Treatment

Zirconium Crowns

Strong, metal-free crowns that restore damaged or heavily filled teeth with a natural look.

What it is

Understanding zirconium crowns.

A crown is a custom cap that covers a damaged, weakened or heavily restored tooth, restoring its shape, strength and appearance. Zirconia crowns are made from a high-strength ceramic that contains no metal.

Without a metal core, zirconia crowns avoid the dark line sometimes seen at the gum with older metal-based crowns, and they suit people who prefer metal-free restorations.

Who it's for

You may be suitable if

  • You have a cracked, broken or heavily filled tooth
  • You've had root canal treatment and the tooth needs protecting
  • You want to replace an old metal-based crown
  • You'd prefer a metal-free, natural-looking restoration
  • You want a durable, long-term result

We'll also consider

  • !Preparing a tooth for a crown is irreversible
  • !Occasionally a tooth may need root canal treatment first
  • !The right material depends on the tooth and your bite
  • !Good hygiene around the crown margin is important
  • !We'll talk through alternatives where relevant

Only an in-person assessment can confirm what's right for you — that's what your consultation is for.

How it works

Your treatment journey.

01

Consultation

We assess the tooth and confirm whether a crown is the best option for you.

02

Preparation & scan

The tooth is prepared and digitally scanned for a precise fit.

03

Crown creation

Your zirconia crown is made to match the shape and shade of your natural teeth.

04

Fitting & aftercare

The crown is fitted and your bite checked, with advice on keeping it healthy.

The benefits

Why people choose it.

Benefits

  • Metal-free and natural-looking
  • Very strong and hard-wearing
  • No dark gum line from a metal core
  • Restores function to a damaged tooth
  • Biocompatible and well tolerated
Materials & technology

Built with quality materials.

Zirconia is a metal-free ceramic selected for its strength and appearance, used where clinically suitable.

FAQ

Common questions.

Are zirconia crowns better than metal crowns?

Zirconia is metal-free and avoids the dark gum line that can appear with metal-based crowns, while being very strong. The best material still depends on the specific tooth, which we'll advise on.

Will the crown match my other teeth?

Yes — the crown is made to match the shape and shade of your surrounding teeth for a natural result.

How long do zirconium crowns last?

With good oral hygiene and regular check-ups they can last many years. Longevity varies with your bite and habits.

Does getting a crown hurt?

The tooth is prepared under local anaesthetic, so you should be comfortable. Some short-term sensitivity afterwards is normal.

How much does a crown cost?

It depends on the tooth and materials involved. We provide a written quote after assessing you.

Related

Related treatments.

At the practice
Vestadent treatment room in Kingsbury, London
Our practice in Kingsbury, London.
By the numbers

The wider picture.

Measured with the most sensitive index, 64% of adults in England had tooth decay in one or more teeth.

Source: Adult Oral Health Survey 2023 (OHID, GOV.UK)

Adults in England keep more natural teeth than ever — 86% have 21 or more — so protecting heavily filled, cracked or root-treated teeth is increasingly worthwhile.

Source: Adult Oral Health Survey 2023 (OHID, GOV.UK)

These figures are general context, not a diagnosis — your treatment plan is agreed at consultation.

Ready to talk it through?

Book a consultation and we'll assess your needs, answer your questions and explain your options — with a clear written plan before anything begins.