How Long Does It Take to Get a Complete Set of Dental Crowns in Dubai?

Time & Cost Guide for A Complete Set of Dental Crowns in Dubai

If you are considering restoring your smile with dental crowns in Dubai, one of the first questions on your mind is likely about the time commitment. Dubai has established itself as a premier destination for dental tourism, offering advanced technology that significantly speeds up the process compared to many other regions.

Generally, the timeline depends on the technology used by the clinic. For traditional crowns, you can expect the process to be completed in two visits spread over roughly one week. However, many modern clinics in Dubai now offer same-day dental crowns using CAD/CAM technology, allowing you to walk in with a damaged tooth and walk out with a brand-new smile in a single afternoon.

In this guide, we will break down exactly how long the procedure takes, the costs involved, and what you can expect at every step of your journey toward a perfect smile.

How long does the traditional dental crown procedure take in Dubai?

The traditional method is still widely used, especially for cases requiring complex aesthetic work or specific materials like Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM). This process is split into two distinct appointments. During the first visit, the dentist prepares your teeth and takes molds, which are sent to a specialized dental laboratory.

The lab technicians then carefully craft your custom dental crowns, a process that takes about a week. During this waiting period, you will wear temporary crowns to protect your teeth. Once the permanent crowns are ready, you return for the second visit to have them cemented in place. This method ensures high precision and allows for detailed color matching by master technicians.

Can I get dental crowns in one day in Dubai?

Dubai is famous for its adoption of cutting-edge medical tech, and dentistry is no exception. Same-day crowns utilize Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics (CEREC) or similar CAD/CAM systems. Instead of messy physical molds, the dentist uses a digital scanner to create a 3D model of your mouth.

This data is sent to an in-house milling machine that carves your crown from a solid block of ceramic or zirconia right there in the clinic. The milling takes about 15-20 minutes, followed by polishing and glazing. The entire process removes the need for temporary crowns and a second visit, making it ideal for international patients or those with tight schedules.

What is the cost of dental crowns in Dubai?

Pricing is a major factor for anyone planning dental work. Dental crown costs in Dubai are generally lower than in the US or UK, while maintaining high standards of quality. The price varies largely based on the material you choose and the reputation of the clinic.

Below is a detailed comparison of typical costs for different types of crowns in Dubai:

Crown Material	Average Cost (AED)	Average Cost (USD)
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM)	800 - 1,200 AED	$215 - $325
Zirconia Crown (High Strength)	1,500 - 3,500 AED	$400 - $950
E-Max Crown (High Aesthetic)	1,500 - 2,500 AED	$400 - $680
Ceramic Crown (Standard)	1,200 - 2,000 AED	$325 - $545
Gold / Metal Alloy	1,500 - 3,000 AED	$400 - $815

It is important to note that some clinics may advertise extremely low prices (e.g., AED 499), but these often come with conditions or use lower-grade materials. Always ask for a breakdown of the total cost, including consultation and X-rays.

What are the steps involved in getting dental crowns?

The journey to a new smile follows a systematic approach. First, you will undergo a comprehensive dental consultation where the dentist examines your teeth and takes X-rays to check the roots and surrounding bone. If the tooth is decayed, a root canal might be performed first (which adds time).

Next is the preparation phase. The dentist numbs the area and reshapes the tooth by filing down a portion of the enamel to make room for the crown. Once shaped, an impression is taken—either digitally or with a mold. If you are getting a traditional crown, a temporary acrylic cap is placed to protect the tooth while you wait for the lab work.

How many visits are required for a full set of crowns?

If you are getting a complete set of dental crowns (often part of a "Hollywood Smile" makeover), the timeline might be slightly adjusted. For a full mouth restoration, the dentist needs to ensure your bite alignment is perfect. This often involves an extra "try-in" appointment to check the fit and look before the final cementing.

With traditional methods, plan for about 5 to 7 days in Dubai. The first visit is long (3-4 hours) for prepping all teeth. The second visit (try-in) is shorter, and the final visit involves permanent fixation. For same-day full sets, expect to spend a full day or two consecutive days in the clinic as milling 20+ units takes time.

What factors can delay the dental crown procedure?

While the standard timeline is reliable, your oral health dictates the actual speed. If the X-rays reveal infection at the root, you will need a root canal treatment. This must heal before a crown can be placed, potentially extending your stay by a few days.

