Restorative Dentistry
Dental Crown Cost London | From £375 Per Crown | South Kensington
Transparent dental crown cost in London: Zirconia from £750 (Member £375), E.max from £850 (Member £425). Core build-up & re-cementing priced separately. CQC-regulated, GDC-registered. Call 020 7183 0755.
If you are researching the cost of a dental crown in London, a single headline price rarely tells the full story. The fee depends on the crown material (Zirconia, E.max ceramic, or gold), whether the underlying tooth needs a core build-up first, and whether the crown is being placed following root canal therapy or to protect a cracked tooth. At Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic in South Kensington (SW7), our per-crown fees are openly published, every plan is confirmed in writing before treatment, and crowns are placed by GDC-registered dentists in our CQC-regulated clinic.
How much does a dental crown cost in London?
At Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic, dental crowns are priced per tooth and by material:
- Zirconia Crown (high strength, back teeth): from £750 standard (Privilege Member: from £375)
- E.max Aesthetic Crown (front teeth): from £850 standard (Privilege Member: from £425)
- Gold Crown (precious metal): quoted on weight (Privilege Member: 50% discount)
- Core Build-up (if needed before the crown): £150 standard (Member £75)
- Re-cementing an old crown: £95 standard (Member £47.50)
A clinical consultation (£95 / Member £47.50) and any X-rays, root canal, or hygiene work are charged separately. All fees are confirmed in writing before treatment begins.
Dental Crown Fees in Detail
Crowns are priced per tooth and by material because each material carries its own laboratory cost, chairside time, and clinical indication. A high-strength Zirconia crown for a back molar is a different product to a hand-layered E.max ceramic crown on a front tooth. Our fee structure separates these openly so you can see exactly what you are paying for.
| Service | Standard Fee | Privilege Member Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Zirconia Crown (per tooth)High-strength monolithic ceramic — ideal for molars and bruxers | from £750 | from £375 |
| E.max Aesthetic Crown (per tooth)Lithium disilicate ceramic, hand-layered — for front-tooth aesthetics | from £850 | from £425 |
| Gold Crown (precious metal, per tooth)Traditional, exceptional longevity — usually back teeth | Quoted on weight | 50% discount on standard |
| Core Build-Up (foundation, if required)Restores broken-down tooth before the crown is fitted | £150 | £75 |
| Re-cementing an Existing CrownFor a crown that has come off but is otherwise sound | £95 | £47.50 |
| Restorative ConsultationExamination, X-rays as required, treatment plan in writing | £95 | £47.50 |
| Diagnostic X-rays (per X-ray, if clinically indicated)Charged separately, never bundled into the headline price | £20 | £10 |
Fees correct at time of publication and may be reviewed periodically. "From £" indicates the starting fee for a typical case; complex cases are quoted individually in writing before any treatment begins. The Privilege Member rate is available to members of our Privilege Programme (from £20 per month); membership is not required to receive treatment.
Indicative Total Cost by Case Type
Most crown enquiries fall into one of a few recognisable patterns. The figures below show typical Privilege Member totals so you can quickly understand the likely investment — your written plan will give your exact figure.
| Case Type | What's Typically Involved | Member — Indicative From |
|---|---|---|
| Single back-tooth crown (straightforward) | Consultation (£47.50) + X-ray (£10) + Zirconia crown (£375) | from £432.50 |
| Single front-tooth aesthetic crown | Consultation (£47.50) + X-ray (£10) + E.max crown (£425) | from £482.50 |
| Crown after root canal (with build-up) | Build-up + Zirconia or E.max crown (root canal quoted separately) | from £450 + crown |
| Replacing an old metal crown | Removal of old crown, new E.max or Zirconia crown | from £375 |
| 2 adjacent crowns (matched) | 2 E.max crowns, shade-matched at lab | from £850 |
| Old crown re-cemented | No new lab work — diagnostic check + cement | £47.50 |
Indicative figures only — your exact total depends on which tooth, the condition of the underlying tooth structure, whether a core build-up or root canal is needed first, and the crown material chosen. Final fees are always confirmed in writing before any treatment begins.
What Determines Your Final Crown Fee?
Two patients with what looks like the same broken tooth can have meaningfully different quotes. The honest reasons for that variation are clinical, not commercial:
1. Crown material
Zirconia (high-strength, back teeth) and E.max (highly aesthetic, front teeth) have different lab costs and clinical indications. Gold is priced on weight at the time of fabrication.
