What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that covers the entire visible portion of a tooth above the gum line. It is used when the natural tooth structure is too damaged for a filling or a ceramic inlay to provide adequate support — for example after extensive decay, root canal treatment, or dental trauma.

The crown is placed over the prepared tooth stump and permanently cemented or bonded into position. It fully restores the tooth's shape, function, and appearance: you can bite down firmly, speak normally, and smile with confidence again. Modern all-ceramic crowns are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth.

As a fixed form of dental restoration, the dental crown is one of the most commonly used prosthetic treatments in dentistry. It is a proven, standard procedure with a high success rate and a lifespan of 10 to 15 years or more. At our practice in Munich-Oberfoehring, we provide personalised advice on which type of crown is the best solution for your tooth.

Not all dental crowns are the same. Depending on the tooth's position, functional demands, and your aesthetic preferences, different types of crowns may be recommended. Here is an overview of the most common options:

A dental crown is typically completed in two to three appointments over a period of one to two weeks. With CEREC technology, same-day completion is possible in many cases. Here is the detailed process:

1. Diagnosis and consultation: Dr. Dickel examines the affected tooth clinically and with X-rays. For more complex cases, we use our CBCT 3D imaging. Together, we discuss the findings, treatment options, and prepare a transparent treatment and cost plan.
2. Tooth preparation: Under local anaesthesia, the tooth is carefully shaped to create an even stump that will support the crown. We always aim to preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible. The procedure is completely painless.
3. Impression or digital scan: We take a precise impression of the prepared tooth — either with high-quality silicone material or using an intraoral scanner. At the same time, the exact tooth shade is determined.
4. Temporary crown: While our dental laboratory fabricates your permanent crown (approx. 1–2 weeks), we protect the prepared tooth with a temporary restoration. You can eat and speak normally during this time.
5. Laboratory fabrication: Our partner master dental laboratory crafts your crown individually — with a precise fit, optimal function, and aesthetics perfectly matched to your smile.
6. Try-in and placement: At your final appointment, the temporary is removed, the finished crown is tried in, the fit and bite are checked, and the crown is then permanently cemented.

CEREC — same-day crowns: As a CEREC-certified practice, we can digitally design and mill all-ceramic crowns right here in the office in many cases. This means you receive your permanent crown in a single visit — no temporary, no second appointment.

All-ceramic dental crowns made from zirconia or lithium disilicate set the standard in modern aesthetic dentistry. What makes them so exceptional?

Natural light transmission: Ceramic allows light to pass through in a way that closely mimics natural enamel (translucency). The result is a vibrant, lifelike appearance — not the opaque, "lifeless" white sometimes seen with metal-based crowns. Even on close inspection, a well-crafted all-ceramic crown is virtually impossible to tell apart from your own teeth.

No dark crown margins: With metal-based crowns, a greyish-blue line can appear at the gum line — especially as the gums gradually recede over the years. With all-ceramic restorations, this problem simply does not exist: the crown margin remains aesthetically flawless even after many years.

Zirconia strength: Modern zirconia achieves flexural strengths exceeding 1,000 MPa — surpassing many metal alloys. This means all-ceramic crowns are suitable not just for front teeth but also for the heavily loaded posterior region. The days when ceramic was considered "too fragile" are over, thanks to advances in materials science.

Biocompatibility: All-ceramic restorations are completely metal-free, making them ideal for patients with metal allergies or sensitivities. There are no galvanic reactions in the mouth, no release of metal ions, and no taste alterations. For health-conscious patients, all-ceramic is the most consistent choice.

A well-made and properly maintained dental crown lasts an average of 10 to 15 years — many crowns considerably longer. The actual lifespan depends largely on your own care. Here is how to get the most out of your crown:

Daily oral hygiene: Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. The crown itself cannot develop cavities — but the crown margin, where the crown meets the tooth, is a critical zone. Bacterial plaque can lead to marginal decay here, which destroys the tooth underneath the crown.

Interdental cleaning: Clean the spaces between your teeth daily with dental floss or interdental brushes. The transition between the crown and adjacent teeth requires especially thorough care. Our hygiene team is happy to show you the correct technique.

