Custom dental crowns at Vilafortuny, Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah 3 - zirconia, Emax, and same-day CEREC options, precisely matched to your natural teeth. Trusted by Dubai patients since 2006.
Dental Crowns in Dubai
A dental crown is a full-coverage restoration that encases the entire visible portion of a tooth above the gum line - restoring its shape, strength, and appearance when the remaining natural tooth structure is insufficient to support a filling alone. Crowns are one of the most versatile restorations in dentistry, used across a broad range of clinical situations from severe decay and fracture through to cosmetic enhancement and implant restoration.
At Vilafortuny, crowns are fabricated from premium materials - zirconia, Emax, and Feldspathic porcelain - and are available as both laboratory-fabricated restorations and same-day CEREC crowns for straightforward cases. Every crown is shade-assessed and digitally designed for a precise fit and a natural result that complements the surrounding teeth.
20 yrs
expected lifespan with proper care and regular maintenance
Same Day
CEREC crown option available for suitable cases in a single visit
Since 2006
restorative dental care trusted by Dubai patients
When Is a Crown the Right Choice?
A crown is recommended when a tooth requires full-coverage protection - either because insufficient natural structure remains to support a filling, or because the clinical situation calls for complete encasement of the tooth. Common indications include:
- Severe decay - when more than half the natural tooth structure has been lost to decay and a filling would not provide reliable long-term support
- Cracked or fractured teeth - a crown holds the tooth together, preventing the crack from propagating further and protecting the pulp from bacterial entry
- Root canal treatment - teeth that have undergone root canal therapy are structurally weakened and require a crown to restore full strength and prevent fracture
- Large existing fillings - when a filling has been replaced multiple times or occupies most of the tooth, the remaining walls are at risk of fracture under chewing forces
- Worn teeth - significant tooth wear caused by acid erosion or bruxism that has shortened the teeth and compromised their function
- Dental implants - every implant requires a crown to restore the visible portion of the tooth above the gum line
- Cosmetic correction - severely discoloured, misshapen, or poorly proportioned teeth where a veneer alone cannot provide sufficient coverage or correction
- Dental bridges - the abutment teeth on either side of a bridge gap are crowned to provide the anchor for the bridge structure
Crown vs filling - how to decide
A filling is appropriate when the cavity or damage is limited and sufficient healthy tooth structure remains to support the restoration. A crown is appropriate when the remaining tooth walls are thin, at risk of fracture, or insufficient to reliably retain a filling. At Vilafortuny, the decision is always made based on clinical assessment and imaging - never on preference. Where a filling is adequate, that is what is recommended.
Crown Materials at Vilafortuny
The right crown material depends on the location of the tooth, the aesthetic requirements, the bite forces involved, and any clinical constraints specific to the case. At Vilafortuny, the recommended material is always chosen on clinical grounds - not on cost or availability.
Premium aesthetic
Full Zirconia
The current standard of care for most crown cases at Vilafortuny. Metal-free throughout - no dark margin at the gum line, no risk of metal allergy, and excellent light transmission that replicates natural enamel. Exceptional strength makes it suitable for both front and back teeth. Biocompatible with gum tissue for healthy long-term margins. Available in monolithic form for posterior teeth where maximum strength is the priority, or layered for anterior teeth where aesthetics are the primary concern.
High strength ceramic
Emax (Lithium Disilicate)
A pressed ceramic with excellent strength and natural translucency - particularly suited to anterior crowns where both aesthetics and durability are required. Available in a range of translucencies to match different clinical situations. Less opaque than zirconia at its thinnest, producing a more lifelike result in visible positions. Often the preferred choice for single anterior crowns where the adjacent natural teeth are a highly translucent shade.
Traditional option
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM)
A ceramic layer bonded over a metal substructure. Strong and well-proven over decades, but carries the well-known limitations of a visible dark margin at the gum line as gums naturally recede, and reduced light transmission through the opaque metal core. At Vilafortuny, PFM is rarely the first recommendation for new crown cases but may be appropriate in specific clinical situations - for example, patients with certain metal-based existing restorations or bridge cases where the metal framework is required for structural reasons.
Specific indications
Gold Alloy
Gold crowns have the longest clinical track record in dentistry and remain the most biocompatible and durable option available for posterior teeth where appearance is not a concern. Gold is kind to opposing teeth, seals exceptionally well at the margin, and very rarely fractures. Recommended for specific posterior cases - particularly where the bite forces are extremely high, the tooth preparation is limited, or the patient has a known history of fracturing ceramic restorations. Not typically placed on visible teeth.
Same-Day Crowns with CEREC Technology
For suitable cases, Vilafortuny offers same-day crown fabrication using CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) technology. The tooth is prepared, digitally scanned, the crown designed using CAD/CAM software, and milled from a ceramic block in the clinic - all within a single appointment.
Best suited for
- Single posterior (back) crowns where the aesthetic demands are straightforward
- Patients who cannot attend multiple appointments due to time constraints
- Cases where avoiding a temporary crown is clinically preferable
- Replacement of broken or failed existing crowns on back teeth
When lab fabrication is preferred
- Visible anterior (front) teeth where shade matching and aesthetics are the primary concern
- Full smile makeovers involving multiple crowns - where consistency across all restorations requires a skilled laboratory ceramist
- Complex implant crowns requiring custom emergence profile
- Cases involving layered or highly translucent ceramic that exceeds CEREC material capabilities
Your clinician will advise which approach is most appropriate for your specific tooth and clinical situation. Where same-day CEREC is suitable, the quality and longevity are comparable to laboratory fabrication for the right case.
