Zirconia Crowns in Seoul: Price, Materials and What to Expect
At Lucid Dental Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, a zirconia crown on an implant is listed from ₩500,000 per tooth (about US$357). Crowns on natural teeth are priced after an exam, since some teeth first need a filling or root canal. Zirconia is a strong, metal-free, tooth-colored ceramic used for front and back teeth.
Key facts
- Zirconia crown for implant at Lucid Dental: from ₩500,000 (≈US$357 at ₩1,400/US$).
- Zirconia is a metal-free, tooth-colored ceramic; monolithic zirconia is often chosen for molars and grinders.
- A 2018 systematic review reported ~97.6% five-year survival for zirconia-ceramic implant single crowns vs ~98.3% for metal-ceramic (not statistically different).
- A crown on a natural tooth typically needs at least two visits several days apart.
- Zirconia crowns are generally not covered by Korean NHIS for adults.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Park Hyun-min, Prosthodontist and Chief Dentist at Lucid Dental Clinic. Last reviewed September 27, 2026.
How much is a zirconia crown in Seoul?
At Lucid Dental Clinic in Gangnam, a zirconia crown on an implant is listed from ₩500,000 per tooth (about US$357 at roughly ₩1,400 per US$ — check today's rate). A zirconia crown on a natural tooth is priced after an exam, because the tooth may first need a filling, a post, or root canal treatment.
All crown fees at the clinic are non-covered reference prices and are confirmed in your written treatment plan before work starts.
What is a zirconia crown?
A crown is a tooth-shaped cap that covers a damaged tooth or sits on top of an implant. Zirconia (zirconium dioxide) is a strong, tooth-colored ceramic. It has no metal inside, so there is no dark line at the gum edge that older porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns can sometimes show.
Zirconia crowns come in two main styles:
- Monolithic (full-contour) zirconia: milled from one solid block. It is very strong and is often chosen for back teeth and for people who grind.
- Layered zirconia: a zirconia core with porcelain added on the outside for more natural translucency, often chosen for front teeth.
How does zirconia compare with other crown materials?
Each material has trade-offs. Your dentist will match the material to the tooth's position, your bite and your appearance goals.
| Material | Strength | Appearance | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monolithic zirconia | Very high | Natural color, slightly more opaque | Molars, premolars, implant crowns, grinders |
| Layered zirconia | High core; outer porcelain can chip | More lifelike translucency | Front and visible teeth |
| Lithium disilicate (glass ceramic) | Moderate to high | Very lifelike | Front teeth, some premolars |
| Porcelain-fused-to-metal | High | Good, but a gray gum line may show over time | Long track record for many positions |
| Gold alloy | High, gentle on opposing teeth | Metallic color | Back teeth where looks matter less |
How long do zirconia crowns last?
Zirconia crowns have good published survival rates. A 2018 systematic review by Pjetursson and colleagues in Clinical Oral Implants Research found estimated five-year survival of about 97.6% for zirconia-ceramic implant-supported single crowns and 98.3% for metal-ceramic crowns, a difference that was not statistically significant ( PubMed). The same review found that fractures of the zirconia material itself were more frequent than with metal-ceramic crowns (2.1% vs 0.2%), which is one reason material choice and design matter.
How long your crown lasts also depends on your habits: brushing, flossing, avoiding chewing ice or hard objects, and wearing a night guard if you grind.
What happens during crown treatment?
- Exam and X-ray: we check the root and nerve. If the nerve is infected, root canal treatment comes first.
- Tooth preparation: under local anesthesia, the tooth is shaped so the crown can fit over it.
- Impression or digital scan: the shape of the prepared tooth and your bite are recorded.
- Temporary crown: a temporary cap protects the tooth while the zirconia crown is made.
- Try-in and fit: the final crown is checked for bite, contact and color, then cemented.
- Bite check: small adjustments are made so it feels natural when you chew.
For an implant crown, the steps are similar, but the crown is attached to the implant abutment after the implant has healed. See the implant cost breakdown for how the crown fits into the total.
How many days do I need in Seoul for a crown?
A crown on a natural tooth typically needs at least two visits separated by several days, because the crown is made in a lab after the tooth is prepared. The exact gap depends on the case and lab schedule, so confirm it at booking and leave a buffer day for adjustments before you fly. Our guide on how many days you need in Korea gives more planning tips.
Is a zirconia crown right for a front tooth?
Often, yes, but not always. For a single front tooth next to natural teeth, matching color and translucency is the main challenge. Layered zirconia or glass ceramic may give a closer match. If the tooth is healthy but discolored or chipped, a veneer instead of a crown may keep more of your natural tooth. Dr. Park Hyun-min, a certified prosthodontist, will explain which option suits your tooth and why.
Does insurance cover zirconia crowns in Korea?
Zirconia crowns are generally not covered by Korean national health insurance (NHIS) for adults. If you have private insurance at home, ask your insurer whether they reimburse overseas treatment and which documents they need. Ask us about itemized receipts and whether an English version is available. Visitors can read more on our international patients page.
Can you replace an old crown with zirconia?
Yes, in most cases. Old metal-ceramic crowns are often replaced because the gum has receded and a dark edge shows, or because decay has formed under the margin. The old crown is removed, the tooth underneath is checked and repaired if needed, and a new crown is made. Sometimes the tooth needs more work than expected once the old crown is off, so the plan may change at that visit. If your crown has come off while you are in Korea, see what to do about a lost crown in Seoul.
What are the risks?
Possible issues include sensitivity after preparation, a loose crown if cement fails, chipping of layered porcelain, and decay at the crown edge if cleaning is poor. A prepared tooth cannot return to its original shape, so crowns are recommended only when they are needed. Individual results vary; a consultation and exam are required.
Book a consultation
Have a cracked, heavily filled or root-treated tooth? Send a photo or X-ray on WhatsApp at +82-10-8354-2975 or book a consultation. We are directly in front of Exit 3, Eonju Station (Line 9), and open until 20:30 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Frequently asked questions
Can a zirconia crown be whitened later?
No. Whitening gel does not change the color of zirconia or other ceramic crowns. If you plan to whiten your natural teeth, do it before the crown shade is chosen so they match.
Will a zirconia crown set off airport metal detectors?
Zirconia is a ceramic, not a metal, so a zirconia crown itself is not expected to trigger detectors. Implants underneath are titanium, which very rarely causes any issue at security.
Does a zirconia crown feel different from a natural tooth?
Most people adapt within a few days. The bite is adjusted at the fitting appointment so it meets your other teeth evenly; if it still feels high after the numbness wears off, let us know so it can be checked.
Can a zirconia crown be repaired if it chips?
Small chips in the outer porcelain of a layered crown can sometimes be polished or repaired. Larger fractures usually mean the crown needs to be replaced.
Can I get a crown and fly home the next day?
Flying after a crown fitting is generally fine once the crown is cemented and your bite is comfortable. Leave at least one spare day before your flight in case a small adjustment is needed.
Is zirconia safe for people with metal allergies?
Zirconia contains no metal alloy, so it is often considered for patients with metal sensitivities. Tell your dentist about any known allergies during your consultation.