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Dental crowns in Tirana: zirconia, E.max and more
Custom-made crowns that restore the shape, strength and color of damaged teeth. Our own dental lab makes every type of crown, from zirconia to E.max. Patients from abroad come to us for dental crowns in Albania, which can usually be done in one trip.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Idlir Sinani, DDS · Updated October 2026
our choice for back teeth
crowns made in Tirana
typical lifespan
our choice for natural front teeth
Dental crowns: everything you need to know
Whether you’re considering a dental crown or have questions about the crowns you already have, this guide explains everything you need to know: what crowns are, when you need one, which material to choose, how they’re made, how long they last and what they cost in Tirana.
A little history: the dental crown was first developed by Dr. Charles Land (1847–1922), a dentist and inventor. He used thin platinum foil to create the first all-porcelain crowns, and also made gold crowns.
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown, also called a cap, is a custom-made restoration placed over a damaged or decayed tooth to restore its shape, size, strength and appearance.
Each crown is made to fit over the whole visible part of the tooth, from the gumline to the chewing surface, and to match the color of your natural teeth.
Why might I need a dental crown?
There are several reasons your dentist might recommend a crown:
Weak tooth
To protect a weakened tooth from further damage or fracture.
Broken or decayed tooth
To restore a tooth that is broken, cracked or severely decayed.
Large filling or root canal
To cover a tooth with a large filling or a root canal treatment.
Appearance
To improve the look of a misshapen or discolored tooth.
Bridges and implants
To support a dental bridge, or to cover a dental implant with a natural-looking tooth.
Types of dental crowns
There are four main types of crowns. Each has its own balance of looks, strength and cost.
All-ceramic crowns (E.max)
Made entirely of lithium disilicate, a glass-ceramic by Ivoclar. Light passes through it the way it passes through enamel, so E.max is the most natural-looking crown available. It’s the best choice for front teeth that still have a natural color.
Zirconia crowns
Made of zirconium dioxide, the strongest tooth-colored crown material. Zirconia can be solid (monolithic) for maximum strength on back teeth, or layered with ceramic on the outside for a more natural look. It’s opaque enough to hide a dark tooth underneath.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM)
A metal core covered with porcelain. Strong and long-proven, but the metal blocks light, so PFM crowns look flatter, and a dark grey line can show at the gum as the gum recedes.
Metal crowns
Gold or silver alloys. Very durable and rarely break, but they’re metal-colored, so they’re only suitable for back teeth that aren’t visible.
PFM vs zirconia vs all-ceramic (E.max) crowns
How the three tooth-colored crown types compare on the points patients ask about most.
| PFM (porcelain-fused-to-metal) | Zirconia | All-ceramic (E.max) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aesthetics | Good, but opaque. A grey line can appear at the gum. | Very good. Layered zirconia looks natural; slightly less translucent than E.max. | Excellent. The most natural, translucent look. |
| Strength | Strong metal core, but the porcelain layer can chip. | Strongest. Ideal for molars and heavy biting forces; rarely chips. | Strong, but less than zirconia. Best where biting forces are lower. |
| Hides dark or root-canal teeth | Yes (metal core) | Yes, zirconia is opaque | Not well: light passes through, so a dark tooth shows |
| Tooth preparation | More reduction needed for metal + porcelain | Minimal, thanks to precise digital milling | Moderate |
| Metal-free | No | Yes | Yes |
| Biocompatibility | Good | Excellent | Excellent |
| Relative cost | Lowest | Mid-range to high | Highest |
| Best for | Budget option, front or back | Back teeth; front teeth that are dark or root-canal treated | Front teeth with natural color, not root-canal treated |
Costs are relative and depend on your case. Ask us for a written quote.
Which crown do we recommend?
Based on our experience, this is what we recommend to most patients:
Back teeth (molars and premolars): zirconia
Back teeth take the strongest biting forces. Zirconia is the strongest tooth-colored material, rarely chips, and needs minimal tooth preparation.
Front teeth with natural color: all-ceramic E.max
If a front tooth isn’t stained and hasn’t had a root canal, E.max gives the most natural, translucent result. Nothing looks more like a real tooth. If only the front surface needs changing, thin veneers in Tirana remove much less of the tooth than a crown.
Front teeth that are dark or root-canal treated: layered zirconia
A tooth that is stained or has had a root canal is often darker inside. E.max would let that dark color show through, so we use layered zirconia, which hides it while still looking natural.
How dental crowns are made in Tirana
Crowns can be made from porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys or a combination. Our own lab in Tirana produces every type.
1. Preparation
Decayed or damaged tissue is removed and the tooth is reshaped to make room for the crown.
2. Impressions
We take impressions of the prepared tooth and the teeth around it, so the crown matches their size, shape and color.
3. Lab work
Our dental technicians make your custom crown from the impressions.
4. Bonding
At your next appointment, the crown is bonded to the tooth with dental cement.
All-ceramic E.max crowns
E.max is a brand name: the material is lithium disilicate, a glass-ceramic made by Ivoclar, one of the world’s largest dental manufacturers. Because light passes through it the way it passes through natural enamel, an E.max crown has the depth and translucency of a real tooth. No other crown material looks as natural.