2. Core build-up required?
If the tooth is heavily broken down, a "core" must first be built so the crown has a solid foundation. This adds £75–£150 depending on membership.
3. Root canal needed first?
If the tooth nerve is involved, a root canal must be completed before the crown. Root canal therapy is quoted separately based on the tooth (front, premolar, or molar).
4. Position in the mouth
Front-tooth crowns demand greater shade and shape matching, which usually means E.max with hand-layered porcelain. Back teeth typically use monolithic Zirconia, which is more cost-effective for the same strength.
5. Replacement vs new
Replacing an old metal-fused crown adds time to remove the original and assess the underlying tooth — sometimes more decay is found, which is treated and quoted before the new crown is made.
6. Membership status
Privilege Programme members (from £20/month) receive Member rates on crown fees — typically a 50% reduction. Membership is optional and we quote both figures so you can compare honestly.
What's Included in the Per-Crown Fee
Included in the crown fee
- Clinical time with a GDC-registered dentist (preparation visit)
- Local anaesthetic
- Digital intraoral scan (no impression putty)
- Custom temporary crown to wear during the lab phase
- The final Zirconia or E.max crown itself, made by our UK ceramist
- Cementation and bite check at the fit appointment
- One short post-fit review appointment
Charged separately
- Restorative consultation (£95 / Member £47.50)
- Diagnostic X-rays (£20 standard / £10 Member, if clinically required)
- Core build-up (£150 standard / £75 Member) — if needed
- Root canal therapy — if needed, quoted by tooth
- Hygiene therapy or gum treatment before the crown
- Teeth whitening (if you want to whiten before shade-matching)
- Night guard if you grind your teeth (strongly recommended for crowns)
- Replacement crown in the future (typically many years later)
Zirconia vs E.max vs Gold: Honest Comparison
The cheapest crown is not always the right crown for your case. Here is a balanced view so you can decide what fits your tooth, position, and budget:
| Factor | Zirconia | E.max (Lithium Disilicate) | Gold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Member fee per crown | from £375 | from £425 | Quoted on weight |
| Best position | Back teeth / molars | Front teeth / aesthetic zone | Back teeth (less visible) |
| Strength | Very high | High | Very high (and gentle on opposing teeth) |
| Aesthetics | Good (less translucent than E.max) | Excellent — mimics enamel light | Visibly gold (a traditional choice) |
| Typical lifespan | 10–20+ years | 10–15+ years | 20+ years |
| Metal-free | Yes | Yes | No (precious metal) |
Lifespan ranges are general estimates; actual longevity depends on bite, oral hygiene, grinding/clenching habits, and attendance at hygiene appointments. We do not guarantee a specific lifespan for any restoration.
Crown vs Filling vs Onlay: Choosing the Right Option
A crown is not always the answer. The most conservative restoration that will reliably hold the tooth together is usually the right one. We will tell you honestly which category your tooth falls into:
Filling (least invasive)
Where damage involves < ~30% of the tooth. A bonded composite filling preserves the most natural tooth structure.
Onlay / partial crown
Where damage is moderate. An onlay covers one or more cusps but keeps healthy walls intact. A good middle ground.
Full crown (most protective)
Where the tooth is heavily broken, cracked, or root-treated. A full crown encases the tooth 360° and is the most reliable choice for protection.
What Crowns Will — and Won't — Do
A clear expectation of outcomes is part of compliant restorative dentistry. Here is the honest version:
Crowns can typically:
- Protect a tooth that has had root canal therapy
- Hold a cracked tooth together and prevent the crack spreading
- Restore a heavily broken-down or worn tooth to full function
- Improve the shade and shape of a single tooth that cannot be veneered
- Replace an old metal-fused crown with a metal-free ceramic equivalent
Crowns are not the answer when:
- The tooth could safely be restored with a filling or onlay (less invasive)
- The remaining tooth structure is too compromised to hold a crown — extraction and implant may be needed
- You are looking for a purely cosmetic upgrade across many front teeth — veneers may be more conservative
- Active gum disease or decay has not yet been brought under control
If a filling, an onlay, a veneer, or even no treatment is the more appropriate option, we will tell you. We routinely decline to place crowns where they are not the most conservative reliable choice.
How Your Written Crown Quote Is Prepared
Step 1 — Restorative consultation (£95)
A GDC-registered dentist examines the tooth, takes any X-rays needed, and assesses whether a filling, onlay, or full crown is the most appropriate option.
