A dental crown is one of the most common restorations in dentistry, used to protect and rebuild a tooth that is damaged, weakened, or heavily filled. If your dentist has recommended one, it helps to understand your options before you decide.
This guide explains what crowns are made of, what influences the cost, and how long they typically last. If you are considering dental crowns in Markham, this covers the essentials in plain language.
What is a dental crown and when do you need one?
A crown is a custom cap that covers the entire visible part of a tooth, restoring its shape, strength, and appearance. It is often recommended after a root canal, for a cracked or heavily worn tooth, to support a large filling, or to cover a dental implant.
Essentially, a crown steps in when a filling is not enough to protect what remains of the tooth. It is covered in more detail alongside repairs in our guide on how to fix chipped or cracked teeth.
What types of crowns are there?
Crowns come in several materials, each with strengths suited to different teeth and priorities.
- All-ceramic / porcelain: Excellent natural appearance, ideal for front teeth and visible areas.
- Zirconia: Very strong and tooth-coloured, good for back teeth that take heavy chewing forces.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal: Combines a metal core for strength with a porcelain exterior for looks.
- Metal (gold alloys): Extremely durable and gentle on opposing teeth, though less popular for visible teeth.
Some ceramic crowns can be made in a single appointment — see same-day crowns with CEREC technology.
What affects the cost of a crown?
The cost of a crown depends on the material chosen, the complexity of the tooth, whether additional treatment (like a root canal or build-up) is needed first, and the lab or technology used to make it. Front-tooth crowns that demand precise aesthetics can take more time to perfect.
Insurance often contributes to crowns when they are needed for function, and payment plans can spread the cost — our guide on payment plans and financing for dental work in Markham explains how.
How long do crowns last?
With good care, a crown commonly lasts around 10 to 15 years, and often longer. Its lifespan depends on the material, where it sits in your mouth, your oral hygiene, and habits like grinding, which can shorten it. Protecting a crown is much like protecting a natural tooth.
Daily brushing and flossing, regular checkups, and a night guard if you grind all help your crown last. A dentist in Markham can recommend the material and approach that best fits your tooth and budget.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a dental crown last?
Most crowns last about 10 to 15 years and often longer with good care. Material, tooth location, oral hygiene, and grinding all affect lifespan.
Which crown material is best?
There is no single best — porcelain and ceramic look most natural for front teeth, while zirconia and metal offer strength for back teeth. Your Markham dentist recommends based on the tooth and your priorities.
Does insurance cover dental crowns?
Insurance often helps cover crowns when they are needed to restore function, though coverage varies by plan. Payment plans can cover the remaining balance.
This article is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis or treatment. Treatment suitability, procedures, risks and costs vary by individual. Always consult a licensed dentist about your specific situation.
Related articles
- How to Fix Chipped or Cracked TeethFrom minor chips to deeper cracks, here are the repair options and the smart first steps to protect your tooth.Read more
- Veneers 101: Cost, Types, and LongevityA beginner-friendly guide to veneers — the types available, what affects cost, and how long you can expect them to last.Read more
- Same-Day Crowns: How CEREC Technology Speeds Up TreatmentHow same-day crown technology designs, mills, and fits a crown in a single visit — and where it shines compared with the traditional process.Read more