If your dentist has suggested a crown, the first question is usually about porcelain crown cost. At Lina Dental Clinic in Ho Chi Minh City, one crown costs between 1,500,000 VND and 7,000,000 VND, depending on the material. Your final bill can differ from the list price, though: some teeth need root canal treatment or a core build-up first. This guide explains what drives the price so you can plan your budget, and your trip, before you arrive.
What a crown is and when you need one
A crown is a cap that covers the whole visible part of a tooth after the tooth has been shaped. The American Dental Association lists the usual reasons: a large filling with too little tooth left to hold it, a broken or weak tooth, support for a bridge, covering a dental implant, or covering a discoloured or badly shaped tooth (ADA – MouthHealthy: Crowns).
Not every tooth needs a crown. Small damage can often be repaired with a filling, an inlay or an onlay, which keep more of your natural tooth. The dentist examines you and takes an X-ray before suggesting anything. You can read more about indications and steps on our porcelain crowns page.
Porcelain crown prices at Lina Dental Clinic
| Crown type | Price |
|---|---|
| PFM crown (Ni-Cr) | 1,500,000 VND/tooth |
| PFM crown (Cr-Co) | 3,000,000 VND/tooth |
| Zirconia crown | 4,500,000 VND/tooth |
| Zirconia crown DD Bio | 5,000,000 VND/tooth |
| Full zirconia crown (Zimax, USA) | 6,000,000 VND/tooth |
| Cercon HT zirconia crown (Dentsply, Germany) | 6,500,000 VND/tooth |
| Emax crown | 7,000,000 VND/tooth |
| Zirconia crown (Lava, 3M) | 7,000,000 VND/tooth |
Prices are per tooth, meaning one crown. The consultation and X-ray are free. The full list, including related items such as posts and re-cementing an old crown, is on our crown and bridge price list. The dentist gives you an exact quote after the examination.
Why crown prices differ
Framework and ceramic
A porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crown has a metal alloy framework covered with porcelain. Nickel-chromium (Ni-Cr) is the lowest-cost option. Cobalt-chromium (Cr-Co) costs more and contains no nickel, which matters if you are sensitive to nickel. The metal can make the gum line look slightly darker over time, and PFM crowns are less translucent than natural teeth, so they suit back teeth best.
All-ceramic crowns contain no metal. Zirconia is very strong and works well for molars. Emax is a lithium disilicate glass-ceramic with translucency close to natural enamel, so it is often chosen for front teeth.
Brand and product line
Zirconia prices vary by brand and line: standard zirconia, DD Bio, Zimax (USA), Cercon HT (Dentsply, Germany) and Lava (3M). Higher-priced lines usually differ in translucency, shade matching and the maker's quality control. When you compare quotes from different clinics or countries, ask for the brand and line so you compare like with like.
Tooth position
Front teeth need colour and translucency that match their neighbours. Back teeth take heavy chewing forces. Many patients end up with two materials in two areas, and the total depends on that mix.
Costs that may come on top
- Root canal treatment: needed when the nerve is inflamed or dead. From 1,400,000 VND (one canal) to 2,200,000 VND (large molar), filling not included. See root canal treatment.
- Post and core: a tooth that has lost a lot of structure may need a core to hold the crown. Metal post and core 800,000 VND/tooth; zirconia post 2,000,000 VND/tooth.
- Number of teeth: a three-unit bridge is three crowns.
- Replacing an old crown: a leaking old crown is removed and the tooth underneath is treated first.
Example only: a broken molar that needs root canal treatment (2,200,000 VND), a metal post and core (800,000 VND) and a zirconia crown (4,500,000 VND) comes to about 7,500,000 VND. Your dentist sets the real figure after the examination and X-ray.
Planning your visits
- Visit one: examination, X-ray, tooth preparation and a digital scan. You leave with a temporary crown.
- Visit two: after about 2–3 days of lab work, the crown is tried in, the bite is checked and the crown is cemented.
Treatment is performed under local anaesthesia for your comfort. Appointment length varies with the number of teeth and their condition, and root canal treatment adds visits. The dentist confirms the schedule after the examination, so tell us your travel dates when you book. Dr. Lina Do speaks English and explains each step and cost before treatment starts. We accept cash, bank transfer, major cards and USD.
Risks to know
- Tooth preparation cannot be reversed.
- Sensitivity to hot and cold is common in the first weeks, and the gum may be sore for a few days.
- A crown can crack, chip or loosen over time, especially if you grind your teeth.
- A poorly fitting crown can trap bacteria and lead to decay underneath.
- A small number of people react to the material.
How long a crown lasts depends on the material, your oral hygiene, your habits and regular check-ups. Brush twice a day, floss, avoid biting ice or very hard food, and have a check-up every six months.
The cheapest crown is not always the lowest cost
A low-cost crown in the wrong position may need replacing early, which raises the total. Equally, not every tooth needs the most expensive material. Ask what material and brand you are getting, what the price includes, whether you need root canal treatment or a post, and how many visits to plan for.
Book a free consultation at Lina Dental Clinic in Hiep Binh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, and receive an itemised quote for each tooth before you decide.