Step 2 — Material and shade discussion
We explain the realistic options — Zirconia, E.max, or gold — and the pros, cons, and costs of each for your specific tooth.
Step 3 — Written treatment plan & quote
You receive a written, itemised plan showing the proposed crown, any core build-up, any root canal, and the schedule of payments. Standard and Member fees are both shown.
Step 4 — Temporary, then fit
At the prep visit, you receive a custom temporary crown to wear for ~2 weeks while our UK lab makes your final crown. At the fit visit, the crown is checked, polished, and cemented.
Ways to Pay
Pay as you go
A deposit is taken at the prep visit; the balance is due at the fit appointment. Card, Apple Pay, and bank transfer accepted.
Privilege Membership
From £20/month. Reduces clinical fees by up to 50% across crowns, fillings, hygiene, and consultations. No tie-in beyond the standard 12-month membership.
0% finance over 12 months
Eligible plans can be spread over 12 months at 0% APR Representative through our FCA-authorised lender. Longer terms with interest are also available.
Finance is subject to status and provided by an FCA-authorised third-party lender. Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic acts as a credit broker, not a lender. Privilege Membership is a private dental plan and not a health insurance product. See our finance options page for representative examples and full terms.
Risks & Limitations You Should Know
In line with GDC and ASA standards, we do not present crown treatment as risk-free. Before agreeing to a crown you should understand:
- Tooth preparation is irreversible. A layer of the outer tooth (typically 1–2 mm) must be removed to make room for the crown. Once prepared, the tooth will always need a crown or similar restoration.
- Sensitivity. Mild temperature sensitivity for days to a few weeks after preparation is common. Rarely it can persist, and very occasionally the nerve becomes inflamed and root canal therapy is then needed.
- Decay can still occur. The crown itself does not decay, but the underlying tooth can still develop decay at the margin if oral hygiene is not maintained.
- Chipping or fracture. Ceramic crowns can chip or fracture, particularly under heavy biting forces or grinding. A night guard is strongly recommended if you grind your teeth.
- Gum recession. Over years, gums may recede slightly and a margin may become visible; this sometimes leads to replacement for aesthetic reasons.
- Not always the best option. If a filling, onlay, or veneer would give a better and more conservative result, we will recommend that instead — even if the crown fee would have been higher.
Why Patients Choose Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic for Crowns
Metal-free by default
100% Zirconia or E.max ceramic — no dark "metal line" appearing at the gum over time.
UK ceramist partnership
Our crowns are made by experienced UK dental technicians, not bulk overseas labs — better shade control, faster turnaround, clearer accountability.
Digital impressions
We use intraoral scanners — no impression putty, no gagging. More accurate fits and a more comfortable visit.
South Kensington address
20 Old Brompton Road, SW7 3DL — a short walk from South Kensington station. Same-day consultations frequently available.
Clinical Lead
Dr Yasha Shirazi
Clinical Lead & Principal Dentist · GDC No. 195843
Dr Yasha leads the restorative team at Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic. Every crown plan is reviewed for clinical appropriateness and conservatism. Where a filling, onlay, or veneer would give a better outcome with less tooth removal, she will say so before any treatment is agreed.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Crown Cost
How much does a dental crown cost in London?
At Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic: Zirconia crowns from £750 standard (Privilege Member: from £375), and E.max aesthetic crowns from £850 standard (Member: from £425). All fees are confirmed in writing before treatment.
How much is a crown after root canal?
The crown itself is priced as above (Zirconia from £375 or E.max from £425 for Members). A core build-up is typically required first (£75 Member / £150 standard). The root canal therapy itself is quoted separately based on the tooth.
What's the difference between Zirconia and E.max?
Zirconia is stronger and is our default choice for back molars where biting forces are highest. E.max is more translucent — it mimics the light-handling of natural enamel — and is our default for front-tooth aesthetics. Both are metal-free.
Is the consultation included in the crown fee?
No — the restorative consultation (£95 standard / £47.50 Member) is charged separately. For Members, the consultation fee is refundable against treatment if you proceed.
How long do dental crowns last?
Zirconia crowns typically last 10–20+ years, E.max crowns 10–15+ years, and gold crowns 20+ years. Actual longevity depends on bite, oral hygiene, grinding habits, and attendance at hygiene appointments. Individual results vary; we do not guarantee a specific lifespan.