The Crown Procedure at Vilafortuny
A laboratory-fabricated crown is completed across two appointments. Same-day CEREC crowns are completed in one. The process is comfortable, well-managed, and designed to deliver a result that is both clinically sound and naturally appearing.
01
Assessment and Shade Recording
A clinical examination, X-rays, and where indicated a 3D CBCT scan confirm the tooth's suitability for a crown and identify any underlying issues - such as root canal requirement - that should be addressed before crown placement. Shade assessment is completed at this appointment, while the natural tooth is at its most hydrated and the surrounding teeth most accurately represent the target colour.
02
Tooth Preparation and Temporary Crown
Under local anaesthesia, the tooth is carefully reshaped to create the necessary clearance for the crown material - typically 1 to 2mm of reduction around all surfaces. Digital scans or impressions are taken and sent to the laboratory. A temporary crown is fitted immediately to protect the prepared tooth, maintain aesthetics, and allow the patient to assess the shape and bite before the permanent crown is made.
03
Laboratory Fabrication
The digital scan or impression is used to design and fabricate the crown in the laboratory using CAD/CAM technology. The crown is milled from the chosen material, colour-layered and glazed by a skilled ceramist to match the recorded shade, and returned to the clinic - typically within one to two weeks.
04
Final Fitting and Bonding
The temporary crown is removed and the permanent crown tried in without bonding. Fit, shade, and bite are assessed and any adjustments made before anything is permanent. The crown is then bonded using high-strength dental adhesive, excess cement cleaned from the margins, and the bite checked once more. The result is reviewed with the patient before leaving.
Results
- Full restoration of tooth strength - the crown distributes chewing forces across the entire restoration, protecting the remaining tooth structure beneath
- A natural appearance that matches surrounding teeth in colour, shape, and translucency
- Long-term durability - designed to last 15 to 20 years with appropriate care
- Prevention of further damage - a cracked or weakened tooth protected by a crown is significantly less likely to fracture or develop secondary decay
- Restoration of full chewing function - no dietary restrictions once the crown is placed and settled
- A stable, well-sealed margin that protects against bacterial entry and secondary decay at the crown-tooth junction
Before and After Your Crown
With Your Temporary Crown
- Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods on the side of the temporary - it is cemented with a weaker material and is not as secure as the permanent crown
- Floss gently around the temporary - slide sideways out rather than pulling upward, which can dislodge it
- Contact the clinic if the temporary comes off - the prepared tooth should not be left unprotected
- Some temperature sensitivity in the prepared tooth is normal during this period and resolves once the permanent crown is placed
After Permanent Crown Placement
- Avoid very hard foods for the first 24 hours to allow the bonding cement to fully set
- Brush twice daily with a soft-bristle brush - clean carefully along the gum line where the crown meets the tooth
- Floss daily - the junction between the crown margin and tooth is the most vulnerable point for secondary decay and benefits from consistent cleaning
- Attend regular professional hygiene and check-up appointments so the crown margin, fit, and surrounding gum health can be monitored over time
- Wear a custom nightguard if you grind your teeth - this is essential for protecting the crown from excessive occlusal forces that shorten its lifespan
- Contact the clinic if you notice any change in bite, sensitivity around the margin, or any movement of the crown
Frequently Asked Questions
When does a tooth need a crown rather than a filling?
A filling restores tooth structure that has been lost to decay or damage - it relies on the remaining natural tooth for support. When a significant proportion of the tooth has been lost, a filling alone cannot provide sufficient strength or protection, and risks fracture under normal chewing forces. A crown encases the entire visible portion of the tooth above the gum line, distributing bite forces across the whole restoration rather than the remaining tooth walls. As a general guide, when more than half of the natural tooth structure has been lost - through decay, fracture, or previous large fillings - a crown is typically the more reliable and durable option.
How long do dental crowns last?
With proper care and regular dental maintenance, crowns at Vilafortuny are designed to last 15 to 20 years - and many last longer. The longevity depends on the material chosen, the quality of fit at the margin, oral hygiene habits, and whether excessive bite forces are managed (particularly important for patients who grind their teeth). Regular professional check-up appointments allow the crown margin and surrounding gum tissue to be monitored over time.
Will my crown look like a natural tooth?
Yes - when correctly shade-matched and designed. At Vilafortuny, the shade assessment for a crown is always taken before tooth preparation begins, while the natural tooth is fully hydrated and its colour most accurately visible. Zirconia and Emax crowns transmit light in a way that closely replicates natural enamel - producing a result that is visually indistinguishable from the surrounding teeth in most cases. Shade-matching adjacent teeth is particularly important for visible front teeth and is given careful attention at every crown appointment.
What is a same-day crown and is it as good as a lab-fabricated one?
A same-day crown is milled chairside using CEREC technology - the tooth is scanned digitally and the crown is designed and fabricated in a single appointment, eliminating the need for a temporary crown and a second visit. For the right case - particularly straightforward single posterior crowns - the quality and longevity of a same-day CEREC crown is comparable to a laboratory-fabricated one. For more complex aesthetic cases, particularly involving visible front teeth or full smile makeovers, laboratory fabrication with a skilled ceramist typically delivers a more refined aesthetic result. Your clinician will advise which approach is most appropriate for your specific tooth.
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