Front Teeth Crowns : Who Needs, Procedure, Costs & Before‑After

Last updated on May 7th, 2025

Your front teeth are central to your smile and how you express yourself. When damage or decay affects these visible teeth, finding the right restoration is crucial. Dental crowns offer a reliable way to restore both the function and appearance of front teeth. Studies¹ show high short-term survival rates (generally over 90-95% at 5 years), and long-term survival rates (15-20 years) are reported to range from 50% to 80%.

This guide explains your options for achieving a natural-looking, durable result.

When Does a Front Tooth Need a Crown?

A dental crown may be recommended for a front tooth in several situations, primarily to restore its strength, function, and appearance. Common reasons include:

• Significant Decay: When a cavity is too large to be repaired effectively with a standard filling.
• Large Existing Fillings: If a tooth has a large filling that compromises its structural integrity, a crown provides needed support.
• After Root Canal Treatment (RCT): Teeth often become more brittle after root canal therapy; a crown protects the treated tooth from fracture.
• Trauma or Fracture: Significant chips or breaks resulting from an accident or injury may require a crown for restoration.
• Severe Wear: Excessive wear due to grinding (bruxism) or other factors may necessitate a crown to restore the tooth’s shape and function.
• Aesthetic Concerns: In some cases, crowns are used to improve the appearance of severely discolored or misshapen front teeth when other cosmetic options aren’t suitable.

Why Are Crowns on Front Teeth Special?

Restoring front teeth requires exceptional attention to detail. Unlike back teeth, which focus on strength, front teeth require a perfect blend of durability and aesthetics. The goal is a crown that looks indistinguishable from your natural teeth, matching their color, shape, and translucency precisely. Managing the gum line for a seamless transition is also vital for a truly natural appearance.

Choosing the Right Material: Aesthetics Meet Strength

Selecting the best material is key to a successful front tooth crown. Modern dentistry offers several excellent options such as Zirconia, Emax and Porcelein-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) crowns, each with specific benefits:

1. Zirconia crowns are known for their exceptional strength and resistance to fracture, making them a popular choice. Newer formulations offer improved translucency, making them suitable for front teeth, although sometimes a layer of porcelain is required for optimal aesthetics. They are highly biocompatible according to the updated review on zirconia studies².
2. Emax (Lithium Disilicate) Crowns: Emax is prized for its outstanding translucency and aesthetic qualities, closely mimicking natural tooth enamel. While strong, it may be slightly less robust than zirconia, making it ideal for front teeth where biting forces are generally lower. Its light-transmission properties create very lifelike results.
3. Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns: PFM crowns have a metal substructure covered by porcelain. They offer good strength but can sometimes show a dark line at the gum line over time if gums recede. Achieving the highest level of translucency can also be challenging compared to all-ceramic options.

Material Comparison for Front Teeth

To help you compare, this table highlights the main features of Zirconia, Emax, and PFM crowns for front teeth:

Feature	Zirconia	Emax (Lithium Disilicate)	PFM (Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal)
Aesthetics	Very Good (improving)	Excellent (most natural)	Good (metal base limits)
Translucency	Good (newer types)	Excellent	Moderate (opaque base)
Strength	Excellent	Very Good	Very Good (metal core)
Gum Line	No dark line	No dark line	Potential dark line over time
Biocompatible	Excellent	Excellent	Generally Good

The Crown Procedure: What to Expect

Getting a front tooth crown typically involves two visits:

1. Preparation and Impression: Your dentist prepares the tooth by removing damaged areas and shaping it to fit the crown. An impression (digital or physical) is taken to create a precise model for the lab. Shade matching is meticulously done at this stage to ensure the crown blends perfectly. You’ll receive a temporary crown to protect the tooth.
2. Placement: Once your custom crown is ready, you’ll return for placement. The dentist removes the temporary crown, checks the fit and appearance of the final crown, and bonds it securely in place. Minor adjustments ensure your bite feels comfortable.

What Are the Alternatives for Front Teeth Crowns?

Crowns aren’t the only option. Depending on your specific situation, alternatives might include:

• Veneers: Thin shells bonded to the front surface of teeth, ideal for cosmetic improvements such as shape, color, or minor alignment issues, with less tooth reduction than crowns. For more information visit our dental treatment page for veneer.
• Dental Bonding: Applying tooth-colored composite resin directly to the tooth to repair chips, gaps, or discoloration. It’s less invasive but may not be as durable or stain-resistant as crowns or veneers.