Gum health is another factor. Inflamed or bleeding gums make it difficult to take accurate impressions. In such cases, a dentist may perform a cleaning and ask you to wait a few days for the gums to heal before starting the crown preparation. This ensures the final result fits perfectly against the gum line.

Do I need a root canal before getting a crown?

A common misconception is that crowns and root canals always go together. In reality, a crown is simply a cap used to restore a damaged tooth. If the damage is superficial or structural (like a crack) but the nerve is healthy, you do not need a root canal.

However, if you have deep decay causing a toothache, the dentist will remove the infected nerve (root canal) to stop the pain and prevent abscesses. Only then is the tooth built back up and covered with a dental crown to strengthen it.

Is the dental crown procedure painful?

Modern dentistry in Dubai prioritizes patient comfort. Before any drilling or shaping begins, the dentist applies a strong local anesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding gum tissue. You will feel pressure and vibration, but sharp pain is rare.

After the anesthesia wears off, it is normal to feel some tenderness, especially if you had a full set of crowns prepared. Over-the-counter pain relievers are usually sufficient. If you experience persistent pain or a "high bite" sensation (where the crown hits the opposing tooth too early), you should return to the clinic for a quick adjustment.

What is the difference between Zirconia and E-Max crowns?

When discussing crown materials, Zirconia and E-Max are the top contenders. Zirconia is a metal-free ceramic known for its durability and resistance to fracture. It is perfect for molars that endure heavy chewing forces. It is also opaque enough to hide dark, underlying teeth.

E-Max (Lithium Disilicate) is glass-ceramic. Its main advantage is its ability to mimic the natural translucency of tooth enamel. For a complete set of crowns on the front teeth (the "smile zone"), dentists often recommend E-Max for the most natural look, or highly translucent Zirconia for a balance of strength and beauty.

How long do dental crowns last?

The lifespan of your crowns depends heavily on your oral hygiene habits. While the crown itself cannot decay, the natural tooth underneath it still can. If gum disease causes the gums to recede, the margin of the crown becomes exposed, creating a trap for bacteria.

To maximize longevity, treat your crowns like natural teeth. Brush twice a day, floss daily, and see your dentist for regular check-ups. Avoid using your teeth to open packages or bite hard objects like ice, which can chip the ceramic.

Can I eat normally after getting dental crowns?

Immediately after your appointment, you should wait until the numbness wears off before eating to avoid biting your cheek or tongue. For the first day, stick to soft foods like yogurt, pasta, or soup. This allows the permanent cement to fully cure and bond to the tooth structure.

Once the first 24 hours have passed, you can return to your regular diet. Zirconia and E-Max crowns are strong enough to handle apples, steak, and corn on the cob. However, habits like chewing on pens or fingernails should be stopped to protect your investment.

Are temporary crowns necessary?

If you opt for the traditional method, your shaved-down tooth will be sensitive to air and temperature. A temporary crown covers this vulnerable area and maintains the space so neighboring teeth don't shift.

If you choose same-day crowns in Dubai, temporaries are not needed. You skip the awkward phase of wearing a plastic cap that might fall off and go straight to your permanent, secure restoration in a single visit.

Why should I choose Dubai for dental crowns?

Dubai has become a global hub for medical tourism because it blends luxury with healthcare. Clinics here are equipped with the latest German and American dental technologies. The dentists are often internationally trained and board-certified.

Beyond the quality, the speed is a major factor. In many countries, waiting weeks for a lab to return a crown is standard. In Dubai, the competitive market drives clinics to offer faster, more efficient services like same-day delivery without compromising on quality.

Does insurance cover dental crowns in Dubai?

Coverage varies wildly based on your provider. If the crown is needed because of a medical issue—like restoring a tooth after a root canal or repairing a fracture—some insurance plans may cover a portion of the cost.

However, if you are getting a full set of crowns for a cosmetic smile makeover, this is usually considered an elective procedure and is rarely covered. It is best to check with your insurance provider and the clinic's insurance coordinator before starting treatment.

How do I maintain my new dental crowns?

The "set it and forget it" mentality can lead to failure. While the ceramic won't stain like natural teeth, the gum line is vulnerable. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean the area where the crown meets the gum.

If you grind your teeth at night (bruxism), ask your dentist for a night guard. This simple device prevents you from applying excessive pressure on your new porcelain crowns while you sleep, significantly extending their life