Dental crowns and veneers: what it is and how clinics abroad price it

Crowns and veneers are custom-made covers that a dentist bonds onto natural teeth. A crown covers the whole visible tooth; a veneer covers only the front surface. Clinics abroad often sell them one tooth at a time or as a "smile makeover" package of several teeth.

What does it involve?

• Crown — a tooth-shaped cap that covers the tooth above the gum line. MedlinePlus explains that the dentist reshapes the tooth, takes an impression or digital scan, fits a temporary crown, then cements the permanent crown, usually over two visits. Crowns are also used to attach a bridge or to cover a dental implant.
• Porcelain veneer — a thin custom-made shell bonded to the front of the tooth. The American Dental Association notes that enamel is removed to place a veneer, so the treatment is not reversible.
• Composite veneer — tooth-colored filling material bonded to the tooth. The ADA says it may need less enamel removed and fewer visits, but it is less stain- and wear-resistant than porcelain.
• Inlays and onlays — lab-made fillings that cover part of the chewing surface, used when a filling is too small and a crown too large.
• Teeth whitening — bleaching with hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, in the clinic or with take-home trays, as the ADA explains. Clinics often sell it together with veneers.

Crowns placed on implants, and replacing missing teeth in general, are covered on the dental implants page.

How do clinics price it?

This topic does not yet have fixed price units in the catalogue. Clinics typically publish:

• Per crown (often called "per tooth" or "per unit"), with the material named: porcelain fused to metal, zirconia, or all-ceramic such as E-max.
• Per veneer, porcelain and composite priced separately.
• Per inlay or onlay.
• Per treatment for whitening, in-clinic or home kit.
• Per package for a "smile makeover", which bundles a stated number of crowns or veneers.

Prices are only comparable within the same unit and material. A package price is not comparable with a per-tooth price unless the number of teeth is listed. Items often charged extra are the consultation, X-rays, a digital smile design, temporary crowns, root canal treatment or fillings needed first, hotel nights and travel.

What should I ask the clinic before paying?

• How many teeth are in the price, and which teeth exactly?
• What material and which lab or brand is used for the crowns or veneers?
• Who does the work, and what is the dentist's qualification? See how to check a doctor.
• How much tooth structure will be removed, and will any treatment be needed first?
• How many visits and days in the clinic are needed?
• What happens if a crown or veneer chips, loosens or does not fit: is the redo free, and who pays for travel?
• Is follow-up possible after I return home, and how long is the written quote valid?

What this page does not tell you

This page reports prices and terms that clinics publish. It does not say whether crowns or veneers suit you or how long they will last. Those questions belong with your own dentist, who can see your teeth.