Discussing these options with your dentist will help determine the best solution for your needs.

What is the Cost of Front Tooth Crown?

The cost of a front tooth crown depends on factors such as the material chosen, the complexity of your specific case, and the laboratory techniques used. Based on our current price list:

• Smile Design CAD/CAM Zirconium Crown: 253€ per tooth
• EMAX Porcelain Crown/Full Veneer: 298€ per tooth

These prices can provide substantial savings, particularly when compared to expenses in USA and UK. For comparison, the average cost of a similar-quality crown is approximately $1,500 in the United States and £730 in the United Kingdom. (Note: These comparison prices are averages and actual costs can vary significantly based on location and clinic)

Read more: Comparing Dental Treatment Prices in Turkey (2025)

Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns are often a more budget-friendly option, though specific pricing can be discussed during your consultation. Keep in mind that these are starting prices, and the final cost can vary.

How to Care for Your Front Tooth Crown

Treat your crowned tooth like your natural teeth. Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily. Attend regular dental check-ups and cleanings. Avoid biting extremely hard objects (like ice or pens) to prevent damage. With proper care, your crown can last 15 to 20 years.

Front Tooth Crowns Before and After Photos

See the transformative results possible with front tooth crowns. Below are examples of smile restorations performed at our clinic.

In this video review, one of our international patients shares their experience of getting dental crowns at Maltepe Dental Clinic in Istanbul.

FAQs for Front Teeth Crowns

In this part, you will get the key takeaways of this article through the following questions and answers.

• Q: Will my front tooth crown look natural?
  • A: Yes, modern materials like Emax and high-translucency Zirconia, combined with precise shade matching, allow for incredibly natural-looking results.
• Q: How long do front tooth crowns last?
  • A: With good care, crowns can last many years. While individual results vary based on material and habits, large reviews indicate high survival rates, often exceeding 90-95% at 5 years. Long-term survival (15-20 years) is reported to range from 50% to 80%, acoording to research published in the Journal of General Dentistry³ [Walton TR, 2009; PMID: 19146146].
• Q: Is the procedure painful?
  • A: Local anesthesia ensures you won’t feel pain during preparation or placement. Some temporary sensitivity may occur afterward, but it is manageable.
• Q: Can a front tooth crown stain?
  • A: Porcelain and zirconia are highly resistant to staining. Maintaining good oral hygiene helps keep them looking their best.
• Q: Will my front tooth crown look natural?
  • A: Yes, modern materials like Emax and high-translucency Zirconia, combined with precise shade matching, allow for incredibly natural-looking results.
• Q: Can Gum Disease Cause Crowns Fall Out?
  • Receding gums and extensive decay may cause your crown to loosen and even fall out. If you have serious gum disease, see your dentist immediately. Read more: Gum Receding: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments.
• Q: Do front crowns fall out easily?
  • A: When properly placed using modern bonding techniques and cared for correctly, front crowns are very secure and should not fall out easily. Issues are uncommon but could potentially occur due to underlying tooth problems, trauma, or biting on extremely hard objects.

Restore Your Smile with Confidence

Choosing the right crown for a front tooth is a significant decision. By understanding the material options, the importance of aesthetics, and the procedure involved, you can work with your dentist to achieve a result that restores both function and a beautiful, natural-looking smile.

Ready to discuss your options? Contact Maltepe Dental Clinic today for a consultation.

SOURCE

1. Bader JD, Shugars DA. Summary review of the survival of single crowns. Gen Dent. 2009 Jan-Feb;57(1):74-81. PMID: 19146146.  ↩︎
2. Kongkiatkamon S, Rokaya D, Kengtanyakich S, Peampring C. Current classification of zirconia in dentistry: an updated review. PeerJ. 2023 Jul 14;11:e15669. doi: 10.7717/peerj.15669. PMID: 37465158; PMCID: PMC10351515. ↩︎
3. Bader JD, Shugars DA. Summary review of the survival of single crowns. Gen Dent. 2009 Jan-Feb;57(1):74-81. PMID: 19146146. ↩︎