Can I get a same-day crown?
We use a 2-visit, lab-crafted protocol rather than chairside same-day milling. Hand-finished, polychromatic crowns from a UK ceramist give a more natural light-handling result than a single-block milled crown. You leave the prep visit with a custom temporary so you are never without a tooth.
My old crown has come off — what does it cost to put back on?
If the original crown and the underlying tooth are sound, we re-cement it for £95 standard (Member £47.50). If the crown or tooth is damaged, a new crown may be required and will be quoted before any further work.
Is a crown cheaper than a dental implant?
Yes, significantly. A single crown on a salvageable tooth starts from £375 (Member) or £750 standard. A single dental implant including a crown starts from £2,950. If a tooth can be saved with a crown rather than extracted and replaced with an implant, that is almost always the more conservative — and cheaper — choice.
Can I pay monthly?
Yes. Eligible crown plans can be spread over 12 months at 0% APR Representative through our FCA-authorised finance partner. Longer terms with interest are also available. Subject to status.
Are crowns covered by the NHS?
Crowns are available on the NHS in certain clinical circumstances but typically use different materials and processes than our private metal-free, lab-crafted crowns. Our crowns are provided privately. If your case may qualify for NHS care, we will say so.
Why are some London clinics so much cheaper?
Lower headline prices often reflect overseas labs, metal-fused-to-porcelain (PFM) crowns rather than metal-free ceramics, less chairside time, or bundled fees that exclude core build-ups and consultations. We are explicit about what is included and what is not. Cost should always be compared on a like-for-like basis.
Related Information
Dental Crowns — clinical overview
How crowns work, when they are indicated, the differences between Zirconia, E.max and gold, and the full preparation-to-fit journey.
Dental Implant Cost
If your tooth cannot be saved with a crown, see our transparent implant pricing and indicative case totals.
Dental Veneers Cost
If you are weighing a crown against a more conservative cosmetic option for a front tooth, see per-tooth veneer pricing.
Finance Options
0% interest-free credit over 12 months and longer terms via our FCA-authorised lender. Representative examples included.
Get a Written Crown Quote
Book a restorative consultation in South Kensington. We will examine the tooth, talk you through realistic options (filling, onlay, or full crown), and give you an itemised, written quote — with both Standard and Privilege Member figures — before any treatment is agreed.
Same-day consultations frequently available · 20 Old Brompton Road, South Kensington, London SW7 3DL
Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic — 20 Old Brompton Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 3DL.
Phone: 020 7183 0755 · Email: info@cosmeticdentistryclinic.co.uk
Fees shown are starting prices ("from £") and reflect typical cases — final fees depend on the crown material, the underlying tooth condition, any preparatory work (core build-up, root canal, hygiene), and individual clinical findings, and are confirmed in writing before treatment. Fees correct at time of publication and may be reviewed periodically. This page is general information and does not constitute clinical advice; suitability for a dental crown depends on a clinical examination by a GDC-registered dentist. Our clinic is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Finance is subject to status and provided by an FCA-authorised lender; Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic is a credit broker, not a lender. Longevity figures are general ranges; individual results vary and we do not guarantee a specific lifespan for any restoration.
Expert Insight
"We approach dental crown cost not just as a procedure, but as a pivotal restoration of self. Precision is our baseline; artistry is our signature."
— Dr. Yasha Y Shirazi
GDC: 195843
The Process
- 01.
Comprehensive Diagnostics & 3D Imaging.
- 02.
Bespoke Treatment Planning & Aesthetic Calibration.
- 03.
Precision Execution & Final Artistry.
Benefits
- Improved Facial Harmony
- Restored Function & Longevity
- Seamless, Natural Aesthetics
Location
Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic20 Old Brompton Road
South Kensington
London, SW7 3DL
Located 2 minutes walk from South Kensington Station.
Opening Hours
- Mon - Wed09:00 - 18:00
- Thu09:00 - 20:00
- Fri09:00 - 17:00
- Sat10:00 - 16:00
- Sun10:00 - 16:00
Uncompromising Standards
True artistry requires a foundation of absolute safety. Our practice operates under the strictest clinical governance, ensuring that your journey is as safe as it is transformative. We are fully regulated, transparent, and dedicated to the highest tenets of medical ethics.
Begin Your Journey
Private consultations available in South Kensington. Join our membership for exclusive courtesies.