A crown is a cap that covers the whole visible part of a tooth, down to the gum line. It holds a weakened tooth together, protects it from cracking further and restores its shape and colour. Crowns are usually needed after a large filling has failed, after root canal treatment on a back tooth, when a tooth has cracked, or on top of a dental implant. They are also used to rebuild a tooth that is badly worn. The aim is always to protect what is left of your natural tooth for as long as possible.
We choose the material for each tooth. Zirconia is very strong and handles chewing forces well, so it is our usual choice for molars and premolars, and for patients who grind. Modern high-translucency zirconia also looks natural. E.max (lithium disilicate) lets more light through and blends with neighbouring teeth more closely, so we often prefer it for front teeth, especially when the crown sits next to natural enamel or veneers. Both are metal-free, so there is no metal to show as a dark line at the gum.
A crown and a veneer are not interchangeable. A veneer covers only the front of a healthy tooth and keeps more natural structure. A crown covers the entire tooth and is the better option when much of it is already missing, filled or cracked. Your dentist will explain which one your tooth needs and why. Crowns are designed from a digital scan and made in our in-house lab at the JLT clinic, which lets us check fit and shade closely before the final appointment.
Benefits
Protects weak teeth
A crown holds together a tooth that has been heavily filled, cracked or root-treated, and lowers the risk of it splitting under everyday chewing forces.
Right material for each tooth
Zirconia for back teeth that take the most force, E.max for front teeth where light and translucency matter. One treatment plan can combine both materials.
Metal-free and natural
Both materials are all-ceramic, so there is no metal edge to show at the gum line, and the colour can be matched closely to your neighbouring teeth.
Made close to you
Crowns are made in our in-house lab at JLT from a digital scan, so shade checks and fine adjustments happen without sending work out of the clinic.
How treatment works
Examination and X-rays
Your dentist checks the tooth, the nerve and the surrounding gum with an X-ray. If the nerve is infected, root canal treatment comes first. You then agree on the material and shade.
Preparation and scan
Under local anaesthetic, the tooth is shaped evenly so the crown can sit over it, then recorded with an intraoral scan. A temporary crown protects the tooth while the lab works.
Lab work
Our ceramist designs and mills the crown from your scan, then stains and glazes it to match your shade. For front teeth, you may be asked to see the ceramist for a shade check.
Fitting and aftercare
At the second visit we remove the temporary, check fit, bite and colour, then cement or bond the crown. Brush and floss as normal and keep your regular check-ups.
Is it right for you?
- Teeth with large, failing fillings where too little natural tooth is left
- Back teeth after root canal treatment that need protection from cracking
- Cracked, broken or badly worn teeth that are still healthy at the root
- Patients replacing old metal-ceramic crowns that show a dark line at the gum
Your dentists for zirconia & e.max crowns
Frequently asked questions
How much does a dental crown cost in Dubai?
Zirconia crowns at Veloradent start from AED 1,600 per tooth. The final price depends on the material and on whether the tooth needs extra work, such as a core build-up, and your dentist will give you a written estimate. When a crown is medically needed, some insurance plans cover part of the cost, and we offer direct billing with major insurers at our Trade Centre clinic. You can also use 0% instalments or split payments with Tabby or Tamara.
Should I choose zirconia or E.max?
For back teeth, zirconia is usually the safer choice because it is very strong and copes with heavy chewing and grinding. For front teeth, E.max often looks more natural because it lets light pass through like enamel. If you are having veneers on neighbouring teeth, E.max crowns help everything match. Your dentist will recommend a material after checking your bite and the colour of the tooth underneath.
Do I need a crown or a veneer?
If the tooth is healthy and you mainly want to change its colour or shape, a veneer is usually enough and keeps more natural tooth. If the tooth is heavily filled, cracked, root-treated or missing a large part, a crown gives it the protection it needs. Some smiles use both. Your dentist will confirm which is right after an examination and X-rays.
Does getting a crown hurt?
Preparation is done under local anaesthetic, so most patients feel pressure rather than pain. The tooth may feel slightly sensitive to cold for a few days afterwards, and the temporary crown can feel different from your own tooth. If you feel anxious about dental work, conscious sedation is available at our JLT clinic.
How long will my crown last?
With good care, zirconia and E.max crowns usually last 10–15 years and often longer. The tooth under the crown can still decay at the edge, so brushing, flossing and regular check-ups matter. Avoid using your teeth to open packaging or crack hard shells, and wear a night guard if you grind.
