A dental crown is one of the most common restorative procedures in dentistry, yet many Canadians aren’t sure what’s involved, how much it costs, or what options are available. Whether your dentist has recommended a crown after a root canal, to repair a cracked tooth, or to replace a large failing filling, understanding the process helps you make an informed decision. This guide covers the types of dental crowns available in Canada, what they cost, and what to expect from the procedure.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits over your entire tooth, restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Think of it as a protective shell for a damaged tooth. Crowns are used when a tooth is too damaged for a simple filling to repair, but the root is still healthy enough to save the tooth.
Common reasons your dentist might recommend a crown include protecting a weak tooth from breaking after a root canal, restoring a tooth that’s already cracked or severely worn down, covering a tooth with a very large filling where there isn’t much natural tooth left, holding a dental bridge in place, covering a dental implant, or improving the appearance of a severely discoloured or misshapen tooth.
Types of Dental Crowns
Several materials are used for dental crowns in Canada, each with its own advantages. Porcelain or ceramic crowns are the most natural-looking option and are popular for front teeth. They can be colour-matched precisely to your surrounding teeth. All-ceramic crowns are metal-free, making them a good choice for patients with metal allergies.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns combine a metal base for strength with a porcelain outer layer for appearance. They’re a versatile option that works well for both front and back teeth, though the metal underneath can sometimes create a dark line at the gum margin over time.
Gold alloy crowns are extremely durable and gentle on opposing teeth. They require less tooth removal than other types and rarely chip or break. While their metallic colour makes them less popular for visible teeth, many dentists consider them the best option for molars that bear heavy chewing forces.
Zirconia crowns have become increasingly popular in recent years. They offer excellent strength comparable to metal crowns combined with a natural tooth-like appearance. They’re a strong all-around choice for any position in the mouth.
Same-day CEREC crowns are milled in the dental office using computer-aided design while you wait. Instead of two appointments, you get your permanent crown in a single visit. The trade-off is that the material options may be more limited than lab-made crowns.
How Much Do Crowns Cost in Canada?
The cost of a dental crown in Canada typically ranges from $1,000 to $1,700, depending on the material, the complexity of the case, and your location. Porcelain and zirconia crowns tend to be at the higher end, while PFM and gold crowns fall in the middle range. Same-day CEREC crowns may cost slightly more due to the technology involved, but you save on the cost of a temporary crown and a second appointment.
Provincial fee guides provide suggested pricing, but individual clinics set their own rates. Crowns in major cities like Toronto and Vancouver tend to cost more than in smaller communities. Getting quotes from two or three clinics is a reasonable approach for non-emergency situations.
Does Insurance Cover Dental Crowns?
Most employer dental insurance plans classify crowns as a major restorative service and cover 50% to 80% of the cost, subject to your annual maximum. If your crown costs $1,400 and your plan covers major services at 50%, you’d pay $700 out of pocket. Make sure the cost fits within your remaining annual benefits before scheduling.
The CDCP covers crowns as a restorative service. If you’re enrolled, your co-pay depends on your income bracket. Ask your dental office to submit a predetermination to confirm your coverage before proceeding.
The Crown Procedure: What to Expect
Getting a traditional crown typically requires two appointments. At the first visit, your dentist prepares the tooth by removing a layer of enamel to make room for the crown, takes impressions or digital scans, and places a temporary crown. The impressions are sent to a dental lab where your permanent crown is custom-made, which usually takes one to two weeks.
At the second appointment, the temporary crown is removed and the permanent one is checked for fit, bite, and colour match. Once everything looks good, the crown is cemented permanently in place. The entire process is done under local anesthesia, so you shouldn’t feel pain during either appointment.
With same-day CEREC technology, the entire process happens in a single appointment lasting about two hours. Your tooth is prepared, digitally scanned, and the crown is designed and milled on-site. There’s no need for a temporary crown or a second visit.
How Long Do Crowns Last?
With proper care, dental crowns typically last 10 to 15 years, and many last significantly longer. The longevity depends on the material used, the location in your mouth, your oral hygiene habits, and whether you grind your teeth. Gold and zirconia crowns tend to last the longest, while all-porcelain crowns may be more prone to chipping on back teeth that bear heavy chewing forces.
To maximize the life of your crown, brush and floss daily (the tooth under the crown can still get cavities at the gum line), avoid chewing ice or hard objects, wear a night guard if you grind your teeth, and keep up with regular dental checkups.
Find a Dentist for Crown Treatment
If your dentist has recommended a crown or you think you might need one, Smile Directory can help you find dental professionals across Canada. Our non-profit directory lets you search by city and specialty to compare clinics in your area. A well-made crown can protect your tooth for years to come, so it’s worth finding a dentist you trust.