Dental crown cost in Sharjah: zirconia, porcelain and metal compared
A crown protects a weak tooth for many years. Here is what changes the price, which material suits which tooth, and what a complete quote should include.
Looking for treatment? See our main page on dental crowns in Sharjah: what is involved, who it suits, and how to book a free consultation and X-ray.
Why crown prices vary so much
A crown is a custom cap that covers the whole visible part of a tooth. It’s used to protect a tooth after root canal treatment, to rebuild a tooth that has broken or has a very large filling, or to improve the look of a discoloured or misshapen tooth. Because each crown is made for one tooth, the dental crown cost depends on the material, the laboratory, the condition of the tooth underneath and the work needed before the crown is fitted.
This guide compares the main crown materials, explains the six factors that change the dental crown cost in Sharjah, covers insurance and instalments, and lists what a complete quote should include so you can compare clinics fairly.
When do you need a crown?
A crown is recommended when a tooth is too weak to hold a filling safely. Common reasons include a large old filling that has cracked, a tooth that has broken, a back tooth after root canal treatment, severe wear from grinding, or a front tooth with deep discolouration. A crown holds the remaining tooth together and spreads biting forces so it doesn’t split.
Not every damaged tooth needs a crown, and knowing this can save you the dental crown cost entirely. Sometimes a well-placed filling or an onlay, which covers only part of the tooth, is enough. A good dentist will explain why a crown is the best option before quoting the dental crown cost.
Crown materials compared
Zirconia
Very strong and tooth-coloured. A popular choice for back teeth and for people who grind. Looks natural, especially layered zirconia.
Porcelain or e.max
Excellent translucency and the most natural look, ideal for front teeth. Slightly less strong than zirconia.
Porcelain fused to metal
A metal base with porcelain on top. Strong and long-proven, but a grey line can show at the gum over time.
Full metal
Extremely durable for back teeth, but not tooth-coloured, so rarely chosen today.
6 factors that change the dental crown cost
1. Material. Zirconia and all-porcelain crowns usually cost more than metal-based crowns because of the materials and the laboratory skill involved.
2. Front or back tooth. Front crowns need very careful shade matching and shaping, which can affect the price.
3. Root canal treatment. If the nerve is infected, root canal treatment comes first and is a separate cost.
4. Build-up or post. A badly broken tooth may need a core build-up, sometimes with a post, before the crown can be made.
5. Temporary crown. Most crowns need a temporary while the laboratory works; check it’s included.
6. Number of teeth. Several crowns, or a bridge to replace a missing tooth, change the overall crown cost.
Zirconia or porcelain: which is better value?
For back teeth that take heavy chewing forces, zirconia is often the best value because it’s very strong and resists chipping. For front teeth, where appearance matters most, porcelain or layered zirconia gives a more lifelike result. Choosing the cheapest material for the wrong tooth can mean a crown that chips or looks out of place, which costs more to put right.
When comparing the crown price of different materials, think about where the tooth is, whether you grind, and how long you want the crown to last.
Rule of thumb
- Back teeth: zirconia
- Front teeth: porcelain or layered zirconia
- Grinders: zirconia plus a night guard
- Old metal crowns: replace if gums have receded
Not sure what you need?
Get a free check-up and X-ray. A dentist explains your options and gives you the cost in writing. Open until 10 PM on Al Khan Street, Al Majaz.
What a complete quote includes
A clear crown cost quote lists every step, so you can compare clinics on the same basis. Check that the crown price you’re given includes:
- Consultation and X-rays
- Tooth preparation and impressions or scan
- The laboratory crown in the stated material
- A temporary crown
- Fitting, bite adjustment and a review
- Any build-up or post, if needed
At Al Jazeera Dental Clinic the consultation is free and you get the full plan and cost in writing before anything starts.
Does insurance cover crowns?
Crown cover varies more than most dental treatment. Some UAE plans include crowns as major treatment, often with a higher co-payment or pre-approval; others classify them as cosmetic or exclude them. Crowns after root canal treatment are more likely to be covered than crowns placed for appearance. Send us your card and we’ll check before you decide, so you know your share of the crown cost.
If your plan does not cover a crown, you can spread the payments with Tabby, Tamara or Toothpick, subject to approval.
Ways to pay
- Insurance, depending on your plan
- Tabby
- Tamara
- Toothpick
- Cash or card
How a crown is made and fitted
Assessment
We examine the tooth, take an X-ray and confirm a crown is the right choice.
Preparation
The tooth is numbed and shaped, and an impression or scan is taken.
Temporary crown
A temporary protects the tooth while the laboratory makes your crown.
Fitting
The final crown is checked for fit, shade and bite, then cemented.
How long do crowns last?
With good care, a well-made crown often lasts many years. How long yours lasts depends on the material, how much healthy tooth is underneath, your bite, whether you grind, and how well you clean along the gum line. The tooth under a crown can still decay at the edge, so brushing and cleaning between teeth remain essential. A night guard protects crowns if you grind. A longer-lasting crown lowers the crown price per year.
Crown or extraction?
Sometimes patients ask whether it would be cheaper to remove a damaged tooth. Extraction costs less on the day, but a gap lets neighbouring teeth drift and usually needs a bridge, denture or implant later, which often costs more than saving the tooth. When the tooth has healthy roots and enough structure, a crown is usually the better long-term choice. Read our guide to the root canal cost in Sharjah if your tooth also needs root treatment.
Caring for your new crown
Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, paying attention to the gum line around the crown, and clean between your teeth every day. Avoid biting very hard things such as ice and nut shells. Keep up six-monthly check-ups so we can check the edges of the crown and the gum around it. Learn more on our dental crowns and bridges page, and see the NHS guide to dental crowns for independent information.
Same-day crowns and laboratory crowns
You may see offers for crowns made in a single visit. These are milled in the clinic from a block of ceramic and can be a good option for some back teeth. Laboratory crowns are made by a dental technician over several days and allow more detailed shading and layering, which matters most for front teeth. Both can be excellent; the right choice depends on the tooth and how important a perfect colour match is.
When you compare the crown cost of a same-day crown with a laboratory crown, compare the material and the expected lifespan, not just the number of visits.
Ask about
- Who makes the crown
- The exact material and brand
- Expected lifespan
- What happens if it chips
Bridges: when a tooth is missing
If a tooth is missing, a bridge uses crowns on the teeth either side to hold a false tooth in the gap. The crown price for a bridge is therefore the cost of several units, usually three. A bridge is fixed and feels natural, and it’s a good option when the neighbouring teeth already have large fillings. Read our guide to missing teeth to compare bridges and dentures.
Dental crown cost questions
How much is a dental crown in Sharjah?
Is zirconia more expensive than porcelain fused to metal?
How many visits does a crown take?
Does a crown hurt?
Can I pay for a crown in instalments?
Find out your crown cost
Free consultation and a written plan before anything starts.
From our team
Written by the dental team at Al Jazeera Dental Clinic, a family clinic on Al Khan Street, Al Majaz 3, Sharjah, seeing patients since 1998, and medically reviewed by Dr Ranjeet Kumar, Medical Director (BDS, Diploma in Endodontics), October 2026. General advice only. For your own teeth, book a check-up: the consultation and X-ray are free.
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