E.max crowns are made in the lab either by milling a lithium disilicate block (E.max CAD) or by pressing it (E.max Press). They’re metal-free and strong enough for front teeth.
When we use E.max: front teeth that still have a natural color and haven’t had a root canal. Because E.max is translucent, a dark or root-canal-treated tooth underneath can show through, so for those teeth we use layered zirconia instead.
What are zirconia crowns?
According to the Zirconia Association, zirconia is a mineral found in nature. After it is extracted, it is processed into zirconium dioxide (ZrO₂). Because it is so strong and resistant to high temperatures, it is used in many industries: in electronics, in medicine for hip and joint replacements, and in dentistry for dental implants and crowns.
Zirconia crowns are metal-free, tooth-colored and extremely strong, which makes them one of the most popular choices for both back and front teeth.
How a crown procedure is done
Two short videos that show how a tooth is prepared and a crown is fitted.
Dental crown procedure
An animation of the full crown procedure, from preparation to fitting.
Crown preparation explained
How a tooth is shaped to receive a crown.
A crown treatment, step by step
Real photos from treatments at our clinic.
Does zirconia wear down the other teeth?
Because zirconia is so strong, older types of zirconia could wear down the natural teeth they bite against. Since dentists noticed this, manufacturers have developed new types of zirconia that match the hardness of natural teeth. These are the types we use.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) and metal crowns
Older crown types that are still used, though metal-free crowns have largely replaced them.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM)
A metal core covered with layers of porcelain. PFM crowns have a long track record, are strong and cost less. But the metal blocks light, so they look flatter than zirconia or E.max. As the gum recedes over the years, a dark grey line can appear at the gumline, the porcelain layer can chip, and more of the tooth must be removed to make room for both metal and porcelain. A sensible budget option, but for most patients zirconia is the better choice.
Metal crowns
Made from gold or silver alloys. They’re very durable, rarely break or chip, and need little tooth reduction. Their metal color means they’re only suitable for back teeth that aren’t visible when you smile.
How long do dental crowns last?
Most crowns last 5 to 15 years or more. How long yours lasts depends on the material, your oral hygiene, and habits such as grinding your teeth or chewing hard objects. Three things make the biggest difference:
- Oral hygiene: brushing and flossing every day keep your crowns and the teeth around them healthy, and lower the risk of gum disease and decay at the edges of the crown.
- Diet and habits: avoid very hard or sticky foods, chewing ice or pens, and clenching or grinding your teeth. These put extra stress on crowns and can cause chipping, cracking or fractures.
- Regular check-ups: routine dental visits and professional cleanings let your dentist spot wear or damage early and fix it quickly.
Crowns don’t need any special care beyond this. We recommend replacing crowns every 10 to 15 years, or sooner if one is damaged, worn or comes loose, to protect the tooth underneath from decay.
Do zirconia crowns change color?
No. Zirconia is fired in a special oven at about 900 °C to increase its strength and improve its appearance. The color layers applied by the dental technician are permanent and won’t change.
After ten years or more, the polished surface can slowly lose its shine. That’s one reason dentists recommend replacing zirconia crowns every 10 to 15 years.
How much do dental crowns cost in Tirana?
When you compare dental crown cost between clinics in Tirana, look at more than the number. Two factors make the biggest difference:
- The dentist’s expertise. As in any profession, experience and quality cost more. A good dentist keeps tooth preparation to a minimum, because conserving the tooth is essential for how long it lasts. The best preparation uses a technique called a shoulder, which gives the crown a precise fit against the gum, prevents gum inflammation and seals the tooth from bacteria and saliva. It takes more time, so it can cost a little more.
- Taxes and fees. Dental treatment in Albania, like every other health service, is exempt from government taxes, which keeps prices lower.
A dental clinic in Tirana typically charges between €180 and €250 for a zirconia crown. Ask us for your exact quote »
Frequently asked questions about dental crowns
Are dental crowns painful?
No. Your dentist numbs the area with local anesthesia before starting. Some sensitivity afterwards is normal; it can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief and usually settles within a few days.
Can dental crowns be replaced?
Yes. If a crown is damaged, worn or comes loose, it should be replaced to prevent decay and further damage to the tooth underneath. We recommend replacing crowns every 10 to 15 years.
Do dental crowns need special care?
No special care beyond regular brushing, flossing and check-ups. Avoid chewing hard objects such as ice or pens.
Which is better, zirconia or E.max?
It depends on the tooth. For back teeth we recommend zirconia, because it’s the strongest. For front teeth with a natural color that haven’t had a root canal, we recommend all-ceramic E.max, because it looks the most natural.
Is zirconia better than PFM?
For most patients, yes. Zirconia is metal-free, stronger, less likely to chip and doesn’t show a grey line at the gum. PFM costs less and is a reasonable budget option.
Why not use E.max on a root-canal-treated tooth?
Teeth that have had a root canal, or are heavily stained, are often darker inside. E.max is translucent, so the dark color can show through. Layered zirconia hides it.
Are zirconia crowns safe?
Yes. Zirconia is biocompatible, so allergic reactions and gum inflammation are rare.
Will a zirconia crown wear my other teeth?
Older, very hard zirconia could. Newer types of zirconia are designed to match the hardness of natural teeth.
Find out which crown you need
Send us an X-ray or a photo of the tooth for a written treatment plan.