Regular check-ups and professional cleaning: Visit us at least twice a year for a check-up. Regular professional dental cleanings remove deposits that home care cannot reach and have been shown to significantly extend the lifespan of your crown.

Night guard for teeth grinding: If you grind or clench your teeth at night, the excessive force can cause chipping or loosening of the crown. A custom-fitted night guard protects both your crown and your natural teeth. Learn more on our page about teeth grinding.

Not every damaged tooth automatically needs a crown. Conversely, a crown is sometimes the better choice over a seemingly "simpler" solution. Here are the key distinctions:

Crown vs. inlay/onlay: A ceramic inlay or onlay is sufficient when the defect is limited to the biting surface and at most the cusps, and enough stable tooth wall remains. Once the defect is extensive enough that the remaining tooth structure is at risk of fracture, a full crown provides the necessary all-round protection.

Crown vs. veneer: Veneers are ultra-thin ceramic shells bonded to the front surface of the front teeth — ideal for cosmetic improvements such as discolouration, minor misalignment, or small defects. A crown is needed when the front tooth is severely damaged all around or needs to be stabilised after root canal treatment.

Crown vs. implant: A crown requires an intact tooth root and a tooth worth preserving. If the tooth cannot be saved, it is extracted and replaced with a dental implant topped with a crown. The implant takes over the role of the root, and the crown replaces the visible part of the tooth. Alternatively, a dental bridge can replace missing teeth when there is a gap.

Which treatment is right for your situation is something we determine through a thorough consultation — well-founded, transparent, and without time pressure.

The cost of a dental crown depends on the chosen material, the complexity of the restoration, and the laboratory fees. In Germany, statutory health insurance (gesetzliche Krankenkasse) provides a diagnosis-based fixed subsidy (Festzuschuss) — regardless of which material you choose.

Standard care, equivalent, and alternative — what do these mean?

• Standard care (Regelversorgung): The default solution defined by health insurance guidelines. For back teeth, this is typically a full cast metal crown. Your out-of-pocket cost is lowest with this option.
• Equivalent restoration (gleichartiger Zahnersatz): Same design as the standard care but with a higher-quality material — e.g. a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown instead of a full metal crown. The fixed subsidy remains the same; your co-payment increases.
• Alternative restoration (andersartiger Zahnersatz): A different design from the standard care — e.g. an implant instead of a bridge. The standard-care subsidy still applies, but billing is handled under the private fee schedule (GOZ).

Bonus booklet — up to 75% subsidy: Patients who maintain a complete bonus booklet (Bonusheft) documenting regular check-ups receive a higher subsidy: after 5 years it increases by 20%, after 10 years by 30%. For a crown, this can amount to several hundred euros in savings. Make sure to have every check-up recorded.

Treatment and cost plan: Before any crown treatment, we prepare a detailed treatment and cost plan (Heil- und Kostenplan) that you submit to your insurance. This way, you know your exact out-of-pocket cost before treatment begins — full cost transparency with no surprises.

At our dental practice in Munich-Oberfoehring, we combine cutting-edge technology with meticulous craftsmanship — delivering dental crowns that meet the highest standards in both function and aesthetics.

Dr. Christina Dickel is your personal contact for all questions about dental crowns and restorations. With extensive experience in prosthetic dentistry and a focus on aesthetic restorations, she guides you personally from diagnosis through to aftercare.

CBCT 3D imaging: For complex cases, we use three-dimensional imaging (cone beam computed tomography) to precisely assess the tooth root, bone, and surrounding structures — the foundation for optimal treatment planning.

CEREC — crowns in a single visit: With our CEREC technology, we can digitally design and mill all-ceramic crowns right here in the practice. No silicone impressions, no temporary, no second appointment — your permanent crown on the same day.

Close laboratory collaboration: For cases requiring the highest level of aesthetic customisation — such as front-tooth crowns — we work closely with our master dental laboratory. The dental technician can personally perform the shade matching when needed.

Treatment for anxious patients: Afraid of the dentist? We offer nitrous oxide sedation and conscious sedation so that your crown treatment is stress-free and relaxed. Just let us know — we take your concerns seriously.