Choose the material for the tooth, bite and smile.
The most appropriate crown is not automatically the most expensive one. Position, bite force, available space, neighbouring teeth and appearance all matter.
Porcelain fused to metal
A strong metal substructure covered with tooth-coloured porcelain. It remains a practical choice where durability and value are priorities.
- Available for natural teeth and implants
- Colour matched to surrounding teeth
- A metal margin can become more visible if gums recede
Zirconia / full ceramic
A metal-free restoration designed to combine strength with a natural appearance. It is often considered where aesthetics are especially important.
- No metal substructure
- Useful for visible teeth and smile makeovers
- Material and design still need to suit the bite
Temporary crown or bridge
A temporary protects the prepared tooth, supports appearance and helps maintain the space while the final laboratory restoration is made.
- Usually acrylic or composite
- Not as strong as the final restoration
- Follow the eating and cleaning advice carefully
THE CROWN JOURNEY
From assessment to final bite.
Larger restorative cases involve more than simply choosing a shade. The clinical and laboratory stages need to work together.
- 1
Examination and planning
The dentist checks the tooth, gums, bite and existing restorations. X-rays or other diagnostics may be needed, and underlying decay or infection is treated first.
- 2
Preparation and temporary
The tooth is shaped under local anaesthetic, an impression or scan is taken, and a temporary restoration protects the tooth.
- 3
Laboratory and try-in
The crown is designed for fit, contact, shade and bite. Larger cases can include additional try-ins so shape and appearance can be reviewed before completion.
- 4
Final fit and review
The dentist checks the crown, cleans the tooth, fits or bonds the restoration and confirms the bite. A later adjustment may occasionally be needed.
LONDON OR BUDAPEST?
Choose the route that makes sense for the size of your treatment.
A single straightforward crown may be most convenient locally. Travel becomes more compelling when several crowns, bridgework or a wider rehabilitation makes the overall saving worthwhile.
Consultation, treatment and aftercare close to home
London can suit smaller cases, patients who prefer local appointments and treatment that benefits from several shorter visits.
- Central London assessment
- Published London crown prices
- Local bite checks and maintenance
Concentrated restorative treatment with an on-site laboratory
Budapest can be especially cost-effective for multiple crowns and smile rehabilitation, with technicians available during the restorative stage.
- Preparation, impressions and temporaries
- Shade, shape and try-in stages
- Final fitting during the planned stay
CURRENT PUBLISHED EXAMPLES
Compare crown prices by type and clinic.
These are unit prices published by Smile Savers in October 2026. Your quotation may also include preparation, temporary restorations, fillings, root canal treatment, posts, implant components or other procedures.
CROWN / BRIDGE UNIT ON A NATURAL TOOTH
Published unit-price comparison
Prices are per crown or bridge unit. The dentist will explain how many units are required.
| Crown material | Budapest | London |
|---|---|---|
| Porcelain fused to metalTooth-coloured porcelain over a metal substructure | £239 | £550 |
| Zirconium / full ceramicMetal-free crown or bridge unit on a natural tooth | £342published offer price; was £380 | £690 |
Not automatically included: examination, X-rays, root canal treatment, post and core, filling build-up, gum treatment or a temporary restoration unless shown in the individual quotation.
Bridge terminology: a three-unit bridge is charged as three restoration units even when it replaces only one missing tooth.
Drag the control to compare the photographs.
CROWN SMILE MAKEOVER
Planning shape, colour and bite together.
When several crowns are involved, the objective is not simply to make every tooth white. Proportion, symmetry, speech, bite and the relationship with the gums all need to be considered.
Before-and-after photographs show what may be possible in an individual case, but they are not a promise of an identical result. Your treatment plan must be based on your own teeth, gums and bite.
See More Smile Studio Cases →AFTERCARE AND GUARANTEE
Protect the crown and the tooth beneath it.
A crown cannot decay, but the natural tooth at its edge can. Long-term success depends on cleaning, bite management and regular review.
Clean around the margin
Brush twice daily and use the interdental method recommended for the crown or bridge.
Manage grinding
Wear a night guard when prescribed and report chipping, repeated loosening or morning jaw symptoms.
Attend annual checks
Annual review is required under the Smile Savers guarantee terms and helps identify bite, gum or margin problems early.
Know the guarantee boundary
The current crown material guarantee is three years, subject to the written terms. Travel and accommodation are not covered.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Dental crowns: your questions answered.
These answers explain the usual principles. The final recommendation depends on the condition of the tooth and the dentist's examination.
When is a crown preferable to a filling?
A crown may be recommended when too much tooth structure has been lost for a filling to provide reliable strength, when a tooth is cracked or heavily worn, or after extensive treatment such as root canal therapy. The decision depends on how much healthy tooth remains and how the tooth is loaded when you bite.
Does every crowned tooth need root canal treatment?
No. A crown can be fitted to a vital tooth without root canal treatment. Root canal treatment is considered only when the nerve is infected, irreversibly inflamed or already non-vital, or where the clinical condition of the tooth makes it necessary.
What is the difference between porcelain-fused-to-metal and zirconia?
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns use a metal substructure for strength with tooth-coloured porcelain on the outside. Zirconia or other all-ceramic crowns are metal-free and are often selected where appearance, light transmission or avoiding a visible metal margin is important. Bite, tooth position, available space and budget all affect the recommendation.
Will I have temporary teeth while the crowns are made?
Temporary crowns or bridges are normally used to protect prepared teeth and maintain appearance while the laboratory makes the final restorations. They are not as strong as the final crowns, so eating and cleaning instructions should be followed carefully.
How long do dental crowns last?
Crowns are long-term restorations, but no crown lasts forever. Longevity varies with the remaining tooth, material, bite forces, grinding, oral hygiene and maintenance. The tooth beneath the crown and the crown margin still need regular cleaning and examination.
Is a crown the same as a veneer?
No. A veneer mainly covers the visible front surface of a tooth and is generally used for cosmetic changes where enough healthy enamel remains. A crown surrounds much more of the tooth and is more often used when strength, protection or extensive reconstruction is needed.
How is an implant crown different from a crown on a natural tooth?
A crown on a natural tooth is fitted over a prepared tooth. An implant crown is attached to an abutment connected to the implant. The visible result may look similar, but the support, components, maintenance and fees are different.
What should I do if a new crown feels high or uncomfortable?
Contact the treating clinic promptly. A small bite adjustment may be needed, particularly after several crowns have been fitted. Do not wait for persistent pain or try to alter the crown yourself.
YOUR NEXT STEP
Find out whether a crown is the right restoration.
A consultation establishes whether the tooth can be restored, which material suits the case and whether other treatment is needed first.