TreatmentsCrowns and Bridges
Zirconia and e.max crowns are fabricated in in-house labs and typically completed in 3 to 5 days. Bridges replace one or more missing teeth without implants. Costa Rica clinics offer the same materials as US dental labs at 70 to 75 percent lower cost.
What makes this different
Zirconia and e.max materials: same as top US dental labs
In-house laboratory: crowns typically completed in 2 to 3 days
Digital impressions: no unpleasant dental putty needed
CAD/CAM fabrication at most verified clinics
Completed in one visit of 3 to 5 days
12-month guarantee on all crowns and bridges
Detailed pricing
| Procedure variant | Costa Rica | United States | You save |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zirconia crownMost durable | $380 | $1,500 | 75% less |
| e.max crown (best esthetics) | $450 | $1,800 | 75% less |
| PFM crown (porcelain over metal) | $280 | $1,200 | 77% less |
| 3-unit bridge (zirconia) | $1,100 | $4,500 | 76% less |
| 4-unit bridge (zirconia) | $1,450 | $6,000 | 76% less |
| Implant-supported crown | $550 | $2,000 | 73% less |
| Full arch of crowns (14 units) | $5,200 | $21,000 | 75% less |
Starting prices from verified clinics. Final cost depends on case complexity and materials. All clinics provide a written itemized quote before treatment begins.
Eligibility
Good candidates
Patients with severely damaged, cracked, or decayed teeth
Patients with old failing crowns needing replacement
Patients missing one or more teeth who want a bridge
Patients with large fillings where tooth structure is compromised
May not be ideal
Patients whose tooth root is too damaged to support a crown
Patients with active gum disease around the tooth
The process
Examination and tooth preparation
Day 1Clinical examination, X-rays, and shade matching. Tooth prepared under local anesthesia. Digital impression taken. Temporary crown placed same day.
Lab fabrication
Day 1-3In-house ceramic technician fabricates your crown or bridge to match approved shade and shape. Digital design reviewed by dentist before milling or hand-layering.
Crown fitting and cementation
Day 3-5Crown tried on for fit and color. Bite checked and adjusted. Permanently cemented using dental adhesive.
What is included
Typically included
Examination and X-rays
Tooth preparation under local anesthesia
Digital impressions
Temporary crown or bridge during fabrication
Permanent crown or bridge fabrication in in-house lab
Cementation and bite adjustment
12-month guarantee
Ask about separately
Root canal if needed before crown placement
Extraction and implant if the tooth cannot be saved
After you return home
Avoid very hard foods for 24 hours after cementation
Crown can fracture if you bite ice or hard candy directly
Brush and floss normally: zirconia does not decay but the margin can
Annual X-ray to check the tooth root under the crown
Traveling from
From Miami
See total savings including travel costs for Miami patients.
View Miami guide ›
From New York
See total savings including travel costs for New York patients.
View New York guide ›
From Los Angeles
See total savings including travel costs for Los Angeles patients.
View Los Angeles guide ›
From Atlanta
See total savings including travel costs for Atlanta patients.
View Atlanta guide ›
Get matched
Answer 7 questions. We match you with the best verified clinic for your case and budget. Free, no registration.
FAQ
Zirconia and e.max crowns placed by qualified dentists using proper techniques last 15 to 20 years or more. The main causes of early replacement are secondary decay under the margin, fracture from grinding, or gum recession exposing the margin.
Yes. Most single crowns are completed in 3 to 5 days in Costa Rica with an in-house lab. Most patients arrive Monday, have the tooth prepared Tuesday, and receive the final crown Thursday or Friday.
An implant preserves adjacent teeth and prevents bone loss. A bridge is faster and less expensive. In Costa Rica, a bridge costs $1,100 versus $4,500 in the US; an implant costs $950 versus $4,500 in the US. Both are significantly more affordable than at home.
Zirconia is stronger and more fracture-resistant, best for molars and grinders. e.max offers superior esthetics with better light transmission for front teeth. Many dentists use e.max for front teeth and zirconia for molars in the same patient.