Dental Crowns in Thailand: Types, Cost & What to Expect
Dental crowns in Thailand cost $300-$800 per crown—a fraction of Western prices. Whether you need a single crown or multiple restorations, Thailand offers high-quality zirconia, porcelain, and PFM crowns at 60-80% savings.
Dental Crowns in Thailand: Key Facts
- • PFM crown: $300-$400 (10,000-15,000 THB)
- • Zirconia crown: $550-$720 (18,000-25,000 THB)
- • E-Max/All-ceramic: $550-$700 (18,000-23,000 THB)
- • Savings: 60-80% compared to USA/Australia
- • Treatment time: 2-5 days (same-day available with CAD/CAM)
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a cap that covers the entire visible portion of a tooth above the gumline. Crowns are designed to improve the appearance of your teeth and protect damaged or weakened teeth.
Crowns serve as permanent dental restorations—much more durable than temporary dentures or simple fillings for damaged teeth.
Why Is a Dental Crown Needed?
- Reinforce broken teeth: Save a cracked or broken tooth by covering it with a protective crown
- After root canal: Protect a "dead" tooth that's been treated with root canal therapy
- Improve aesthetics: Cover misshapen, discolored, or small teeth for a better smile
- Restore bite function: Fix worn down or decayed teeth to restore proper chewing
- Support dental bridges: Anchor teeth for bridges that replace missing teeth
- Cover implants: The visible portion of a dental implant is a crown
Types of Dental Crowns
| Type | Cost (Thailand) | Pros | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| PFM (Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal) | $300-$470 10,000-15,000 THB | Durable, affordable, natural look | Back teeth, budget-conscious |
| Zirconia | $550-$720 18,000-25,000 THB | Strongest, most natural, metal-free | Front & back teeth, best overall |
| E-Max (All-Ceramic) | $550-$700 18,000-23,000 THB | Excellent aesthetics, translucent | Front teeth, visible smile |
| All-Porcelain | $550-$690 18,000-22,000 THB | Natural appearance, biocompatible | Front teeth, metal allergies |
| Gold Alloy PFM | $940-$1,250 30,000-40,000 THB | Extremely durable, biocompatible | Back teeth, heavy grinders |
PFM Crowns (Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal)
PFM crowns have a metal base coated with porcelain. The porcelain looks like natural tooth enamel, while the metal underneath provides strength. They're famously durable and cost-effective.
Downside: The metal base may show as a dark line at the gumline over time, making them less ideal for front teeth.
Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia crowns are the gold standard for modern dental restorations. They combine the strength of metal with the beauty of porcelain—as strong as metal teeth and as beautiful as natural teeth.
Zirconia is metal-free, making it ideal for patients with metal allergies. It's the most popular choice for both front and back teeth.
E-Max & All-Ceramic Crowns
E-Max crowns are made using CAD/CAM technology for precise fit. They offer excellent translucency that mimics natural teeth, making them ideal for front teeth where aesthetics matter most.
Dental Crown Costs: Thailand vs. USA
| Crown Type | Thailand | USA | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| PFM Crown | $300-$470 | $800-$1,500 | 60-70% |
| Zirconia Crown | $550-$720 | $1,000-$2,500 | 60-75% |
| E-Max Crown | $550-$700 | $1,000-$2,000 | 60-70% |
| Implant Crown | $785-$1,100 | $1,500-$3,000 | 50-65% |
Multiple crowns? Many Thai clinics offer package deals with bulk discounts. A 20-crown package can cost as little as $6,000-$10,000 in Thailand—a fraction of Western prices.
The Crown Procedure
Getting a dental crown typically requires 2-3 appointments over 3-5 days:
- Day 1: Consultation & Preparation
Your dentist examines the tooth, takes X-rays, and discusses crown options. The tooth is prepared by removing a thin layer of enamel to make room for the crown. An impression is taken. - Day 2-4: Crown Fabrication
The dental lab creates your custom crown. You'll wear a temporary crown during this time. - Day 3-5: Crown Placement
The temporary crown is removed, and the permanent crown is fitted, adjusted, and cemented in place.
Same-day crowns: Some clinics with CAD/CAM technology (like CEREC) can create and place crowns in a single visit.
How Long Do Crowns Last?
With proper care, dental crowns typically last:
- PFM crowns: 10-15 years
- Zirconia crowns: 15-20+ years
- All-ceramic/E-Max: 10-15 years
- Gold crowns: 20-30+ years
Many Thai clinics offer 2-5 year warranties on their crown work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which crown type is best?
Zirconia is generally the best all-around choice—strong, natural-looking, and metal-free. For front teeth where aesthetics are paramount, E-Max offers excellent translucency. For budget-conscious patients, PFM provides good value for back teeth.
Is getting a crown painful?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you won't feel pain. Some sensitivity is normal for a few days after, especially to hot and cold.
How many days do I need in Thailand for crowns?
Plan for 3-5 days minimum. Day 1 for preparation, 1-3 days for fabrication, and a final day for placement. Same-day crowns can reduce this to 1-2 days.
Can I get multiple crowns at once?
Yes! Many dental tourists get multiple crowns in one trip. This is actually more efficient and cost-effective. Clinics often offer package pricing for multiple crowns.
What's the difference between a crown and a veneer?
A crown covers the entire tooth (360°), while a veneer only covers the front surface. Crowns are used for damaged or weakened teeth; veneers are primarily cosmetic for healthy teeth.
Do Thai dentists use the same materials as Western dentists?
Yes. Thai dental clinics use the same premium materials and brands—E-Max, BruxZir, Lava, Cercon, and other internationally recognized products.
Get Your Dental Crowns in Phuket
Dental crowns in Thailand offer exceptional value without compromising quality. With savings of 60-80% and access to the same materials used worldwide, it's an excellent option for anyone needing crown work.
Key points to remember:
- Zirconia crowns cost $550-$720 in Thailand vs $1,000-$2,500 in the USA
- PFM crowns offer the best value at $300-$470
- Treatment takes 3-5 days (or same-day with CAD/CAM)
- Most clinics offer warranties of 2-5 years
- Package deals available for multiple crowns
