A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits over a damaged tooth, restoring its shape, strength, and appearance. Think of it as a protective helmet for a weakened tooth — it holds everything together so you can chew normally without worrying about the tooth cracking further.
At Smile Dental Kondapur and Vizag, crowns range from ₹5,000 for metal to ₹20,000 for zirconia. Two visits over 1-2 weeks: one to prepare the tooth and take impressions, one to fit the permanent crown. We use iTero 3D scanning where possible — no messy moulds.
Get Your General Answers
You likely need a crown if...
- A tooth has cracked, chipped, or broken and a filling won't hold it together
- You've just had a root canal (the treated tooth needs protection — it's now brittle)
- A large old filling is failing and there's not enough tooth left for a new filling
- A tooth is severely worn down from grinding or acid erosion
- You need to improve the shape or appearance of a damaged front tooth
- We've recommended one as part of an implant, bridge, or smile makeover plan
This works best when...
- Enough healthy tooth structure remains for the crown to grip onto (if too little remains, we may recommend extraction + implant instead)
- The tooth's root and surrounding bone are healthy (active infection needs treatment first)
- You're committed to maintaining oral hygiene around the crown (gum disease can undermine even the best crown)
- Grinding is managed with a night guard if applicable (grinding cracks crowns too)
If a filling can do the job, we won't push you toward a crown. We recommend the least invasive option that gives a lasting result.
Visit 1: Preparation (45-60 minutes)
- Local anesthetic — completely numb before we start
- Tooth shaped and prepared (removing damaged structure, creating room for the crown)
- iTero 3D scan or traditional impression taken
- Shade matched to your natural teeth
- Temporary crown placed to protect the tooth while the lab makes your permanent one
Lab fabrication: 7-14 days
Your crown is custom-made to match your tooth color, shape, and bite. We don't rush this — precision here means the crown fits right and lasts longer.
Visit 2: Fitting (30-45 minutes)
- Temporary crown removed
- Permanent crown tried in — we check fit, bite, and appearance
- Adjustments made if needed
- Crown permanently cemented
- Final bite check — you should be able to close naturally without anything feeling high or off
During preparation
Similar to getting a filling — numb, some pressure and vibration, but no pain. The preparation visit is the longer one (45-60 minutes). The fitting visit is shorter and usually more comfortable.
With the temporary crown (1-2 weeks)
It'll feel slightly different from your natural tooth. Avoid sticky foods (toffee, chewing gum) that can pull it off. Don't chew hard foods on that side. If it comes loose, call us — we'll re-cement it same day.
After the permanent crown
May feel slightly odd for 1-3 days as your bite adjusts. If it still feels high after a week, come in — we'll adjust in 5 minutes. After that, it should feel like a normal tooth.
First 24 hours
Avoid chewing on the crowned tooth until anesthetic wears off completely. Mild sensitivity to hot/cold is normal and settles within a week.
Long-term care
Brush and floss normally — including around the crown margin where it meets the gum. This is where decay can start if hygiene slips. A well-maintained crown lasts 10-20 years. If you grind your teeth, wear the night guard we recommend — grinding is the #1 reason crowns crack early.
Dental Crown: ₹5,000 - ₹20,000
Cost depends on material:
- Metal crown (₹5,000-8,000): Strongest, best for back teeth. Silver or gold color — visible, so not ideal for front teeth.
- Ceramic/Porcelain (₹8,000-15,000): Best appearance for front teeth. Natural color match. Slightly less strong than metal for heavy biting.
- Zirconia (₹12,000-20,000): Best of both — strong like metal, looks like a real tooth. Our most recommended option for most situations.
We'll recommend the right material for your specific tooth and situation. Back teeth need strength. Front teeth need aesthetics. Zirconia handles both.
Why the right material matters more than the lowest price
A ceramic crown on a back molar that takes heavy bite force can crack in 3-5 years. A zirconia crown on the same tooth lasts 15-20 years. The ₹5,000-7,000 difference upfront saves you from paying for a replacement crown years earlier than necessary.
We match material to location and function — not to the cheapest option or the most expensive one. That's honest dentistry.
Getting a dental crown during your India visit
Crown treatment fits easily into a 2-3 week India visit:
- Visit 1: Preparation + impression (Day 1-2 of your trip)
- Lab time: 7-14 days
- Visit 2: Crown fitting (before you leave)
WhatsApp us your situation before your trip and we'll confirm if the timeline works. If you need a root canal + crown, plan for 3 visits over 2-3 weeks.
Cost comparison: Crown in India: ₹5,000-20,000. Same crown in US: ₹40,000-1,20,000. In UK: ₹30,000-90,000.
Does getting a crown hurt?
No — it's done under local anesthetic, similar to a filling. You'll feel pressure but no pain. Most patients say the preparation visit was easier than they expected.
How long does a crown last?
10-20 years with good hygiene and regular checkups. Zirconia and metal tend to last longest. Grinding without a night guard is the most common reason crowns fail early.
Will it look like a real tooth?
Ceramic and zirconia crowns are shade-matched to your natural teeth. Once cemented, most people can't tell which tooth has the crown — including you.
Can a crowned tooth get a cavity?
The crown itself can't decay. But the tooth underneath can, especially at the gum line where the crown meets the natural tooth. That's why brushing and flossing around crowns matters.
Crown vs veneer — what's the difference?
A crown covers the entire tooth (360°) and restores strength. A veneer covers only the front surface and is primarily cosmetic. Damaged teeth need crowns. Cosmetically imperfect but structurally sound teeth can get veneers.
What if my temporary crown falls off?
Call us — we'll re-cement it the same day. Don't leave the prepared tooth exposed for more than 24 hours. In the meantime, you can temporarily place it back with denture adhesive from a pharmacy.
